La Strada

If you have followed us on our previous adventures you will appreciate that quite a lot of time and effort goes into planning our routes and all the logistics that support us getting to our destination safely, on time and, perhaps equally as important, getting home afterwards. I mean I am saying “will appreciate” but who am I kidding, I guess at best its “might appreciate” and more likely its probably “I actually could not care less Nick”. Anyway, the point is that given it often takes weeks, if not months, of planning to ensure that each and every day is meticulously considered and mapped out in every minute detail and that it takes account of a range of different, but crucial variables (ok yes I can hear myself and yes I do need to get out more but lets be clear….its important, and to be fair each days plan is exactly like a perfectly formed masterpiece in its own right!) it is particularly galling to reflect on our previous trips and note that we pretty much disregarded “the plan”, blew our noses on it, screwed it up and nonchalantly lobbed it in the bin almost as soon as a pedal is turned.

When we set off on LEJOG in 2016 full of naïve high spirits and enthusiasm we managed to stay en-route until the second day when we decided that the smaller, prettier Cornish coast road was “all a bit too lumpy” and so completely ignored it. On London to Monte Carlo we took a detour within 2 hours (yes two whole hours!) when we realised that a muddy canal towpath might not be the optimal way to get to the Cote d’Azur (with hindsight, totally accept that might not have been the best plan).

This year we (and by we I do of course mean “me” as self appointed planner in chief) expect to do better. I am of course not for a moment suggesting we will stick to it religiously (secretly I think we both know that is exactly what I am suggesting!) but we ARE definitely going to do better this time. This year there are no alternative / emergency routes planned for and, more or less, each day is planned to be as direct as possible whilst still avoiding some things (eg: major roads, big towns, unnecessary climbing, the sea, weird people) and including others (eg: camp sites, some signs of humanity from time to time, “facilities” and iconic climbs!)…..basically there is only one way to go and that is the way we are going to go!

Anyway I have set out below what we are planning (and in case I wasn't clear, doing!) this year and a brief summary of what we are expecting each day. For the cub scouts / brownies amongst you (we know who you are!) I have also added links to the Garmin maps for each day so you can test your map reading skills and work out where the nearest “church with a tower” is, whether or not we will be climbing any escarpments (we wont btw!) and where the nearest view point is.

Here it is….enjoy!