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.
End of summer high peaks ride: Cirque de Troumouse, Barrage des Gloriettes & Col de Tentes. Awesome rugged beauty!
So lucky to have this super cute new neighbour. Also lucky she hasn't learnt to roll in the mud like mama yet! 
Lunch at Lou Bigourdan. Cheers! Spot the off menu dessert. Tiramisu was fantastic too, mind. Best to try both, ja?
Today's ride: Round & up East side of Col de Beyrede, mostly in beautiful shady forests. Bit crowded up top mind!
Working on shades positioning. How's this? Feeling great, new fastest time climbing Col d'Aspin! #OlderIsStronger?
Another day in cycling paradise 
What passes for a picnic when you have to carry it up Col du Tourmalet Cheers?!
Pratiwi very happy to meet pigs on our walk today. Pigs equally interested. Who is more excited to eat who though?
The below are collections of posts/images organised by trip or subject or other events. Click on the title or image to view each.
France & Switzerland - Summer '23
Unfinished business in the Alps!
Last year we had planned to spend plenty of time in Switzerland but bad weather put a stop to that. Time to try again...
And success! In fact, things worked out so well we didn't even have time to take what has become a usual loop home through Germany - that will have to wait for next time.
Things went well with another easy jaunt across France. A chance to explore part of the Jura mountains on the French/Swiss border - well, they are mountains so loved this region of course!
Then on to Switzerland for walks, hikes and some truly epic bike riding.
As it turned out there was also time to meet friends in Annecy for a couple of group rides in the region, including another all day epic with giant charcuterie lunch. Good times all round!
France, Italy, Switzerland & Germany - Summer '22
A fantastic trip across France to the Alps & back. After the last couple of seasons of rather restrictive movements was really good to stretch the legs and have some planned, and some more random adventures.
Starting off in the Haut-Savoie for a slightly delayed meeting with the olds & a bit of luxury - being given run of a room in a lovely alpine chalet they had arranged. The plan was to be in this region for another week to hit up some of the legendary cycling routes but sadly weather didn't agree - and that would be a slight theme of at least part of the trip.
So instead of taking on the likes of the Telegraphe, Galibier & Croix de Fer change of plan as we headed down to the Italian lakes in search of sunshine. A consolation week by lates Orta & Maggiore... such a beautiful area, and plenty of sublime roads, so yeah, that'll do!
Back into clouds & the mountains as we next took our chances in Switzerland, getting super lucky with a day of sun and the most amazing hike to Trift Bridge - highly recommended. A little cycling here too, but sadly cut short by, what do you know - a huge storm. Doh!
Looped back into France via the Black Forest as for us, no trip over here is complete without some German beer & schnitzel - yum! Couple more stops, including an evening of merriment with more family and... home!
After the last couple of trying years, can't help but think how amazingly lucky it is to do what used to feel 'normal'. More of the same in the years to come, please!
Lisbon city break - March '22
Originally planned in March 2020 (do you see the issue!) a long postponed trip finally arrives!
Plenty of walking to balance the mountains of delicious food we ate... and a few cultural venues too.
It was pretty grey and sometimes wet out but nothing us mountain folk can't handle
Lots left to see and do for the next time. Hopefully not another 20 years! Last time here was December 2002 for new years!
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...
