Looking back

The starting point for 2012 - opposite Mulhouse station

This time last year we weren't too sure how we would go with the biking we had planned as a taster for this year. Rodney had fallen from a tree in February, breaking the neck of the humerus and smashing his wrist. We had decided to go anyway - plan B was to do the same route by train and still check out the tenting side of things.

In the event, the cycling was fine and the arm improved as the kilometres passed under the wheels. The tent, excellent for tramping, was a bit small for panniers and other gear and will be replaced this year with the type of tent we saw other cyclists using, with extra room at the front. The rhythm was great and we loved what we were doing but this year we would like to stop and explore the regions a bit more.

Before we start

Two sixty-plus New Zealanders go cycle-touring in France, tent in pannier, with canal tow-paths and rail trails as their main routes, family and friends to meet up with and no fixed plan. 

Why?

Why not? And Because.

Because we can, and we don't know how long we will be able to, so we'd better start now.

Because we are happy bikers, happy tenters - is that happy campers?

Because we have family and extended family we want to see, but we don't want to live in their pockets.

Because we have friends that we want to see but "as above".

Because we like the freedom and independence we get from biking and camping, we like the people we meet in this way and we love the ever-changing countryside we pass through, slowly enough to appreciate it.

That's it, really. Enjoy the ride with us!