Day 10 – Tuesday 5 October

Labenne Océan to Navarrenx (all van)
What a day of contrast from yesterday with the morning starting bright and clear as we enjoyed their rest day on the drive into the edge of the Pyrenees.

A leisurely morning coffee and then glimpses of the distant hills on the drive sent a quiver of excitement (or nerves) through the intrepid duo and it was in a state of mounting excitement we entered the delightful small town of Navarrenx which was to be base camp for the next two nights.

Arriving in the town at lunchtime we strolled around sampling the atmosphere and with the decision that my services as chauffer were no longer required for the day we decided to visit a bar for a beer! This turned into sampling the plate de jour at the princely sum of 11 euros each. We started with poached egg in a tomato/green bean sauce, followed by a cauliflower cheese gratin with slices of pork and a dessert of an unset chilled crème brulee and cheese. The meal was accompanied by a bottle of house red and coffee in little cups which left Smith orgasmic!

This cycling trip is hard work ~ note to the doubting spouses NOT HOLIDAY!

Tomorrow however the Tourmalet climb – I’ll try for pictures of them actually doing something.

Navarrenx

Lunch at Navarrenx

Day 9 - Monday 4 October

Saint Julien-en-Born to Messanges (25 miles)

Well serves us right for crowing about the weather as last night turned wet and windy. When you’re parked up on top of a hill surrounded by giant pine trees creaking and groaning it doesn’t do too much to aid sleep ~ at least I think it was the trees and not the pair downstairs.

So after driving the 50 miles back to the vicinity where we finished yesterday, they set off in rain and a very strong gusty wind hitting them side-on. In my humble opinion they were completely barmy! After some 10 miles we paused for a coffee in the small town of St. Girons. Sadly the weather showed no sign of letting up but they insisted they would crack on based on the map showing cycle paths for much of the rest of today’s planned route. Unfortunately these did not materialise to be of benefit and after a further 15 miles of heavier rain and strengthening winds they decided to exercise common sense and rejoin the van.

Coincidentally when we were sat at the café there had been a siren sounded and we concluded that this may have been a warning in respect of the winds.

Strangely as we then drove the further 30 miles south to our projected campsite the winds dropped away until we approached the coast at Labenne Ocean. This was the location of our projected campsite but could we find it? Fortunately there was another site open which is a bit of a miracle at this time of year.

A game of boules was then enjoyed by Mr Competitive whilst Vince and myself tolerated his behaviour. As Vince would say it was the taking part that mattered.

Later we sought a place to eat out for a treat but driving around found absolutely nothing open. So back to the site and cooking in the dark pancetta, leek, mushrooms and pasta ~ but sadly little wine as Vince and I had miscalculated the amount left in the 5 litre box we’d started the evening before!
 

This is what I endure

An account from our roving reporter

After another long day Kearney now well renowned as the “Thief of Carcans” (after stealing a sprint win yesterday) attempted another “sly manoeuvre”. Seeing what he thought was the finish point he put in his bid for honour and off he went over the finish line………………………..meanwhile Smith turned right to complete the final 3k to the finish (and victory).

Kearney was last seen entering Bordeaux at high speed.

So what does that tell us dear reader – well Kearney shot his bolt all too soon while Smith maintained rhythm until the finish.

Coincidentally our Irish correspondent happened to be in the area at the same time and states Smith started his sprint early and assuming victory was his sat up. Unfortunately for him Kearney was flying up the outside and took him on the line at which point Smith turned off and Kearney carried on down the road for a short distance. Smith then proceeded to sprint to every gatepost claiming victory as he went ignoring the fact that the days riding was done and Kearney had entered the cool down phase for the day.

Editorial comment
So dear reader you now can understand the stress and anguish I go through each day. I would emphasise that there should be a video to explain the drama but due to language used this cannot be included.

Day 8 – Sunday 3 October

Camp Panorama du Pyla to Mezos

Another warm day though not bright and sunny like yesterday but still in the 80’s.

After starting from the campsite the lad’s day consisted of more enjoyable cycling than the last few with a few minor climbs and some excellent cycle paths thus avoiding the busy traffic.

We struggled to find a campsite open anywhere near the finish with the only option being a municipal one for camping cars but this had no facilities at all with everything shut. So with the thought of how excellent last night’s had been an executive decision was made to drive back the 50 miles for another one of comfort ~ glorious hot showers and loos! (see photos including view)

Before returning we visited a café where they enjoyed to show off their muscles ~ see photo.

Day 7 - Saturday 2 October

Montalivet-les-Bains to Lège-Cap-Ferret (51 miles)

A bright sunrise but then just after they started cycling at 9 a few spots of rain turned briefly heavier whilst they continued for some 18 miles until approaching the small town of Carcans when the sun suddenly broke through and the day turned magical and warm with a maximum in the afternoon of a hot 86F. The early cycling had again been on flat roads through forests with occasional glimpses of groups of locals clearly hunting and mindful of the ever present rain (or perhaps the locals) they cycled faster than Alberto Contador on steroids.

Having enjoyed a coffee at a bar in Carcans they cycled for another 32 odd miles in increasing heat until reaching the town of Lège-Cap-Ferret when the roads became too busy with locals making for the dunes and sea at Cap Ferret. This is pretty special so I am loading photos of this separately.

Now I understand there are some who do not believe the lads should be enjoying a “holiday” but doing more cycling. However I think all must bear in mind that it’s my holiday too and they had to keep me company on the beach in case I got lost. I would understand if people back home considered it inappropriate to include pictures of warm sunny weather in October but ………………….tough.

Half six in the evening and it’s still in the mid 80’s and the lads have gone to the pool for a dip.