Well we made it to the South of France and are staying in Nimes for a few days to rest, carry out maintenance on the bikes, update the blog etc.

The journey South was not without its moments though. We never expected so much wind. It was gale force at times and made riding very dangerous. Once we were riding over a bridge on a motorway and had to slow right down and ride over in first gear with our feet down off the foot pegs to ensure we got across without being blown over the edge. Very scary stuff indeed. We stopped just past the bridge at a rest stop to regain our nerves and see if the wind would die down at all, it didn't so we got off the motorway and onto more sheltered backroads to Rodez.

Now we take the backroads anytime the forecast shows the slightest breeze. Much nicer scenery this way though.

Yesterdays ride was very wet, we took the backroads as winds of 70KM per hour were forecast, lots of very tight bends but the scenery of the rocky mountains was just amazing. If the weather was any kinder, we would have stopped more often for photos and to just enjoy the scenes, but the priority was to get to our destination for a hot bath and a defrosting.

Nimes is lovely, complete strangers guess we are tourists and say a heartwarming 'Bonjour'. Our French is improving no end. Nothing like being immersed in the culture to bring back all past French lessons. I am convinced I was French in a former life, I'm speaking the lingo like a native.

To sum up the first week of riding, France's weather is not to be taken lightly, more cathedrals than you can poke a stick at (there is even one right next to our hotel in Nimes) people are incredibly friendly outside of Paris, and the food is delectable.

Our new seats from P & P seating are fantastic, not one sore arse between us!!!

Total miles travelled to date - 833, you can work this out in KMs yourselves.