Saturday 5th September
Kms cycled today: 60
Kms left: 790.
As we cycle through villages and towns I’ve been fascinated by all the abandoned properties, many so beautiful, maybe even more so in their decay.
But then in the afternoon it appears to change, there are more signs of life especially in the more modern detached houses. I think we’ve reached a difference in France, like we did in Dijon last time (lets call it the “The Dijon/Chauvigny line”!), where everything feels more “South”, the soil is redder and it all feels slightly livelier…I could be wrong. In one village there is a gathering on a village green, with tables, drink, food and chatter.
At about 5 we reach the beautiful medieval town of Chauvigny. There is a steep climb into the town so we head for the first open bar for a beer. It is packed with highly spirited men maybe after a sporting fixture as we remember it is Saturday, we do lose track. A trip to the supermarket then Dez makes an amazing parmigiana. We dine on our terrace and am in bed by 9:30 as we have an even earlier start tomorrow and we are shattered.
Thoughts for the day
Cycling:
So we’ve had a week of cycling now, non stop for 7 days. I’m feeling much fitter and able than when we started. In the beginning every incline was a battle agaist gravity, feeling every revolution of the pedals in my legs and my arms.
I am getting fitter but I also have a new strategy where I don’t look at the hill and each pedal I count backwards from 8, it seems to have got me through and upwards! Danny says she sings a song but I think that would put me off the song for life.
