4 years already

4 years ago to the day today I set off from England into the unknown. So many unlikely adventures have happened since I still sometimes can't believe it. When writing a second volume to these adventures, I also remember how much I have changed in what is after all quite a short time. 

I had many moments of doubt, but I never regretted having made the decision to follow my instincts and this crazy project. I also wanted to thank you for continuing to read me, watch my videos and comment on my adventures or my meetings. You are an additional motivation to go out in front of these good people.

So that day, with my stomach tight, my beardless face and my new bike, a group of local cyclists from Bristol followed me to accompany me for a few hours on this journey. Almost a year and a half later, I took the time to put their generosity into the pages of a first book ...

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My new senior friends are keen to learn more about my trip - route, motivation, gear - and tell me as much about their own cycling adventures and experiences. All morning, I ride alternately with one of them by my side on the cycle path. The same question keeps coming back, followed by the same answer.

"How much does your bike weigh with the equipment?"
- About 50 kilos.
- Ah, OK. Because you drive really slowly ... "

You have to do it anyway, slow down a group of septuagenarians!

At midday we take a break from the drizzle in an old steam train converted to a cafe. This is where our paths must part. In turn, each of them comes to hug me happily, wish me good luck, have fun, be careful. Nick is the last to approach. He squeezes me tighter and ... doesn't say anything. It wouldn't be British to show your emotions. But he doesn't need to. His caress and his gaze are enough.

There you are, I am now alone. It's true ! One pedal stroke at a time, my whole body wants to adjust to my heavy load and my new life. I'm heading east.