This is a cycling journey from Sete in the south of France to Caen in the North. A journey of around 900 miles to be completed before Ed has his 70th birthday. My compatriot wants it noted this does not apply to her.

This adventure started months ago sorting out the logistics, partly thwarted by brexit and the French customs, and partly having to move dates due to an expected family arrival in June.

The bikes have been carefully packed in boxes and sent by DHL with 20 pieces of paper to our first nights accommodation in France. It has been confirmed that the boxes have now arrived, but it remains to be seen how careful DHL have been, and if any damage has been caused.

Even though we provided the 20 pieces of paper proving that they were for our own use, French customs have still charged duty on them. My French is not up to arguing, and anyway, we need the bikes to be at our accommodation when we arrive.

Now, it’s just a few days left to make final travel arrangements for us and to ensure we leave home with everything we need for the months trip, and it fits in our panniers (note to compatriot).

We will endeavour to provide daily updates for those with nothing better to do than follow our adventure.