My daily web diary records my 1,000 miles, from the Mediterranean coast of southern France all the way to Dieppe. I set out to raise funds for Ukrainian causes which I am doing again this year, 2026 in a cycle ride from Spain, through France to England. Please CLICK HERE to DONATE to my 2026 charity fund
However the ride was also about the sheer joy of cycling through beautiful landscapes and testing myself at the age of 78. I’ve promised myself that with every passing year, I’ll ride at least one marathon distance—not to compete with anyone else, but to remind myself that I’m still alive, active, and pushing forward.
The route carried me through the Alpes-Maritimes, along the picturesque valleys of the Isère and the Rhône, across the wild Cévennes and into the rugged Massif Central. From there I followed the River Loire downstream from its source to Orléans and finally turned northwards toward home. a 900 mile cycle ride which turned out to be 1,000 miles! Much of the ride was solo, which gave me time for reflection, but along the way I met fascinating people whose kindness and stories made the journey even more rewarding. It was both a challenge and a delight—an adventure I will treasure. My journey has now become the subject of an article in the June/July issue of Cycle UK magazine. See page 26. Here is a PDF copy:
For details of my 2026 route CLICK HERE
Vic Ient 