This year I decided I would like a long bike ride, I haven't done one since Land's end to John O'Groats 8 years ago. Was it really that long ago, crikey. I began by thinking of a trip from the English Channel to the Med, but it would mean E on his own for about 3 weeks - I'm a lot slower now- and that means the cost would be steep too. I have a friend Wendy who has a holiday home in Beziers and has often suggested we visit, so that seemed a good destination point, And by making the starting point Tours, on the Loire, then I would be in unfamiliar territory straight away and save 3 or four nights accomodation into the bargain. Normally a solitary cyclist by preference, this time I decided I would like some company so asked Annette who, with her husband Graham, have been really good friends since we came to France 2 and half years ago. Annette said "yes!" and prompty began training, she hadn't got quite the mileage in her legs as I have then, but she's worked hard and gained a lot of fitness in the last few months. We will start on 25th of September, we will be deposited by hubbies hopefully well before lunchtime at a little place called Sorigny, next to the motorway peage just south of Tours.
We plan to do between 60 and 80k per day, quite modest mileage (Kilometage?) but there is a world of difference doing 70k one day only and stringing several together. So, it was about time we tested ourselves to see how much more work we need to do in the next 12 weeks. Doing a 40+ mile round trip with lunch included seemed a good idea! Annette cycled to me, then we left for Le Perrier to meet Graham at the bar for lunch, only to find it closed - on a Thursday!! Typical France! But the proprietor came out and offered us a 'sandwich' - also typically French to help where they can. He brought us the most enormous ham baguettes with some beers, delicous and very welcome. The sun came out as we were eating and so we cycled the longest leg back to Annettes via Mortagne au Perche in temperatures of 30C or more. Another break for tea and cake, quite a bit later I made my way home with my left hip and thigh complaining. I don't find long stops helpful when on a lengthy trip, it takes me ages to get going again. Thirty minutes maximum and save the rest for the evening. I made sure I stretched and massaged my legs when I got home, took 200mgs of ibuprofen and the discomfort disappeared and no after effects the next day, in fact I felt full of energy. The round trip was a total of 68K. The aim is to be able to do 70k 3 days on the trot carrying panniers, and not die, I'm quite hopeful.
