Welcome to Rob's World, the (cheesily titled) homepage of Robin Rainton.
Given I'm mainly too lazy/busy (take your pick) to write a full 'blog very often there's now a Microblog which you'll also find on Facebook and Twitter, and maybe a few other places too.
Microblog... everyday ramblings interspersed with posts from trips and other activities.
Smashed my PR up East side of the Tourmalet. Loving 25-30C temps so pretty Aussie still - locals hate this 'heat'! 
Dinner at the mobile warung kecil - aka. campsite in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Simple but delish as always. Nom, nom! 
Today's ride: little recovery spin in more rolling terrain... with 20% pinches thrown in because... Basque region!
Tapas, beer & sangria... watching the world go by in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Went down a treat after earlier exertions!
Today's ride: Basque Epic from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Brutal gradients. Beautiful scenery. To Spanish border & back.
Happy anniversary to us! 
10 months since we last ate out so great return to one of the local faves we've missed 
Dinner with friends: only half of the desserts on offer this evening in frame - need a wider lens!? Delicious!
Sublime Col d'Aspin today: PR the climb, home in time for stage 1 of le Tour, beer & delicious lunch. Life is good
The below are collections of posts/images organised by trip or subject or other events. Click on the title or image to view each.
Lot, Tarn & around - June 2020
With 2020 being bit of a trying year decided to take things easy and have just a quick trip in June. Few nights away not far from home but even though, there was plenty to see and explore. Very warm period but we survived intact!
France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland - Autumn '19
Work in progress...
Paris long weekend - June '19
When you are asked to meet up in Paris with family flying in from Australia. Oh, OK then Not our favourite city but to be honest it grew on me a little this trip. No 'work' and mainly random tourist activities probably helped. As did warm summer days I guess. Although I'm sure plenty would say it was too warm in Paris at this time (it was quite toasty in parts!) - those people should live in Australia before making such complaints though
France, Andorra, Spain - Summer '16
Summer 2016 was spent mostly... playing in the mountains
We did move a bit, but even then, it was just to another part of the mountains
This topic will likely be the last episode in a while because life seems to be settling down into a more easy way of life without much movement. Well, at least for a few months it will be that way. Travel pics will likely return next year.
Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland - Spring '16
Spring 2016. Yes, still on holiday. Oops
Quite enjoying the Costa Blanca (can certainly recommend this as a winter cycling destination) but as the weather warms it's time to head back North.
Trip to Germany for the snail's safety inspection - can you believe it's a year already?! Which leads to the obligatory stop with friends both there and in Switzerland. Passing through an as yet unexplored part of the Black Forest & home via the Giant of Provence. Lovely stuff.
We really love the Pyrenees though so this is where the majority of our time will be spent this year I think. Ahem And why not - a dream come true to ride the Tourmalet through walls of snow above one's head is just one of the benefits!
