Day 14 - Montpellier to Martigues

All organised early doors in Montpellier and all set to go nice and early. A Premier Classe was not the greatest accommodation we have had but we make it a great evening wherever we are and it is very cheap.

We were up and organised early cos the fire alarm went off at 6.30am. You would expect everyone to go to the fire point but no, we found putting a pillow over our heads made the noise go away. The alarm stuck it out for 20 mins but we managed a minute longer, which saw us through.

Another day, another Decathlon....We set off early for Phil's almost daily visit to a Decathlon.

Thanks to the phone GPS, we got there just as the shop opened. Another spoke. Staff were not particularly helpful but after a bit of begging he stuck another spoke in and 30 seconds later charged Phil 9 euros. Told Phil it should have been ready in 2 days. I saw what he did and Phil needs to go on a bike course. The bike was however fixed and soon down from its usual ramp position.

So the travel started in earnest at this point. South from Montpellier to the Med Sea. The logistics were a  bit complicated but eventually we got there.

It was a great feèling to see the coast. We have nearly made our destination. We have travelled from a rainy Edinburgh suburb to an equally rainy Amsterdam, all the way down the road to the Med. 

Bikes down, photo opportunities and everyone in the water. Well you have to.
All cleaned up and ready to go, we realised that we had only managed 20 odd miles, so we still had 60 plus to go (70 as we found out later).

The roads that followed were flat and straight and the temperature was hitting 32 degrees. Possibly a bit warm for cycling.

We stopped initially at a Boulongerie, then a garden centre, then a pub over the next 30 miles. Very humid conditions, so taking on lots of fluids here (and a pint of Heineken).

We headed on through the incessant heat to the town of Arles and crossed the main river that runs through it.

We carried onto the town of Saint-Martin-de-Crau for a quick beer before carrying onto Martigues.

The miles flew by and we got to within a short distance of our destination point in Martigues.

Of note was the early evening chocolate incident I had with my bag I was very proud of. A major meltdown in my front pannier resulted in it going everywhere. I looked a joy cycling into Campanile with a LFB. Get too close and there would be consequences.

A quick turnaround and we were in the bar for a beer. A great meal followed and at 106 euros for 5, it was great vfm. There was no profit margin with us.

Never left the hotel area and everything was locked down at 11 to keep us in or the locals out. A great day and off to the coast tomorrow.