The Slow Ride Begins

A big welcome to my new nephew Leo Tony and congrats to Alanna and Col!

Internet access has been hard to find for the past few weeks, hence the lack of postings from me. I rode my bike from Calais to Tours over 12 days, covering roughly 50kms per day. Some days were pretty tough, especially the first 5 when the temperature was about 35 degrees. I purposely chose the quiet roads through small rural villages, so saw my fill of wheat and corn fields. It was a beautiful ride though; slow and steady up and down small hills. I will add some pics and videos when I can. My bike was faultless the entire trip to Tours; no punctures at all. I camped the entire 12 days in my tent, with a Patrick White book for 'entertainment'. Living off baguettes, croissants, cans of vegies, fruit, chocolate bars and the occasional crepe.

Got to Tours on the 8th July and collapsed into the hotel bed very satisfied. The ensuing 5 days were bike free, a trip to some beautiful chateaus with all of the Aussie wedding guests, some wineries, cellar doors (caves-very different from the Yarra Valley!) and plenty of free time to enjoy all that Tours has to offer. Danny and Sonia's wedding was epic, but great fun. It spanned 2 days and about 10 food courses in total. We were treated to a wide variety of amazing food and wine, from Pigeon to Strawberry Tart. It was a wedding to remember; singing, dancing and confetti fights, it had the lot.

I am in Issoudon now, about 120 kms from Tours and home of the Tour de France 2 days ago. The small town came alive with the bike race, our 5 hours of waiting by the roadside paid off when the riders zipped past in about 10 seconds late in the day. Off to Paris tonight by train for a few nights with Matt and Kelley before starting my Tour de France once more. Hope to have some pics and vids on here in the next few days. A special pat on the back for Tekkas, great stuff mate.

Almost forgot, I have my first puncture!