Day 1: Versailles to Chartres
So we're are off. Up at 4.00am and we all met at St Pancreas and then over to Paris. After lunch and in glorious sunshine, 30 cyclists and support crew headed off into the French countryside. This certainly had all the ingredients to be a lovely cycle ride. 46 miles to Chartres in perfect conditions, i.e. sun with a light breeze. Its now 5.30pm and we are back in the hotel, showered and relaxed and looking forward to an evening meal and a good nights rest, but not before we check out Chartres Cathedral which is supposed to be famous for its stained glass windows. Early morning tomorrow up at 6.30am cycle off at 8.00 - 82 miles to Le Mans.
Day 2: Chartres to Le Mans
A fantastic day, the temperature rose as high as 28 degrees, later in the day,. Starting at 8.00pm we were able to crack on from Chartres and finish the 82 miles ending in Le Mans by early afternoon at over 16 miles an hour. What a joy! Having the time to enjoy the beautiful French countryside without an agenda and with a lovely bunch of people is absolutely stunning , I thoroughly recommend it. Tomorrow we ride to Saumur, which is delightful and one of the highlights of the week with a 78 mile cycle ride. Weather is due to be sunny/overcast.
Day 3: Le Mans to Saumur
What a wonderful adventure today was and how beautiful is Gods creation! 78 miles from Le Mans to Saumur on the Loire Valley, with a wonderful final 10 mile journey alongside the river with all the majestic villas and chateau's was a lovely way to finish the day. The weather again was hot with blue sky's, although it was cooler and overcast when we set out. Duncan cycled with Paul Bright amongst others while Philippa and Mary cycled independently in two really fun and friendly groups. One of the highlights was having a glass of wine on the outskirts of Saumur, where all 30 cyclist congregated before the final 10 miles into the town.
Day 4: Saumur to Niort
Weather forecast sunny and 64 degrees. Just right for an 86 mile cycle from Saumur to Niort. I am told we are now travelling south instead of south west. Only problem today is a combination of the mileage and the 3482 ft we have to climb, much of which happens to be straight after lunch.
Well, the sun shone, the roads were clear and the conditions were all in our favour. The hills were definitely a challenge, as soon as had we descended and ascended one the next was round the corner. However, as a team of 4 we pushed on and arrived in Niort in time to re charge our batteries in preparation for tomorrows 115 miles.
Well, the sun shone, the roads were clear and the conditions were all in our favour. The hills were definitely a challenge, as soon as had we descended and ascended one the next was round the corner. However, as a team of 4 we pushed on and arrived in Niort in time to re charge our batteries in preparation for tomorrows 115 miles.
Day 5: Niort to Libourne
Today was the longest day, starting in Niort and finishing in Limborne. The whole journey was in the sun and was over 115 miles. I say 115 miles, it took Duncan 119 miles as he and his group were to busy talking about their best albums ever and overshot a turning by 2 miles! Philippa stormed the ride and came in at 5.10pm after setting out at 8;00am, Duncan and team came in at 5.30pm, all looking tired, but satisfied!
Day 6: Libourne to Mont de Marsan
it should be It seems like an easier day today, with the longest cycle behind us yesterday, but 94 miles in a day is still a distance, (admittedly with few hills), but in the heat and with plenty of time to work on those blisters! The picture below says it all, the village of Sore, is a must stop photo opportunity for all the cyclists. Weather conditions have been great so far and today was no disappointment, and the scenery varied. We spent a lot of time cycling through the forests, with a woodland stop for lunch. Tomorrow is the last day of cycling, from Mont de Marsan to Lourdes, circa 74 miles.