Dave and his Bike

So, after about 38 years of thinking about this, and a good few months of actually planning it the day has finally arrived. It’s all a bit surreal.

This morning seemed really busy with last minute things, most of which I could have done ages ago. Family phone calls & messages, last minute jobs done, I managed to depart at 1115hrs, 15 minutes behind schedule, which I don’t think is too bad. I’m sure I will have forgotten something (already realised that I need new batteries in my rear lights 🙄).

Setting off on familiar roads seemed normal, but soon I was on relatively new territory (previously driven but not cycled). The prevailing westerly wind decided not to show, but was replaced by a cheeky north-easterly which varied between cross-headwind, full on block headwind, and occasional tailwind. It was also chilly in the breeze resulting in a change to sleeves at lunch. I met Jane at Montfaucon for a sandwich. She has my panniers in the car. I’m not stupid.

Post-lunch route was a bit too main roady, but I’m happy getting some miles under my belt. Climbing across the Causse de Gramat was long and steady, but the 10km descent just before Figeac lifted my average speed nicely, although for the foreseeable future I don’t actually care about statistics. Jane had picked a great pitch on the campsite, and we are now sitting in the sun relaxing. It must be time for a beer… 🍻

Another 88km tomorrow, with more climbing, so an earlier start. I’m not planning on a blog post every day, but hope to do something every three or four days. Watch this space 😎