Cycle tour France - 14th June - 15th June

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We are esconced in our accommodation in Grospierres similar to a stone cave which is fabulously cool and roomy. Back up to 31C (Strava weather incorrect and not technical enough to fix!) this afternoon after a thunderstorm overnight with some cooling rain first up.

Countryside beautiful woodlands yesterday and this morning, changing this afternoon to limestone and grape, olive crops as we are now so far south. Fields of tomatoes, aubergine and peppers.

Last night most folks were pretty weary. Mende was a typical French town with the centre a rabbit warren. We dined in this magical square at an Algerian cafe while others went to an Irish cafe as you do in France?

Most of the French are very helpful trying to interpret my appalling French. Always someone on hand who wants to practice English, even the Kiwi version. 

The average day is breakfast at 7.30am, luggage at reception 8.15am then bikes to be ready by 8.30am using the "faff" bucket - oil, rags, lube and tyre pump. Briefing for the day 8.45am then away.

First brew stop ( smoko) usually 25-30km, lunch at around 55km (picnic or restaurant) another brew stop at 80-90km depending on the temps.  Three cycle guides rotate the luggage, brews and lunches in two vans while one of them cycling at the back gathering lost souls or dying cyclists.

You soon learn to only lightly graze the fab picnics/ lunches the guides put on as there is always a steep climb straight after lunch; think Nuedorf hill x 4! First thing in the morning is another ploy.

We have team leader Swiss Tony, energiser bunny guide. Mick ( English) an almost horizontal soul and Scott (who is a Scotsman with  a delightful burr) who is Mr Fixit for any dramas with your bike. Yesterday as I was grovelling up a hill Scott was sitting with the van in the shade as a water stop and said" keep going lassie" it put a smile on my face.

The roads are superb for rural, middle of no wheresville France. Smooth tarmac and any bumps a sign "deformee routier".  Why do we put up with the cr!*p  Fulton Hogan foist upon us I do not know. French drivers are very curtious and always wait behind you until you signal or it is safe to pass on even the steep road. They will only beep if taking liberties. Even the big tractors and trailers with a cheery wave wait for you.

Laid back Mick on lunch duty.

One of Tony's picnic lunches

Mendes

A guy called Jem is the 'David Attenborough' of the group.

Classic rural - where am I? - sign

Past this today, designed by Mr Gustav Effel no less

The English are mad on iceream and or a beer at any opportunity when we pull into a destination. We prefer to check in first and get rid of the sunblock and perspiration.

We have found not too many of the electrolyte additives to stop cramp agree with us (stomach or taste) so we stay with 1/2 coke 1/2 water in our bottles. Appalling I know but it works and given we are burning probably over 4,000 calories each day not going to die in a ditch over it.

Lake L' Alteir

Wanted to show the hill we came down, Jeff dislikes "selfies".

One of the accommodation providers tonight. You get classic, rumpty buildings in the rural areas that are great value compared to the tourist route. Mind you not too many want to cycle 100km+ up hills and down in 31C to enjoy the experience.