I saw a lot of perch, some carp and what I think were rudd but nothing quite this size.

Only 25 metres up in 65km. Made me feel half competent at 15 mph.

The right pedal was going with a clip and I thought the bearing damaged after colliding with a rock on an off-road bit. Turned out just to need a heavy wrench to tighten the bolt. Very helpful cycle shop in this delightful town of Keskastel.

Typical tarmac surface to disused railway lines in Belgium, near Beaumont.

Off piste heading for Givry. Not supposed to be on unpaved roads but somehow I can’t get the Garmin to work this one out. Reminiscent of Italy in May.

A wonderful example of the many canal side cycle paths.

We looked at the long lists from Australia and Lincolnshire. A quiet and yet stirring memorial.

A wonderful sunset looking west up the Humber estuary.

All the bags packed and ready to go. The bike and contents weigh in around 30kg – no point in going for a carbon fibre option on a trip like this. I just hope the tyres will take it when I add my 13 1/2 stone.

Tested at Saxby but that’s only 90m.

Easy gear change with Paul thumbies.