In homage to The Tour, which is taking place as we speak, we completed the first stage of our own tour by taking ownership of our bikes last night. As one of the tougher stages so far it has to be said it was a was a bit of a trial to complete - having as we did to endure the sniggers of the shop staff who were clearly mystified by our plan to ride home through France in the August heat despite clearly having no clue about how to attach a pannier, nor which brake lever controlled which wheel. Clearly thinking we must be in the midst of our very own doping scandal, they did however provide exemplary service, albeit in an Italian 'when I am ready' type of fashion. So, once the cash was
... read more