A spoke had snapped and the wheel was the shape of a melted 33 LP. Very warped.
It wasn't going to stop Phil and he carried on for about 10 miles through the French countryside until we found the bike shop that was to save the day.
After a bit of two'ing and throwing in Senlis we eventually found the bicyclette shop!
The mechanic took the bike to bits in seconds, fixed the wheel, cleaned the gunk off it, wagged his finger at Phil, told Phil to take better care of his bike and sent him on his way. Cost 10 euros. Total value for money.
Whilst in the shop and waiting for the bike to be put together, the rest of us managed to put air in our tyres. For Phil they went up to there new level of 115 from 60, which for those of you in the know is like driving a car with the breaks on. It felt so much easier and quicker for Phil after that. Between better fitness and a wheel with air in it, surely there was no stopping Phil now?
We continued on the route and stopped off for lunch at a well visited Le Clerc Superstore, just on the outskirts of Paris at Marly-le-ville. Sarnies and strawberry tarts all round. However, as they came in packs of two, I had to eat two!
On and into the City and the hills of inconvenience became nothing more than a mini game of king of the mountains (first to the top) , which I lost convincingly. All good fun though.
30 degrees in Paris and with the heat and the mad drivers, it was a job and a half trying to get into the City Centre. Sooooo busy.
We arrived on the Place de la Concorde and cycled up the Champs Elysee.
There was talk of cycling around the Arc de Triomphe but we decided to quit while we were ahead and walk the bikes round to avenue de Kleber and cycle down to the Trocaderro but before we got there we stopped for an ice cream and a drink at my favourite boulangerie in Paris.
Once fed and watered we then moved onto the Eiffel Tower.
...and down we went to the banks of the Seine and along to Notre Dame.
On arrival, we did the usual attractions and photo stops and then headed off to the hotel, which was on the South side of the City and a first visit for me.
This is the furthest South we have been in Paris, so as the trip continues tomorrow it will be new to us all.
Out on the town this evening. They look tired and hungry? We used the underground to get in and back and I took them to one of my favourite restaurants, in the Latin Sector. French Onion Soup, and Steak were on the menu tonight (again).
They are happy - they have been fed!
In summary, a close thing with a broken bike wheel, 30 degrees heat, great strawberry tarts, a fantastic evening in Paris and new beginnings for us all tomorrow as we head South.
Its a biggy at over 90 miles.
So it's goodnight from Point - Neuf/Point de-Ivry and the Kyriad Hotel!
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