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| Carcassone via |
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| Toulouse, via |
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| 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.
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| Bloppy back-arse view of my beaut shorts |
I'm going to miss you - see you in ten days time!
Hoo Ha Ride Glide?? Really?? Have a wonderful trip, if the cycling gets tough - call a taxi!!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a fantastic time!!
ReplyDelete~Anne
Oh my gosh! Have a great time. You're totally killing me because you are hilarious.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels Darling!
I love your descriptions of our wonderful Oakland! You hit it right on. :) Good luck with your ride.
ReplyDeleteHave fun!! I love your header!
ReplyDeleteHoo Ha Ride Glide? That's hilarious!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful time. I doubt you'll be losing weight in France... all that yummy food!
Looking at all your photos I'm enjoying what you are enjoying.
ReplyDeletegreat photos,
ReplyDeletehave fun!
Go girl!..looking forward to tales and pics of the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteHa ha! That's my first (and possibly only) bum shot of the day! Have a great time!
ReplyDeleteYour photo's are amazing. I feel like I've been on vacation (well kind of) just by looking at them! Such a lovely blog.
ReplyDeletexx Mandi
www.findmeamuse.com
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!
ReplyDeletehttp://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/
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.
ReplyDeleteBon voyage.
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...
ReplyDeleteHave a fantastic time---- something tells me there will be some great fodder for the blog!
ReplyDeleteOoooooh - am GREEN with envy! Would love to join you, maybe next year if you do it again?
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous time.
LCM x
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).
ReplyDeleteand 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!!!!!
This looks sooooo amazing and have a fantastic time with food and cheer. I just know you'll post some fun pictures! Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteWhy 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.
ReplyDeleteI will miss you too.
I hope you've had a wonderful trip by time you gets this.
ReplyDeleteAnd 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.
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!!
ReplyDeleteLove Di ♥
Have fun and I hope the saddle becomes your friend.
ReplyDeletewow this looks like so much!!
ReplyDeletewww.trendinginfashion.blogspot.com
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.
ReplyDeletexx Jenee C.
http://camomeetscouture.blogspot.com
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
ReplyDeleteHaha! You are the funniest person and absolutely need to be a travel writer. I'd read it all day long!
ReplyDeleteOakland? Oh man... that's not the biz.
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!
ReplyDeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteYou 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!
ReplyDeleteOh I hope you have a wonderfully blessed trip!! Sounds like such a fun adventure.
ReplyDeleteYou hottie! Cycling for ten days would kill me!
ReplyDeleteYou really do have the best life you know!! Have a blast. Love your new header btw. It's so hilarious.
ReplyDeleteWow, I want to be there....
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I have my very own two redheads at home, and we fully embrace the ginger.
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