The day began on the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry trying to grab a few hours sleep on an armchair. After getting off the ferry, we started riding at 04.15 (continental time) in the pitch black. Strangely I felt this was the most enjoyable moment of the tour so far. We had survived a showery cold blast of rain and we were getting into a steady rhythm enveloped by darkness. As dawn came up, we started to notice details in the Normandy countryside - like stunning gardens and floral presentations and very different architecture. At the first town we went to a cafe with no food followed by a boulangerie with no drink so we had a disjointed breakfast. For a nation of 60 million we couldn't help wondering where everyone was. The towns and villages were all deserted.
The need for a decent sleep was growing and I have a picture of Gill and Kirsty sleeping on a mound of grassy earth by the road beside their bikes. This is proving to be a challenging tour. I see Gill and Kirsty's weather beaten look and bloodshot eyes showing dehydration and then look in the mirror and see the same look in myself. I've always thought that there are four big threats to cycle tourists : saddle soreness; dehydration; sunburn and low blood sugar. All of us have the first 3 to varying degrees. I also think after day 4, a kind of fitness will kick in and make us stronger. Day 6 will be over 80 miles with a good few hills thrown in so we will be able to test whether this theory is accurate.
p.s We were deeply touched when Richard and Caroline jumped out from behind a bush on Bafford Approach to cheer us on our way as we set out on Saturday morning, and by all the texts we have recieved supporting us
Barry
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