Cycle across France 2008
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Liz says...We always knew today would be tough. And I predict because of the constant up and down and the distance of 102km it will be the hardest. We psyche ourselves up and have a really good morning stopping by the beautiful Cubjac by the river and bridge and come up with some ideas with Mal about how she can get her work colleagues to save the planet. Later Nixter tweaks her knee again and we all have an emotional moment coming to terms with the challenge: Nixter's unsure if she likes it and thinks Mal doesen't too. We clear evertyhing up and the lost time in having this extended rest is more than worthwhile - real team bonding - a whole day of real team bonding. We're definitely in Dordogne (Perpignan vert) country. Find a 15km descent - 10km of which shall remain nameless and known only to those that discover it. It was absolutely superb. Idyllic and I do not think we will beat it - an old river valley with meadows, long grass, people farming their land and fishing their water. We stop at Salzac for ice-cream, drunken Dutch and an exchange of bags as Mal and I take a bag each from Nixter as her knee is no better. The climb begins out of Le Moustier - the longest yet and it goes well.
Mal says...This was the hardest days cycling so far. Left Thiviers at 7.15am. Straight into the country roads - lovely scenery all the way - best so far. But the hills! It was up and down most of the way with a couple of killer hills. We stopped for a coffee at a tabac/hotel in Sorge, nice pretty place. Nix's knee was hurting so me and Lee took her panniers which made the hills even tougher! Had morning lunch break in Cubjac - really nice town.
a break at Cubjac. yummm.
and a couple of hours later at Ajat - which has a lovely looking restaurant
Cycled through amazing valley which finished in Salzac. Picture perfect place. The last 20 miles or so was so hard and felt like it was never ending. Arrived at the chambre d'hote at 9.15pm, just as it fell dark. Had dinner with Michelle and Rose - duck, steak! I was so exhausted. Had "bad times" by bins - me and Nix crying!
We stayed at:
Montgrieux
Hameau de Limeuil
24250 Domme
Tel: 05 53 31 64 35
Tel: 06 12 56 58 93
Web: http://www.perigordnoir-montgrieux.com
Email: montgrieux@wanadoo.fr
Nix says...Up at 6am for the hardest day of cycling yet. Weather quite overcast and a bit chilly so we all put our matching thermal leggings on. Stopped for morning coffee in a hotel at Sorges - decided the French just don't do coffee like the Italians and Spanish do - but still what we had, along with the choc and pastries we bought at the boulangerie, did the job and spurred us on. Knee was really painful so Liz and Mal took my panniers. I'm not too happy about it - when we achieve a hill for example - I want to feel like we're all equal! It felt like I was whizzing up while Mal was being pulled back by my load. I think I have to accept I've pulled a tendon or something and just ride through it. Very impressed with Mal today, she made all the hills to the very 14 hour end as we climbed the monstrosity of a hill up to Montgrieux. It was never-ending. We were both getting low on food and energy. I stayed back with Mal and actually found it fairly easy. It's amazing what a difference the weight on the back makes. Had some 'bad times' over lunch - sat next to bins on the side of the road. Me and Liz got a bit tense with each other and I got emotional - then Mal got emotional. Looking back it's become an amusing 'bad times' moment. All this exertion makes you emotional.
moments after we all lost it
Montgrieux is a gorgeous place even though it is damn high and the shower door doesn't close. A true rural retreat
Day 8 Thiviers to Domme: 102 kilometres/63 miles, 0715h-2115h, m up m down, 7 km/h (remember this includes breaks)
Suggested changes: You could cycle to through Le Puy from Ajat and then right at the next cross-roads to avoid having to cycle for quite so far on the N89. From Allas, don't turn right into Saint-André-d'Allas (which is very picturesque if you do) but carry on and turn right after Le Pet to cut 1500m off.
View Larger Map
Suggested changes: You could cycle to through Le Puy from Ajat and then right at the next cross-roads to avoid having to cycle for quite so far on the N89. From Allas, don't turn right into Saint-André-d'Allas (which is very picturesque if you do) but carry on and turn right after Le Pet to cut 1500m off.
View Larger Map
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last updated July 16 2010 © lee hibberd
last updated July 16 2010 © lee hibberd