Joe’s flight arrived on time but Pierre was delayed so it
was around 11.40 before the bikes were loaded and they were away. It was very
hot and they were in full sun. They went astray in Bordeaux and although they
got back on track, they’d added additional kilometres to an already tough first
day.
Neither Joe nor Pierre had managed to get in the training
that they’d hoped for prior to the trip so they both found this first day hard.
The temperature displays on the chemist shops showed 38 degrees in the shade
and the heat was reflecting back from the black tarmac. They had a snack at a
café for lunch but it was thirst that was the main driver. They finished their
water bottles, stopped for a panache at a bar and bought lemonade in a
supermarket to keep up their liquid intake.
After being mainly on roads, thankfully the last 15-20 kms
were on a cycle route along the Garonne. It was a wonderful cycle path
alongside the water and led straight to the campsite. Finally there was some
shade and it was good to cycle along. If they had had to continue on the roads,
they may not have reached the campsite that evening.
The campsite was clean and basic and after putting up their
tents, they headed off to a nearby brasserie for food. Whilst they were there,
thousands of white insects exploded over them – like mayflies. The bar switched
off their lights so that they wouldn’t attract the insects. The locals said
that it happens from time to time. For 1-2 hours they hatch, fly then die.
So after that excitement, it was back to the campsite and to bed. It was an
interesting run, but a hard first day, at 97 kms.
