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 I share to Facebook, and maybe a few other places too.
Microblog... everyday ramblings interspersed with posts from trips and other activities.
Tuesday 3 June 2025
Went up the Tourmalet to try & escape fog down low... and just got sandwiched between cloud layers. Doh! 
Friday 30 May 2025
Spring at the Tourmalet & it's almost green up here 
Maybe all that gateaux yesterday might have even helped?!
Thursday 29 May 2025
Public holiday in France, so Indonesian gathering with the usual feast! Can I call this carb loading for tomorrow?
Wednesday 28 May 2025
Shall we try that again? Welcome home! Great day up the Col d'Aspin! 
Monday 26 May 2025
Welcome home! 
Doh!
Monday 26 May 2025
Delicious lunch @ Palais Cathare. Couple riders here & Giro on the TV (rest day so yesterday's replay). A top spot!
Sunday 25 May 2025
In Spain you can find brioche croissants, but I've never seen them in France. Makes a nice post-ride snack. Nom! 
Sunday 25 May 2025
A roman aqueduct, snow capped mountains, the crazy Gorges de Galamus, chateau & vineyards. Welcome back to France!
Saturday 24 May 2025
Wonderful lunch @ Restaurant El Viatge. Wagyu croquettes, shredded duck, fish that melts in the mouth + dessert. Yum!
Saturday 24 May 2025
Trying to take a selfie on a windy coastline. Having fun in Cadaques Maybe nicest place on the Med side of Spain?
The below are collections of posts/images organised by trip or subject or other events. Click on the title or image to view each.
Catalonia - May '25
Been a very odd spring and unable to get away but eventually managed a week-and-a-bit in Spain, and pretty much all of that Catalonia.
We've been to the coast here several times and haven't been super impressed but... ah-ha! Staying in the hills seems to be the key - who'd have thought?
We did actually sneak in a little coastline though, at what is likely our new favourite village on the Spanish Med - Cadaqués & a brief stop in France on the way home.
A great short break!
France/Germany/Austria - Dec '24
Well this is different! Winter road trip in the car. 4,000km through France and Germany then into Austria to meet extended family. If the rest of the gang can get here from Australia think we can do this, right?!
Many beautiful places, some new and some old (but new to us in their winter coat of snow). Lots and lots and LOTS of food, including more than a handful of exception experiences that will be hard to top.
Was super nice to meet the guys and even got a little skiing in. What more could one ask from a winter road trip?
48 hours in San Sebastian - Oct '24
When a friend tells you they will be passing through San Sebastian... should we meet up? Of course! Any excuse to spend a couple of days there!
Madeira - Sep '24
Madeira - the island of eternal spring. A short break to catch up with family.
Good times spent eating, drinking and just hanging out. Interspersed with driving tours of some favourite, and some new spots.
This isn't a cycling destination - too many 'main road only' routes and tunnels aren't ideal, but... a wonderful island for scenic and unusual walks alongside the network of levadas and in the beautiful highlands. Sadly recent bush fires have closed some of the most picturesque and famous routes, but we still found plenty to enjoy.
Another very successful trip!
France & Italy - Summer '24
A trip to the Alps is becoming our (erm... my?) go-to summer excursion, so off we go again. But... the strange weather of 2024 continues and things didn't quiet go to plan.
Never mind, a detour along French & Italian Riviera isn't exactly a hardship! After that and a brief stop in the Italian lakes (always a pleasure) then back to the mountains via Aosta valley & a return to France.
So not to plan, but always an adventure. Great food, walks, hikes and some epic cycling of course!
