Perhaps this is really back on subject as one cannot get more classical than the city of Rome. In reply to Fred Rednor who warned me with a theft incident that occured to him in that city, I would suggest from my own experience that this city is quite singular in its reputation for petty theft. During our stay in Rome during a Tour of Italy, not with bicycles, a violinist an Oxford student and myself experienced three attempts on our luggage. I didn't fully appreciate that this was extremely common occurence until when, travelling on a bus I watched a fellow passenger apprehend a pickpocket. The passenger swirled to face the pick pocket, grabbed his hand and slapped his wrist. He then said with a frown "Just don't do that again". So yes, in Rome a walk-in bank safe might be suspected of inadequacy when trying to keep a cycle secure. I think I'll take my chances in the Pyrenees but when travelling to Marseilles I'll go by train, rather than leaving my cycle parked where the passing rogue (I am reliably told that there are many in Marseilles) might nab it.
Thanks for requesting an account of the trip (including the Raid Pyreneen) I'll see what I can do.
BTW I've just bumped into cycling luminary Ray Everton at the York rally who told me what a great time he had at the Cirque.
Regards to all,
Mark, Stockton on Tees, UK