Kevs World !

With the first month of riding now consigned to the memory bank and our trip notes its time for a quick reflection on what has been at time arduous, occasionally gruelling and often awe inspiring !

We have endured gut busting climbing in belting rain and freezing temperatures while being treated to amazing vistas and shroud clouded hills.

A highlight of these extremes for me was being caught in a near whiteout hail storm complete with lightning on a 1300 metre hill in Switzerland - i had always wondered what being a human lightning rod would feel like !

The unanimous vote for the top visual experience was the day we bagged 4 Cols in the Veccor Massif in France - what a stunning day, 3 pairs of eyes would have been handy to take it all in !

When you are on the road for so long the days merge but certain things stays clear in the old grey matter .

My following list compiles some of my likes and dislikes so far on tour -

Likes -

- Incredibly diverse scenery !

From snow capped mtns to rolling green pastures complete with clanging dairy cattle, towering forests, quaint roads, timeless villages, magnificent churches, châteauxs and castles in states of disrepair and very friendly locals willing to give advice on directions when they can't speak a word of English

- Boulangeries

if it wasnt for there shops I would weigh about 5 kg less ! Every village has one although not always open and the array of tempting cakes and pastries is amazing !

As for French bread what can I say other than I'm a convert although I'm not sure ive got enough teeth left to last the trip !

- Bike riding

The pleasure derived from bike riding thru countries never experienced before. if you can still manage to breathe I'd suggest giving it a crack !

Dislikes -

- Hand held showers

Its difficult enough to shower with them, at times i feel like Steve Irwin wrestling the bloody thing into position while spraying water all over the place !

- Doonas

How come in summer in Western Europe they provide 18 blanket doonas - what the hell do they supply in Winter !

- Menus only available in French

For us poor ignorant slobs what can't speak French it should be pictures only enabling me to point and choose !

- Non English speaking receptionists

I am the first to admit that i struggle at charades and is this often the only way I can communicate im often not sure what ive actually agreed to ! The blank stare tells me when ive failed !

- Hotel door locks

Everyone I've tried to open has some convoluted locking mechanism - yes I did struggle as a kid trying to put squares in round holes by this is different !

Bike touring is a brilliant way to experience this part of the world !

Get off your butts and go for it !