Team 1- it was our last night together and so as duty calls we toasted to a successful first week. Beers and wine were the order of the night and as much as we all wanted to stay up, share stories and long winded jokes, we could barely keep our eyes open and so bed was calling.
We had a relaxed morning. One thing that has taken us by surprise is the contrast between the heat in the day and the Baltic cold we are greeted by when we wake in the morning. The early morning mist with the backlight of the rising sun and the silhouettes of the pine woods is a great sight but, with head torches on, hoods up and even talk of beanie purchases we couldn't fully appreciate it. Today, it was nothing that lashings of porridge, scrambled eggs, beans, fried bread, green tea and coffee couldn't sort out and before we knew it Day 7 was under way.
We have learnt a lot about each other so far. One thing especially is getting used to each other riding style, a major benefit of being in a group in the speed you can create and maintain over quite a long period. We could prove it...2 suited and booted French cyclists sailed past us as we chewed the cud. Not a word was said and before we knew it we had locked on to their back wheels and they were carrying us. Despite their best efforts - accelerating out of every roundabout and pushing the biggest gears they could. They realised the thunder train was certainly not a force to be reckoned with.
Our elevenses came when we arrived into the town of Hossegor. A particular favourite of Laurie's, this town did not disappoint the boys, despite his promises over the laid back atmosphere and surf shop boutiques. We were on the hunt for a creperie and one we found!! Chantilly, banana, Nutella, butter, sugar and even a gourmet pudding for Rob was ordered. The waitress questioned our order of choice as she saw us arrive on the bikes...we ensured here that our not-so-athletic physiques need some serious maintenance and so we munched!
The roads on the approach to Bayonne and Biarritz were some of the best so far. A debut arrival into Bayonne only brought compliments for the stunning French city, this trip has certainly made us realise how much there is on offer in this country and something we all want to make the most of. And so to Biarritz where Jane and John were waiting for us in the campsite. Some meticulous planning and Ryan Air style efficiency, the exchange of support drivers took place...we welcomed Team 2 - Greg and Helen Hannon.
An afternoon on the beach, with the initial disappointment of no surf boards for hire saw us take to the water to body surf instead. We have certainly appreciated the easier day we've had to let our bodies recover as we leave France behind us.
As we sit in our campsite, the Pyrenees cast shadows in the distance...
Today's distance: 67 km
Average speed: 23 kph
Top speed: 52 kph
Time on bike: 2;50 hrs
Total Distance; 935 km
Max heart rate: 91% (182 bpm)
Average heart rate: 63% (126 bpm)
Calories burnt: 1600
- @Access2a
- www.access2africa.co.uk
Location:Rue d'Harcet,Biarritz,France
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