Day 113 - Cycling and Holidays

Oh my, it has been two full weeks without a ride and it was great to be back on the bike this afternoon completing a short circuit between the showers.

I've just returned from France, a week or so before the start of the greatest cycling race in the world, the Tour de France. While out there, I did not have to go far before evidence of the upcoming race was seen. First, while in Fontenay-le-Compte, I spied on a bridge over the river La Vendée the sign stating 'Course Cycliste' ..

and then in Ducey, a poster which I would have loved to have been able to have taken with me!

France is definitely a country where it is great to cycle. The roads are more often than not smooth and pothole free and the number of cars per square mile a fraction of what we have to contend with on our crowded isle. While out one morning, we waited for a peloton of a mile long if not more of school children to pass before continuing on our way .. amazing!

I read recently that my local cycling club, the Axe Valley Pedellers, had returned from a trip to Brittany and also saw on the ferry, to and from France, a group of cyclists with just their bikes and what they could carry and thought .. what fun! May be next year?

As for my ride today ...

Stats: 3.45 mi, 18m, Avg 11.5 mph, Max 30.3, 200 kcal