27th September Richelieu to Argenton-Sur-Cruese
Well, what a long day that was and I’ve really got to get out of my head. I always thought this would be a big physical challenge and trained up to cope with that until it went belly up in the summer, but it’s turning out to be a mental challenge now.
After feeling great about my returning fitness yesterday I did think I was pushing the pace too much in the last 10 miles and paid the price afterward with some deferred back pain and numbness in the left leg. So today it was a big mental effort to ignore what I CAN do physically and put as little power through the left pedal as possible – effectively cycling with one foot, with the left foot clipped to the pedal coming along for the ride.
We all assembled outside the hotel for the daily briefing and then we were off. Being on my own was inevitable as my new strategy to get me to the end means I’m bloody slow !! I struggled with it for a while, harbouring thoughts of just giving it up., but the countryside and the weather were so good it was difficult to see that as a reality
At various times I came across members of the group in the morning waiting for me to catch up which was really appreciated and after a long stint on my own in the afternoon listening to music to keep me going , I came across Chris who fancied an easier last 20 miles or so and he got it with me !
I may have been slow but pedalling with just the one leg wasn’t physically easier and I’m almost asleep now typing this before we all gather for dinner !
(Above) Richelieu square from the hotel, very quiet in the morning mist and it took a while for the mist to clear giving a beautiful hue to the countryside (below) with the sun trying to make an appearance
You can see me here on the left just arrived on my bike with the picnic lunch in full flow
To avoid missing this important social aspect of the whole thing I’m considering setting off earlier than the group tomorrow with my 80’s Rock as company !!
In the afternoon the one legged cyclist caught up with a few of the group at this very impressive spot while they were snapping away and it’s not difficult to see which leg is the problem for me !
All in all it was a very long and tiring day but satisfying at the same time. A similar distance tomorrow, 78 miles but much more climbing from here in Argenton-Sur-Creuse to Aubusson – considering how tired I feel it’s crazy to consider that the difficult cycling starts from tomorrow. The route map is shown below and if anyone reading this wishes to support me and Zoe’s place Baby Hospice as I try to complete this challenge my fundraising page can be found by clicking here. 9:30 but time for bed here to recharge the body battery – Good Night !
Don’t give up Dad…..go at whatever pace you need to go at to get the job done
Thanks son, realising that others are feeling tired too so that sort of helps in a way
Fantastic effort Bill .
Thank you !
Tortoise and the hare……….. it’s not a race, as long as the butty wagon waits for you for essential sustenance, settle into your own pace.
Cheers Tim, just woke up ready (not) for another 78 hilly miles
I was feeling concerned for you until you mentioned the picnic with usual enthusiasm – Biscuit! Look up not down, look out not in, look forward not back.
Ahhhhhhh you know me well, thank you for being concerned – this is hard, but many of us are finding it hard and fitness grows as the days are ticked off so don’t worry