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Travel StoriesTo The Southern Tip Of Europe
The Last Day Of A Big Ride
Ride Date 5 Oct 2025
By Andy Gray
Day 23: Fecamp to home 232 miles.
Storm Amy was still blowing a hooligan today but luckily with no rain. Made travelling north and north east quite tricky up the coastline to Calais. A lot of the route is quite a way from the sea but it’s pretty flat and exposed so you are battered by the cross wind.
Headed to the sea front at Ault which is between Dieppe and Berck. It was seriously windy and despite the weight of the bike, I was worried it was going to be blown over. Stopped for a couple of photos then headed further north.
Got to the Chunnel in plenty of time so was moved onto a train an hour earlier (15:25) and still had time for the traditional Burger King at the terminal! After a quick jaunt up the M20, M26 and M25, I was home at 16:24.
Covered 4,606 miles over three weeks with the bike indicating a service was due halfway through France today. Very little motorway miles were covered. This had to include one junction on the A16 today to get to Le Shuttle terminal as there is no other entrance.
Bit of a breeze at Ault.
Found some young, inquisitive friends when I stopped for a drink.
Rear tyre a little flat in the middle (squared off) but not too bad after all the miles.
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A long Ride to Gien
Big miles already on Andy's first day on the road. He's just getting settled into the ride and making his way south through France.
Smiling In The Rain
It's a soggy wet day through France for Andy, but that won't dampen his spirits. He stumbles upon 2CVs and climbing walls, straight roads and twisties.
Into The Pyrenees
With improving weather Andy is still heading south. It's all terribly positive, even the diversions are opportunities to explore. The Pyrenees continue to impress.
An Easy Day Around The Pyrenees
Andy is taking it easy today. Just a casual bimble around The Pyrenees, across mountains and valleys, you know, the sort of easy ride we all do on a lazy day. Ever more delightful images too.
Stuck In The Cols - Painful!
Andy is enjoying all the mountain passes on the French side of The Pyrenees - until he's "Route Barre" from getting back to the campsite. He's got the sniffles too.
Poor Poorly Andy
The sun is shining, the air is warm, the surroundings are lovely. Andy is rather under the weather himself, it's not the best couple of days.
Andy's Local Ride
Feeling a little better Andy's having an easy day exploring The Pyrenees. Scenery aplenty while dodging some rain.
Back On The Road And Heading South Again
Having mostly recovered Andy's back on the road making big miles through ever more stunning scenery. A few notes then pictures aplenty that'll make you wish you were there.
More Wonders, Weird Food
It's another day filled with fabulous things for Andy. Knights and bends in the road, mountains and flat bits, and a posh hotel with a sunset.
The Omnipresence Of Olive Groves
Andy's definition of a shorter ride is only 250 miles... sheesh. This time between the fabulous scenery and glorious weather it's olive groves as far as the eye can see.
To The Most Southern Tip Of Europe
Andy reaches the final destination of this trip. "You can see Africa from 'ere".
Good Weather, Good Scenery, Bad Surfaces
It's time for Andy to start the return leg of his big trip. It's all sunshine and hot weather, the views are still good too. The roads... well they're not quite as good. You can't have everything can you.
Heading North In The Rain
It's wet, it's cold and Andy is just getting on with the business of travelling. There's not a lot to see, just a few notes from the day - and a beer.
Better Weather, Getting High, Warm And Cold
Andy is still heading homewards while doing some serious looking around. Mountains, a castle, miradors, and architecture today.
Cracks, Vultures, And Cow Jams
Andy is having a fascinating ride through Spain today. Cows that won't "moooooove", gaps in the scenery, gaps in the tarmac, and he's trying his hand at geology.
Not Much To Report, Save For More Wonderous Views
All in all it's a fairly uneventful day on the road for Andy as he makes his way homeward bound. The scenery is good, the accommodation too, although the big GS has a "moment".
A Cave, A Gratin, And Tired
Andy is making his way back up through central France now. The day is uneventful save for the quiche that's not a quiche and the GS1250 is "having a moment".
Rain In Northern France
Yep - the rain has returned, the temperature is colder, and the accommodation is below par. Andy must be getting closer to Blighty now, obviously.
The Last Day Of A Big Ride
It's Andy's last day of an epic trip. Save for some wind (no not that kind of wind) it seems all rather mundane somehow. Anyhow he's home and safe after over 4,500 miles.
Reader's Comments
nab301 said :-
Excellent Andy , so where's this years trip?
Nigel
14/07/2026 16:14:39 UTC
Upt'North ยน said :-
Yes Andy, where to next....it's a conundrum alright. Note to self....need a tyre ordering from Little Richie. Thanks for all the effort, Ed might even put a map up next time. I won't hold my breath though.
Pffffffftttttt.
Upt.
14/07/2026 16:42:03 UTC
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Travel StoriesTo The Southern Tip Of Europe