Day Three

Start: Peronne   Finish: Chateau Thierry   

Distance: 85miles   Climb: 3,700ft   Moving Time: 6:38   Average Speed: 13mph     Max Speed: 40mph

Wow. I wasn’t expecting that one. Both Albert and I are totally broken!

Great nights sleep in the ever-accommodating Ibis, followed by a huge breakfast, and we set off on our way to Chateau Thierry. We’d planned our route over breakfast – and knew what faced us – 35 miles of fast, flat country roads followed by 35 miles peppered with a number of big climbs.

Whilst our route planning, and my Garmin sat nav, has been pretty good so far – at some points our desire to be on quiet country lanes has meant that we’ve come across some farm tracks that have meant we’ve had to pick up our bikes and carry them! Only about 300m today – but it certainly disrupts the rhythm!

The flat first 35 miles flew by at a good pace – with beautiful quiet roads under a burning sun. At one point – a road closure meant that we really did own the road for a good 3 mile stretch. Most of which downhill, and spent perfecting our handsfree cycling.

We continue to fly through quaint villages, with classic architecture and beautiful churches – and today came across the ruins of a huge abbey, tucked away in the middle of nowhere.

I’m still struggling with timings in France – and am yet to make it to café or restaurant before they stop serving lunch – so we picked up some items from a supermarket and headed for a nearby river. It turned out the river was right next to a huge industrial plant, and so we actually ended up relaxing on the goal line of the town’s football stadium.

When we hit the hills – it got REALLY tough. I hit a real low point around 55 miles and have been struggling with some knee pain, but it’s amazing what a 5 minute break and a banana can do! I’ve been ridiculously impressed with Albert’s efforts. From zero training to an 85 mile ride is no mean feat – and having him with me has really helped pick me up when tired.

I’ve learned a big lesson today though. Up to now, we’ve been planning routes to maximize time on quiet roads and nice views. This is definitely the way forward for the mornings and first 50 miles or so – and makes it a lot more enjoyable. BUT – once you start to get tired, all you want to do is reach the finish point, and really don’t have time for the views! Today’s ride ended up being 10 miles longer than planned – and that really hurt when coming in to the last hour and a few extra ‘bonus’ hills!

The descent into Chateau Thierry though – was brilliant. About 2 miles of downhill, averaging over 25mph. But boy was I ready to put the bike away! Day finished off with an incredible Moroccan tagine and (hopefully) and early night.

Tomorrow – we head to Troyes. Its 70 miles (hopefully!) with a killer climb first thing. I can see the hill and vineyards out of the hotel window – it looks pretty terrifying – but after the initial climb we should have quite a pleasant cruise in. It’s my Mum and Dad’s (read: Support Team) anniversary tomorrow – so I’m pretty keen to get to Troyes in good time so that we can find a great restaurant to celebrate in.

I’ll now pass over to Albert – for an undoubted slating!

Albert:

If any of you out there have ever sat on a very small ergonomically-shaped bicycle seat for 6.5 hours, you will forgive me for spending the best part of the last hour today cursing Sam. It was not enjoyable.

Luckily for him, we parted ways after about 120km, Sam choosing the hilly country lanes that led him in a northerly (wrong) direction, whilst I chose what can only be described as a busy motorway, complete with speeding trucks driven by maniacs and angry Frenchmen at the wheels of unwieldy and unpredictable Citroens. Nightmare.

Apart from the minor setbacks, it was a very pleasant day, cruising through beautiful villages, past white stone Chateaux and across glorious farmland. A very pleasant but long and gruelling ride. Thank you Sam…