We awoke from our slumber to recover our trusty two wheels from the inner chambers of our paddock. The French have been very good about locking our bikes away at night (one of the great French national pastimes is stealing). Soon we were off through the seaside town of St Hilaire to be met by a troop of lycra clad men to many cheers. We told them we were on our way to La Rochelle and they seemed most impressed and shouts of "tres formidable" and "bon chance".

Our scenery changed mile by mile with Industrial Estates turning into vast flatlands that reminded us of the Australian Desert. Today our enemy was the heat and we were drinking our way through a lot of water. Knee all safely bandaged again and seems to be better - no doubt helped again by good quantities of anti inflammatory and a wonderful French version of deep heat. Yesterday the Pharmacist who dispensed the bandage and drugs advised me to stop but I think he was having a laugh. Little did I know later today that the bandage would be my saviour! By the afternoon the heat was having an effect on us and we grabbed an Oragina and more anti inflammatory ... we then set off again as high as kites singing our way on the last stretch to La Rochelle.

TIME TO SOAK IN THE VIEW AT VINCENT de JARD:

Today was our longest day with 135km and a very respectful average speed of 24kmph. As we approached the aptly named village of "Champagne" disaster struck and my little velout hit a massive rut and rider and horse came crashing onto the tarmac at full speed. Big Mac also came down narrowly missing me. Our immediate concern was our two wheel friends who despite another puncture, bent handle bars and scratches had survived this crash in pretty good shape. We seemed also ok save for a few tarmac burns on elbows and knees. Amazingly me knee bandage had taken most of the impact. We decided to immediately remount in fear of shock and getting stiff and we were only 30km from La Rochelle. We arrived late in the day exhausted in our Motel 6 above a highway. Tomorrow is our day of rest - definitely in need of resting bones, body, bottom and mind. 7 days of this has taken a toll on us and this crash is a stark reminder that you cannot afford to lose concentration. We are halfway now and the light is at the end of the tunnel.

Justin

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