An early start got us off to a flier and we were on the road for 8am.
The day was split into 3 distinct blocks. 30 miles of cycling in the countryside, 35 miles of mountains and the last 30 was getting the Clement-Ferrand.
The first 30 miles was like a day out at Cammo (Edinburgh). Great scenery and pleasant pace for chat. We headed off through quite country roads and it wasn’t long before we had our first incident of the day… half a pedal Phil hammering down a hill and bounced over a railway line which led to his saddle bag bouncing off along with 2 bananas – But I had already seen what was coming up kept a safe distance behind (only suspecting the bananas to fly at me but didn’t bargain for the full bhuna bag as well) managed not to slip up and dodged all Phil could throw at me. There seems to be a pattern emerging.
....and headed into Montlucon for our lunchtime stop where we got chatting to a chap on a scooter at a set of traffic lights who then gave us a Scooter escort to Mickey Dees (McDonalds) – totally unhealthy but who cares… there was 90 miles to do and massive hills to contend with. Don't know what I was on but the chicken sandwich must have changed my day and I was flying all afternoon.
Phil felt like he had no energy, which is not good with 35 miles of mountains ahead. We all got up the hills regardless but it would be fair to say we were all pechin. Some better than others. But I was flying.
We carried on through back country roads with the sun coming up with very little wind. Still 77km to go!
We stopped at a crossroads for a breather as the temperature was in the 30's and it was time for a drink and a seat!
Up and down more mountains, we stopped on a bridge.....
The last 30 miles was just about surviving the way home. Most of it was downhill but there were a few testing hills to keep us busy.
More hills followed and at the last town before CF we stopped at a supermarket and got some drinks… as you can see from photograph below everybody was starting to flag and Phil took the Chaise long position. Very few words were spoken because everyone was fecked.
The heat was phenomenal. You have to be mad to do a cycle like this!
Eventually we made our Campanile Hotel in Clermont-Ferrand.
We got in about 6ish and after a quick turnaround we were off to the bar for beer. Good food and a red wine fenzy followed. Great night so it was. The bar tender asked if u got a 7 u got a free meal. All of us had a go and le viola. Phil had a winner.....saved 16 euros off the bill.
So its 11pm and lights will be out in 2. the temp was in the 30s, we knocked off 4 peaks, climbed 4500 feet in height and did 93 miles. Bit puggled but will be already to go at 8.30am. For our next steps into the mountains and up the Massif Central.
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