The joy of Warmshowers

Now sitting in Germany, just crossing the 4th border yesterday morning, we can't express our gratitude for our newly found community of Warmshowers.

I'm almost certain that you haven't heard of this quirky and comforting corner of the Internet, we sure hadn't before we left. But doing its own thing and staying happy go lucky, Warmshowers offers cycle tourers like us a bed for the night and a shower, maybe even food. And the best bit, but also the slightly daunting part when we first started, is that this is all provided by other cyclists, wanting nothing more than your stories and enjoyment of your company for the evening. 

On a journey where we expect to sleep in our tent for two thirds of its duration, we've been able to find a bed for 7 nights out of 12. A real bonus after a long day in the saddle, often with rain on our backs (Europe really isn't much better than the UK!). 

Host #1 Geert rides with us across the Belguim-Netherlands border. 

Our gratitude goes to Lisa, Albert, Michel, Sandrine, Baloo, Geert, Maarten, Boris and Kai-Anne, all whom have welcomed us into their homes and given us an insight into hospitality across France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Now onwards with Hannover on the horizon tonight and Berlin by Wednesday. 

Here's to Warmshowers.org! 

George

Ps. We'd love to hear from you on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Keep up to date on where we are and what we're up to and maybe come and join us for a ride? Inspired by what we're up to, or want to find out a bit more? Stick the kettle on, make a brew and pen an email, you can catch us at thetandemmen@gmail.com.

Route Change!

Those of you eagle eyed followers will have noticed we have strayed away from our route on the website. This was a last minute decision to see our dear friends Albert and Lisa in Paris at the start of the trip rather than at the end and thus avoiding too many westerly miles. We are resting today and will set off toward Belgium tomorrow. Hope you are all well! 

All the best,

George

Le Grand Départe

What a quite unusual morning yesterday was, the mass ensemble of friends and family wishing us goodbye at the Cathedral gate was staggering, and to top it off, we managed to leave exactly at 10am, lateness is something I specialise in. ​Thank you to all those who came to say goodbye. I know we didn't get to see everyone, but that wasn't for a lack of trying. 

Setting off. Credit: Pavel Marendzuik

The ride to Dover was a breeze, knocking 10 minutes off our previous best. The motivation of our escort certainly helped! 

Now we sit in a river side restaurant in Amiens, stout gingham clad French gentleman make comments and chuckle to them selves as I tuck into my second course, this cycling lark doesn't half make you hungry. We've been recuperating from an exhausting day, both physically and mentally, we are behind on our target but we were being ambitious. Mind, we haven't done much riding fully laden.

Oh, did I mention we slept in a bus stop last night, I've certainly stayed in worse hotels. Clean, sheltered and the sleeping bags were like duck down on our tired bodies. 

Night #1 of many. 

Anyway, better let you get on with your evening, 51 miles today was bad for a rest day. We may be in Paris a bit late, but not to worry, we have all the time in the world. 

George

Ps. We'd love to hear from you on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Keep up to date on where we are and what we're up to and maybe come and join us for a ride? Inspired by what we're up to, or want to find out a bit more? Stick the kettle on, make a brew and pen an email, you can catch us at thetandemmen@gmail.com.