Be careful what you ask for. I thought I was tired of hills And asking for flat terrain, until we had wind today. Give me hills over wind any day. The course today was flat with a strong headwind. We left Bordeaux as a group and did an off-course tour of the city. Bordeaux is a beautiful place and I hope I can come back someday to do a decent visit of the architecture, museums and restaurants. It is a beautiful place. We rode 15 miles on city streets and bike paths through the suburbs before we got into the countryside. I was riding with Jed and at mile 15 he had a flat. His second of the trip. Thus far we’ve had five flats and three accidents. But all is good. I had a really hard time today. I am very tired from yesterday’s 120 mile day. This morning when we set out 55 miles seemed like an easy day, until the wind hit us. The terrain today was very different from what we’ve seen in the rest of France. No farms, orchards, or vineyards here. We are in southwest France, getting close to the border with Spain and just a mile from the Atlantic Ocean. It is flat and wooded. We rode a two lane highway that had no shoulder and drivers were not happy to see us there. Many cars honked and yelled at us. I was tired and frustrated by the wind. Jed and I rode together, taking turns pulling each mile. I just wanted it to be over. When we finally reached our destination for the day, it was too early to check into the hotel, so we had lunch. When the rooms were ready, I went straight to my room, took off my sweat drenched biking clothes, and laid across the bed for a nap. I was totally spent. When I got up, I showered and took a walk to the lake. We are in a resort area popular with French families. No Americans here, just campers and vans in the campground on the beautiful lake. Our resort and restaurant is the only one in town. I sat by the lake watching the families while I did some stretching. My knees are sore and the legimemts in the backs of my knees are tight from all the climbing. I am so looking forward to the rest day. Just one more day of riding and then we have a day off. I need it. James (who organized this adventure and has ridden the route once before) warned us that the toughest days are ahead. The heat and terrain in Spain are more brutal than anything thus far. I hope I am up to it. I am so tired this evening, it is hard to decide. The forecast for tomorrow is for rain. I am actually hoping it does, because it will be cooler. 77 miles tomorrow with little climbing. I am hoping there is no wind.
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