Well, this is it, just about to turn 40

...and been married 10 years this year as well

Long weekend in Barcelona with SWMBO is booked (went there on honeymoon)

My 3 longest standing friends from junior school all turn 40 this year as well. We've been discussing plans for some time and finally settled on a cycle ride from London to Paris this summer. Route planning is underway, with suitable watering hole based accommodation along the way and a SWMBO based support crew

We all used to cycle a lot, but latterly not so much (if at all). We're using this as the motivation to get back in the saddle an get in shape.

Training starts at 6am tomorrow come rain or shine

Well I hope its raining then! Test you motivation if nothing else!

Make sure you circle the area you live so if you start feeling like you're doing too much, you can get home quite easily

Think the London to Paris will be an excellent ride, but do it on MTB and offroad !

And turning 40 ain't that bad, but just noticed a Saga ad in top right of page

ATB

Simon

quote:

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Originally posted by Simon
Make sure you circle the area you live so if you start feeling like you're doing too much, you can get home quite easily

Think the London to Paris will be an excellent ride, but do it on MTB and offroad !

And turning 40 ain't that bad, but just noticed a Saga ad in top right of page

ATB

Simon

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Myself and a few colleagues do a cycle run every year, we did the same run but we started in Paris and headed up to London, we're not serious cyclists and on that particular trip we aimed for around 50-60 miles a day with refreshment breaks along the way. Was an excellent trip, the cycling was especially good in France.

We've also done York-London (very good). Inverness to glasgow (hilly) and last year Prague to Berlin (awesome) and each year we've been just a little bit fitter and the cycling has felt a bit easier. Get plenty of miles in the legs and long days on the saddle before you go and it will be all the more enjoyable. Make sure you take some chamois butter it's awesome stuff

quote:

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Originally posted by sdh2903
Myself and a few colleagues do a cycle run every year, we did the same run but we started in Paris and headed up to London, we're not serious cyclists and on that particular trip we aimed for around 50-60 miles a day with refreshment breaks along the way. Was an excellent trip, the cycling was especially good in France.

We've also done York-London (very good). Inverness to glasgow (hilly) and last year Prague to Berlin (awesome) and each year we've been just a little bit fitter and the cycling has felt a bit easier. Get plenty of miles in the legs and long days on the saddle before you go and it will be all the more enjoyable. Make sure you take some chamois butter it's awesome stuff

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It's amazing how quick you get back into it though. Last year we rattled off a couple of back to back 80 mile+ days whilst carrying tents too without too much effort. The first trip we did I was dying after a 35 mile day.

I'm really cross at myself as I was the fittest I've been last year after the germany trip and was romping up hills etc, but due to work commitments etc I let it go and am right back at square one. I was out the other day and was really struggling on the climbs.

Barcelona -


Things you must do....

http://4gats.com/en/ Go for lunch, menu del dia - cost is about 15e each . Wine, starter, main and sweet with a coffee. Any doubts about how spanish it is, this is where Salvador Dali Met Picasso for food and drink.

If you cannot get seated there go to , this isnt open during the day- http://www.loscaracoles.es/


The rooftop cafe in Cortes Ingles - big superstore in the centre. best views in town.


Then the tram up to the chapel & funfair at Tibidabo - there are bars about half way up, open fronted for a quick Dam or two, with fantastic views across the city.

http://vimeo.com/76440793


Parc Guell


Guadi - the cathedral is good, but not worth the queues


The market off the Ramblas - amazing fruit and veg if you like....


The superyacht repair marina - walk toward the Columbus monument at the sea end of the Ramblas.


Dont eat on the Ramblas its a rip off, eat at Quatro Cats where Dali used to eat, cheaper and a real bit of Spain. Dont expect English speaking waiters, just smile and trust them.....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nJ6gpWTTmM



There is also the Montjuic fountain in the city centre http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4F-shlD6U0



Only sightings I had of purse dippers was on the Metro, or lurking round the escalators waiting for the pinch points. Ladies without handbags are simpler and less tempting, punch anyone who asks you the time.....



A fantastic city, been lots and it is one of my favourite places. Please post up your pictures

Thanks Ivan, some great notes there for the trip.

We went for a week 10 years ago and felt there was still a lot more left to see even though we didn't sit still while we were there.

I particularly like the Gaudi buildings and could spend days just absorbing all the details in them.