Friday, June 29, 2012

Pyrenees Si Vous Please!

We've just arrived in the Toulouse airport on our way to the Pyrenees in the South of France, cycling for 10 days. We'll be going here...

Carcassone via
And here...

Toulouse, via
And then here...

Pau, via


So that's it, that's what we're up to. I know what you're thinking: "How the bloody hell is this woman not a famous travel writer!"

Very interesting stuff about this trip:

*I cycled for two to five hours most days for two months (our Pyrenees ride will be up to 60km a day over mountains) - and I didn't lose an ounce. Actually I put on weight - all my jeans are tight. How did that happen? I would have submitted myself for scientific research but then I remembered - every day I stopped for salt and vinegar crisps and a 2000-plus calorie sandwich involving bacon.  Every night I would treat myself to a carb and sugar "soup" of frosted flakes, tinned peaches and cream. Dang, shouldn't have done that.

* My parents are flying in from New Zealand to join us. Mum, 74, will reign supreme in the Support Vehicle and  Dad, 75, will be leading the Peloton. Wonder if he knows that?

* We had to bring our bikes and all gear, but in fact the most necessary thing was this goo stuff for girls called Hoo Ha Ride Glide which you slap on your undercarriage. Andrea the Fabulous from Mike's Bikes (best bike shop in the Bay) suggested I also buy a manly version for my husband Kevin but it's more economical if he uses mine. I'm just always looking to save money.

* Cycling is terribly glamorous here in Oakland. On my training rides I started on Pothole Avenue, went up Used Condom Hill and through Broken Glass Tunnel and up Naughty Boy mountain, swerving away from youths driving their mothers' minivans and throwing half eaten McDonalds at me. Plus the padded lyrca shorts are just beaut.

Bloppy back-arse view of my beaut shorts

I'm going to miss you - see you in ten days time!



at

35 comments:

  1. JayJune 29, 2012 at 2:49 PM

    Hoo Ha Ride Glide?? Really?? Have a wonderful trip, if the cycling gets tough - call a taxi!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnneJune 29, 2012 at 2:58 PM

    Hope you have a fantastic time!!
    ~Anne

    ReplyDelete
  3. DaniBPJune 29, 2012 at 3:13 PM

    Oh my gosh! Have a great time. You're totally killing me because you are hilarious.
    Safe travels Darling!

    ReplyDelete
  4. LeslieJune 29, 2012 at 5:17 PM

    I love your descriptions of our wonderful Oakland! You hit it right on. :) Good luck with your ride.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lacey RJune 29, 2012 at 8:02 PM

    Have fun!! I love your header!

    ReplyDelete
  6. RoseJune 29, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Hoo Ha Ride Glide? That's hilarious!

    Have a wonderful time. I doubt you'll be losing weight in France... all that yummy food!

    ReplyDelete
  7. edgarJune 29, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    Looking at all your photos I'm enjoying what you are enjoying.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Beauty FollowerJune 30, 2012 at 12:30 AM

    great photos,
    have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  9. libbyJune 30, 2012 at 1:26 AM

    Go girl!..looking forward to tales and pics of the whole thing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. SteveJune 30, 2012 at 1:51 AM

    Ha ha! That's my first (and possibly only) bum shot of the day! Have a great time!

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownJune 30, 2012 at 2:03 AM

    Your photo's are amazing. I feel like I've been on vacation (well kind of) just by looking at them! Such a lovely blog.

    xx Mandi
    www.findmeamuse.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. miss bJune 30, 2012 at 5:02 AM

    Enjoy! I love the Pyrenees - haven't cycled there but been skiing. Carcasonne is a place I definitely want to visit next time I'm around there. Loved this post - made me smile especially stopping for the salt and vinegar crisps!
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Jenny RuddJune 30, 2012 at 8:35 AM

    I found out I was pregnant with my first in Pau where I was teaching a few years ago - I needed a wee after 2 beers and so did a pregnancy test in the toilets of a pub. Bingo. It was one of the ones on the beautiful terrace overlooking the Pyrenees. How glam.
    Bon voyage.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Curry QueenJune 30, 2012 at 8:46 AM

    Hoo Ha Ride Glide? If you need to get extra shipped over from England while you are in Europe, ask for KY Jelly. Same thing...

    ReplyDelete
  15. Alexis GraceJune 30, 2012 at 10:06 AM

    Have a fantastic time---- something tells me there will be some great fodder for the blog!

    ReplyDelete
  16. London City (mum)June 30, 2012 at 12:06 PM

    Ooooooh - am GREEN with envy! Would love to join you, maybe next year if you do it again?
    Have a fabulous time.

    LCM x

    ReplyDelete
  17. torrieJune 30, 2012 at 12:48 PM

    thank you so much for that 'hoo ha' recommendation (even though i don't actually "bike"... outdoors, that is- i spin! and without getting into details, i'll just say that i NEED to buy this stuff asap).

    and totally know what you mean... remember? i talked about the exact same issue... exercising, and then being 'entitled' to treat ourselves a little too often... and then wondering why we're not losing! :)

    lastly- HAVE SO MUCH FUN!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. GinaJune 30, 2012 at 6:24 PM

    This looks sooooo amazing and have a fantastic time with food and cheer. I just know you'll post some fun pictures! Safe travels.

    ReplyDelete
  19. tiffany roseJune 30, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    Why are you not a famous travel writer? Can you believe I cannot ride a bike? So envious but have a beautiful time and hope your arse does well with the 10 days.

    I will miss you too.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Rob-bearJune 30, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    I hope you've had a wonderful trip by time you gets this.

    And I can so understand the weight thing. With all your activity, you've built a lot of muscle. Since muscle is more dense than fat, you're putting on good weight by having good muscle.

    That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. It could be your story too, if you would like.

    ReplyDelete
  21. DianaJuly 1, 2012 at 7:44 AM

    You're my second Blogger friend who is in France right now!! I love salt and vinegar chips, I understand. It sounds like a great time and I love those biker shorts. I didn't know they even made them. I could use a pair!! Have fun!!
    Love Di ♥

    ReplyDelete
  22. Twisted Scottish BastardJuly 1, 2012 at 11:05 AM

    Have fun and I hope the saddle becomes your friend.

    ReplyDelete
  23. NatalieJuly 1, 2012 at 5:21 PM

    wow this looks like so much!!

    www.trendinginfashion.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Jenee C.July 1, 2012 at 9:37 PM

    I only just discovered your blog and I'm so glad I did! You had me laughing like a crazy lady throughout the entire post. Can't wait to read your updates after your next leg of the journey. Much love from your newest follower.

    xx Jenee C.
    http://camomeetscouture.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. The Silver BunnyJuly 2, 2012 at 3:20 AM

    You're just the bravest Kiwi I know ; well, the only one, actually ! Mind you're not confused with the cyclists from the Tour de France, they're coming your way !!xx

    ReplyDelete
  26. Tiffany KadaniJuly 2, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    Haha! You are the funniest person and absolutely need to be a travel writer. I'd read it all day long!
    Oakland? Oh man... that's not the biz.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Kimia KlineJuly 2, 2012 at 10:46 AM

    oh my gosh! what an amazing trip! i've been trying to convince my hub to bike with me from copenhagen to sweeden one summer. will have to show him your pics, and super glamorous biking shorts :) maybe that'll convince him!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Chocolate Cookies & CandiesJuly 2, 2012 at 12:07 PM

    I've always wanted to go to Toulouse and Pau! I can't wait to hear about your trip. Don't forget to update us. Pssst...that arse of yours is pretty darn good looking.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Eat. Live. Laugh. and sometimes shop!July 2, 2012 at 2:11 PM

    You are amazing! I've been laying on a beach for 14 days only to return to find you cycling through Europe! Amazing. Good luck!!! I cannot wait to hear the deets!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Alicia@ eco friendly homemakingJuly 3, 2012 at 6:41 AM

    Oh I hope you have a wonderfully blessed trip!! Sounds like such a fun adventure.

    ReplyDelete
  31. AnonymousJuly 3, 2012 at 12:05 PM

    You hottie! Cycling for ten days would kill me!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Carol@TheDesignPagesJuly 3, 2012 at 9:48 PM

    You really do have the best life you know!! Have a blast. Love your new header btw. It's so hilarious.

    ReplyDelete
  33. christie @ ckanani.comJuly 17, 2012 at 2:03 PM

    Wow, I want to be there....

    http://cksxo.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  34. cheap prom dressesOctober 18, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    I have my very own two redheads at home, and we fully embrace the ginger.

    I'm sure that redheads are very now, isn't a certain Mr Grey supposed to be redhead?

    ReplyDelete
  35. AnonymousJune 8, 2013 at 6:20 PM

    And then you're even wardrobe to uncover lover. Happy, stong beds check Mobile home boutiques to have sheets that are great for odd-sized Motor home bedding, perhaps put restroom window curtains technique in order to produce your own designer label pillows and comforters. Its sheriff's
    workplace along with the criminal rail station make sure you boasted extremely hot
    beverage readily that a majority of viewed lately
    made. performance near future matrimony are really absolutely truly,
    or perhaps seen working days tend to be obliterated during.


    My site - mr coffee maker red

    ReplyDelete