Cycle across France 2008
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Liz says...Continued cycling through gorgeous countryside up and down all the way.
a quick break on the side of the road
We popped into a charcuterie and I end up with le crap crêpe. The Trouves warned us about a public holiday on Thursday and Monday (today is Wednesday) which the French use to take a long weekend and we soon discover that all our options for Thursday and Friday have no room, although Saturday's sorted. We get to St Maixent d'Ecole for 5pm and head for the Office de Tourisme. We get an alternative hotel in Confolens on Thursday and but nothing for Friday. Stock up on food and drink to last us through Thursday, as is the rest of the town who are queueing before me at the supermarket so we don't end up leaving until for La Mothe until 6.50pm. I push Mal and Nixter hard as we'd committed to an evening meal at 8pm. Mal feels light headed when we arrive there 10 minutes late. Have funny (weird and amusing) night with 2 Belgians - Uschi and John-Pierre (Japes) who must be locked into recounting their 10 year 'round the world voyage night after night. Both ex-hippies and Japes is a classic of the male variety run through with selfish and controlling streaks in the meat of hippy freedom. Nevertheless - they are perfect hosts and provide first class accommodation and food.
Mal says...Writing this on Day 6 and can't remember anything about this day! Stayed with Ushie and JP at their chambre d'hote. We didn't arrive until 8.30 and dinner was at 8! It was like fine dining! We were all exhausted and slept like logs.
some cover for the bikes
a most luxurious stop
We stayed at:
La Villedé
79800 La Mothe Saint-Héray
Tel: 05 49 04 86 18
Web: http://www.lemouillagevert.com
Email: lemouillagevert@hotmail.com
Nix says...Stayed with 'Usha and JP' who opened a chambre d'hote in 2004 after sailing around the world for 10 years. Jean Pierre or 'JP' - a 60s hippy and Usha. Bedroom beautifully done out with super top class fittings and a super sized super comfy bed. Mal had the camp bed (5ft). Dinner fantastic. Baked tomatoes filled with goats cheese followed by slow cooked beef stew and potatoes. Talked about their 10 year trip, which I'm sure is their standard 'piece' for all guests.
Day 5 Le Pin to La Mothe-Saint-Heray: 91 kilometres/57 miles, 0830h-2000h, m up m down, 8 km/h (with breaks)
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last updated July 16 2010 © lee hibberd
last updated July 16 2010 © lee hibberd