Matts Journal
By cycling across France we came to realise how little is actually known or seen concerning that kind of travelling and decided that with our collective abilities we should create a website documenting our travels and the things involved. After a little digging it was clear there are ample people interested and the only true reason there aren't more people getting involved is that it's simply not something most people have considered. From the outset it appears too long, arduous and uncomfortable and such thoughts easily overshadow the amazing experiences available. I must confess that I myself was unsure of it at first; I've always loved cycling but had seen 50-60 miles on roads as my upper limit concerning the distance I was capable of in one day and that was without any load and with days of recovery after. It was only when gave it a go on my first few practice rides that I realised that I was capable of comfortably travelling much further if I correctly paced myself. In doing so I could enjoy the places I travelled through and surprisingly wasn't broken at the end of the day and could comfortably wake up the following morning and do it all again (even with some of the largest hills in the dales in my way).
As with all great experiences I did not wish to let this one go to waste and forget things which should not be forgotten. As my memory is not capable of all that I would like to demand of it I decided to keep a journal as we went along. I've done this a couple times before now on other trips and found that they are a valuable memento and more than anything are a great at reminding you of much more than only that which is written. It was suggested to me by Nick that I should type it up enabling others to get a better idea of what it's like. So that's what I now find myself doing. The typed version differs a little from what I wrote (especially concerning my inept use of grammar), the words put down were intended entirely for my own keepsake and hence should portray my interpretation of things that happened at the time.