So first full day in France, was awoken up by strange pattering noises on the tent. Oh gawd.. Rain! Looked outside, yup it was drizzly. Thick grey clouds, and for the first time on this whole trip. No sun in sight. I was definately no longer in Spain!
Got packed up, ate some breakfast. Then headed off, but had a problem with the speedometer on the bike not reading. Re-aligned the sensors and changed the battery on the transmitter and that seemed to sort it. But with that I was delayed getting going, it wasnt until 10.30 when I got off today.
It was drizzly and cold. It did not get above 19c all day today. Then to make matters worse, the drizzle turned into full on pissing it down rain. For the first time, the rain covers and my waterproofs were on. Then I was off, cycling into driving rain. Everything just wet. Doesnt do good for the mood thats for sure.
However, early on today I passed the 1250km mark, which means I'm now officially past the half way mark in terms of mileage! Hurraay! With that in mind, and being in France I'm trying my hardest not to think about the finish too much. Its just having always entered france from the UK before, France feels like the nextdoor neighbour and therfore not far. But I have to remain focussed and remember that Im in still in the very South of France and theres a long way north yet!
Also, looking at the mileage yesterday, I realised that if I exceeded my target today and gave a good push tomorrow. I could actually hit La Rochelle on Saturday night. I was well on course for doing that. Until.. My route took from a town called Mimizan, and up a direct road to the west heading straight north to Biscarrosse Plage. I must have been 15km from that town which was my target with time to spare, and I came across a huge military installation with closed gates
blocking the road, and a big sign saying something about Missiles!! This was definately not a road I could have gotten away with sneaking through! I think i may have discovered Frances secret nuclear missile testing base, who knows!
Basically. I had to back track back to Mimizan and go via Gantes and Parentis en Born. I only got as far as Parentis en Born when time for checking into a camp site was running out. I was tempted to just cycle into the night and wild camp it. But a twinge on my ankle and aching legs was sensibility kicking in and saying. No, Pace this!
But it left me utterly gutted. Now looks like the race to get to La Rochelle for Saturday night is well and truely over. With all the rain, spirits have been low. Having to go back over 10km and then divert is soul destroying. But, tomorrow is a new day and I will try and get an early start and just ride, and see where I get to. Getting to La Rochelle on Sunday night, is no fail. Its on schedule. But would have been nice to be a day ahead :)
As camp sites are everywhere in this part of France, and as the rain did finally stop. I got pitched down for the night again. Had a walk down the road to a restaurant, and got some steak and chips in me. So that was nice :)
| Todays stats | |
|---|---|
| Start | Ondres.10:30 |
| End | Parentis en Born.18:45 |
| Saddle Time | 6 hr 01 min 50 sec. |
| Distance travelled | 125.06km |
| Average Speed | 20.7kph |
| Max speed | 39.8km |
Bienvenue en France Fred!
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