Dave and his Bike

Nice steady 190m climb straight out of the campsite which I thought was a hard start. It was a sign of things to come. Temperature inversion over Figeac, and wisps of smoke from chimney pots were an indication that the season was changing.

Great coffee stop in Montredon where I met Jane. The café owner was a well travelled cyclist who stood and chatted with us for ages about his experiences and my plans.

The route from there down the Lot valley was stunning, passing through pretty villages and gently undulating beside the river, with shelter from the headwind which lulled me into a false sense of fitness. Then came the hills.

I met Jane for a sandwich at lunchtime before the climbs started at Entraygues-sur-Truyère. Steep (very steep) climb out of the valley followed by continuous climbs all the way to our overnight camp in Laguiole. I think it’s the most I’ve climbed for years!

There had been a steady cross-headwind all afternoon once out of the shelter of the valley, and once we had pitched the tent they increased. We checked the weather forecast which showed 40kph winds with 70kph gusts. It certainly felt like it. I started contingency planning for tomorrow.

Sore back this afternoon, but only to be expected I suppose with my lack of recent mileage and all of the climbing.