Day 17, Mannheim to Boppard

A day of landscape change, the industrial river banks around Mannheim making way for the steep natural slopes as I closed in on my destination.

Day 12, Oberalp Pass

6 miles into today's ride and I had climbed 2000ft and descended just 1ft! If that didn't wake me up, then nothing would! The climb was followed by a long descent and starting to follow the Rhine. More spectacular scenery, with a change of view as the river carved a route through the rocks

The gradient eased, to be replaced with a light headwind, the river leading me briefly into Liechtenstein and onwards to my accommodation for the night.

Day 10, Furka Pass

That's the Furka Pass done, absolutely stunning! 

A few miles in today and the temperature was up to 29°C, riding through the scenic valley following the Rhone.

At Oberwald I started the long 10 mile climb up the Furka Pass, with the early signs of things to come

On approaching the halfway point the temperature dropped, the wind built up and the first flashes of lightening were followed by rumbles of thunder. Then the heavens opened, luckily I managed to find shelter for the 30 mins or so while it passed.

Back into pedalling uphill mode until the Belvedere hotel & cafe about 500ft from the 8000ft summit. 

Feeling suitably refreshed and after several video clips and photos it was back on the bike for the final bit. I have to admit to a certain amount of emotion at what I'd achieved, not just the climb, but also the 800 miles to get here with a fully laden bike. A cautious ride down to my overnight stop, with not a lot to separate the tarmac from the steep drops!

Tomorrow is a free day as I am here for 2 nights, may take a look at the Gross Glockner Pass ....

It's probably no surprise that this is my new longest climb, this trip is now my second longest and I still have to make my way back home

Day 4, Saint Gratien to Sens

The ride started with a ride through the streets of Paris to various tourist attractions, great to get between these locations with the speed of a bike. The sightseeing cost quite a bit in terms of cycling progress, but I believe it was a good investment of my time.

It was then a matter of completing the remainder of the ride to Sens. A couple of detours in search of water and various photo stops etc made for a long day in the heat.

Day 3, Dieppe to Saint Gratien

After breakfast in the Ibis hotel I quickly picked up Avenue Verte to start heading towards Paris. The early miles of AV followed the route of a former railway line, with an excellent paved surface through the Normandy countryside. At a photo stop,

I was joined by Chris who I'd met on the ferry last night. We rode together for a while, less than a minute after asking where was the stop that Dieter recommended, we were joined by the man himself! It turned out that the stop was closed, but it was a great reunion of the 3 of us after first meeting on the crossing from Newhaven.

Dieter left us where his route took a different direction from ours. A coffee stop then we continued on our way. After navigating a large number of fallen trees we said our goodbyes on reaching the point where Chris went one way and I went another.

The remainder of the ride was on more dedicated cycle paths or mostly quiet country roadsuntil reaching the outer limits of the French Capital. 10 miles or so of urban riding, still a lot of cycle paths, led me to my hotel.

Day 2, Dorking to Dieppe

This day was to be relatively easy, riding to Newhaven to catch a 5pm ferry to Dieppe, then just a short ride to my hotel.

I had various route options in my head, eventually having a chosen route. A few miles in the Surrey countryside before entering Sussex and almost immediately skirting around the perimeter of Gatwick Airport.

A few miles later I came upon signs advising of road closures due to a cycling event, it was then that I realised it was the day of the annual London to Brighton cycle ride. Taking advantage of the closed roads I changed my route by heading into Brighton.

Passing through Turners Hill was slow, with a large number (probably well over a thousand) cyclists stopped at a red light. Moving again, after passing through various towns and villages, the next landmark was the climb up Ditchling Beacon. The stunning views from the summit made the climb worthwhile, not to mention it being good practice for when I reach the Alps.

A descent into Brighton and the cheering crowds at the finish line on the seafront. After a few minutes I set off, alone again, along the coast to Newhaven. A quick lunch stop 1/2 mile from the port and it was then time to check in.

The crossing was made more pleasant by meeting 3 other cyclists, one heading for Paris, another Alsace and the third to the Mediterranean and then beyond.

A three mile ride once in Dieppe took me to my hotel, bike safely stored in a conference room by reception.

Day 1, Home to Dorking

The trip is finally here, after a few planning headaches along the way, it's a bigger task than it may seem to find and book 21 different hotels, in the right locations and with suitably secure bike storage facilities.

The first 90 miles is now complete, riding from home to my sister's house just outside of Dorking. Apart from a headwind, decent weather for the day's ride. Sticking to my normal route saw me riding through the Chilterns and Windsor Great Park before the final bit in the Surrey Hills.

A couple of minor bike/setup tweaks needed at the overnight stop, day 2 will see how successful.