After an appreciated afternoon off the saddle which consisted of ping pong and traditional French boulle, everyone was extremely relaxed! Waking to a very still, fresh morning after a great nights sleep, everyone was raring to go! Setting off in high spirits, we ticked off the miles on the slickly surfaced French roads arriving at Royan ferry terminal were we had to get the 20 minute ferry across the estuary to Le Verdon sur mere. After the ferry we cruised along the gun barrel straight roads which seemed to last an eternity! We then entered the famous Medoc region, famous for its vin rouge. The roads were lined with immaculate rows of grape vines and stunning chateau's. As always a veritable feast was laid on for lunch by Rob and Jane beside a vineyard- a stunning setting.
The afternoons riding was excellent and the craic was ninety! We had our first encounter with an angry French driver who wasn't tolerant of cyclists. Horns were honked, internationally recognised hand signals were thrown around and expletives were shouted! But we had a good laugh about the situation as they fled into the distance.
As we cycled along a professional rider from team BMC zipped past us leaving us eating his dust. Fred being Fred followed in hot pursuit trying to catch his casual 45 kmph pace on the flat, but failed valiantly! Soon after it was our turn! We caught up with a solo rider, had him on the back of our peleton then chewed him up and spat him out. It was like a game of cat and mouse- we gave him a glimmer of hope, but in the end the cat always prevails.
After over 7 hours on the bike and 112 miles (a pb distance for all) we rolled into our secluded campsite for the night and enjoyed the evening sampling some of the local produce.
Today's distance: 122 miles
Average speed: 15.7 mph
Top speed: 31 mph
Time on bike: 7; 30 mins
Max heart rate: 174 BPM (87%)
Average heart rate: 120 BPM (60%)
Calories burnt: 3,500
- @Access2a
- www.access2africa.co.uk
Location:Mios
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