Summary
Having now completed the ride and with a little time to reflect, I'm really glad I chose to do this ride and would recommend it to anyone with a decent fitness level a sense of adventure and some minor bike repair skills, I’m no mechanic but I can bodge and repair a puncture.
Before the trip when explaining to people what I was planning, I got the impression a lot of them were surprised that I was doing this ride on my own. From quite a young age I have never been bothered about doing things on my own. I took up fishing as a child and although I do fish with friends in the most part it tends to be a solo activity. Spending vast amounts of time in search of Carp by a lake on your own. You are either comfortable with your own company or you’re not (those that aren't and fish tend to be loud, quite annoying, catch less than average and in my experience tend to be mainly brash builders or double glazing installers n.b. I presume they are not all like that, perhaps I’ve just been unlucky to fish lakes where they are), luckily for me I 'm one of those people that spending time on my own doesn't worry me. After all, my ride was only to Paris and back, there are lots of people who do a lot more.
Not only for this trip but in general seeing things from a bike is much better than by car, as you are travelling slower you see and notice a lot more. Even in Paris going down the Champs-Elysées you can come to a halt and pull over immediately, in a car this would be impossible.
if you spot something, you simply pull over or stop and look. If you’re in a car you couldn’t pull over easily. You’d then have the hassle of finding somewhere to park probably paying to do so.
The route:
Day 1 - Devizes to Portsmouth = 72.53 Miles
Portsmouth to Caen (on the overnight Ferry, bike doesn’t float that well)
Day 2 - Caen (Ouistreham) to Oissel, nr Rouen = 77.32 Miles
Day 3 – Oissel to Paris = 77.5 Miles
Day 4 – Sightseeing
Day 5 – Sightseeing
Day 6 – Paris to Évreux, via Versailles = 77.7 Miles
Day 7 – Évreux to Caen (Ouistreham) = 79.13 Miles
Caen to Portsmouth (on the overnight Ferry)
Day 8 – Portsmouth to Devizes = 68.71 Miles
A few Stats (according to iPhone app Cyclemeter by Abvio and a HRM):
Mileage Cycled to Paris & Back = 452.89 Miles
Sightseeing Mileage = 73.0 Miles
Grand Total Mileage = 525.89 Miles
Total Calories Burnt off excluding Sightseeing (I didn’t wear a Heart Rate Monitor whilst in tourist mode) = 19,098 which is equivalent to 144x25g bags of Walkers Cheese & Onion Crisps!
Average Speed = Slow! 13.4 mph
Luggage Weight 32.5lb, to put that in context, I have lost over 49lb since I started Cycling in April 2011, so my worries about overloading the bike weren’t founded.
Problems:
Nothing major, after arriving in Paris I did have pins & needles continuously in my left hand which I quickly researched on the internet and self-diagnosis was Hand Palsy.
Apparently it’s quite common in cyclists due to continued pressure on one of the nerves in the hand and it tends to be worse for those using straight handle bars, which I was. Other symptoms are reduced grip, which I have in my right hand. Effects can take up to a month to disappear!
The problem I had with the front mech was described in the earlier post, but other than these two minor problems, everything went smoothly, not even one puncture despite Paris being littered with broken glass everywhere. Mainly broken wine and beer bottles, especially by the river Seine.
After the ride
Before I went on the trip, I was asked by a friend if I wanted to do a Sportive on the day after I returned. Initially I declined, but during the ride back I still felt good (other than a tingly hand) and emailed him to say I was now interested. So today we went for what was supposed to be a leisurely ride with no panniers/luggage on the Severn Bridge Sportive Severn Bridge Sportive .
Last night I downloaded the GPX file for my phone; this confirmed the ride was actually 60.45 Miles, not 56. So after registration this morning, three of us set off to the Severn Bridge. All went well. One of the three Uriel (Chippenham’s own Contador, with a permanent smile) was happy to stay at a slower pace on his own, leaving me and my mate Andy to carry on at a relatively quick pace, so much for a slow ride. We got to the feed station in good time, refuelled on Flapjack, Coffee and anything else on offer and set off back.
The course was marked clearly with big white arrows on a Red Background and before the start one of the organisers, Andy Cook specifically mentioned that the shorter route split at a gap in the hedge not long after the feed station. Andy and I heard him, but somehow missed the gap! After about 6.5 miles we hadn’t got to the Severn bridge again and appeared to be heading deeper into Wales.
I checked the map on the phone and Andy asked a guy following behind us, “which route are you doing fella?” he replied “the long one”, Merde! (I learnt that one over in France!).
By the time we got back to where we should have turned we had added on an additional 13 odd miles! I don’t think either of us was overly pleased at tracking back up the hills we had just come down. To top it off, on the way to getting back on course, we went round a large roundabout, Andy in front. A car waiting to come on the roundabout let Andy past and started to pull out in front of me. I took evasive action, loudly gesticulated with the driver after the sudden rush of adrenaline to get out the way. Andy thought I was shouting at him, looked round and clipped the kerb and landed on the pavement heavily, although he did finish with a spectacular roll. With over 30 miles left to go, not the best place to be coming off.
Once we’d got the chain back on the bike and set off again, I did say to Andy, after leaving Uriel to go at a slower pace, that “wouldn’t it be funny if he got back before us”. The reply was quite short and very much in the negative.
We made it back after spending just over 4 hours in the saddle, our pre-feed station average speed being 19.94 mph, by the end we’d dropped to 17.86mph, Uriel came in about 5 minutes after us…
What was supposed to be a 56 mile ride ended up being just a little bit fewer than 74 miles.
Route: Severn Sportive 2012 - Short
Google Maps URL: Today’s 56/73.7 Mile Sportive
Started: 26 Aug 2012 08:07:23
Ride Time: 4:07:41
Stopped Time: 34:44
Distance: 73.72 miles
Average Speed: 17.86 mph
Fastest Speed: 42.71 mph
Ascent: 2118 feet
Descent: 2102 feet
Calories: 2459
Average Heart Rate: 130 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate: 184 bpm
I’m going to have a complete rest day from the bike tomorrow!
Sunday 26 August 2012
Last Day - Return to Devizes
Sorry for the delay in updating the Blog, yesterday and today have been hectic.
I arrived back in Portsmouth at 6:30 UK time yesterday.The cabin on the ferry was quite good and definitely a lot better than the reclining seats that I had on the way out.
The alarm in the cabin is pre-set to go off an hour before the ferry is due in port which gives just the right amount of time to get washed, dressed and out for some breakfast. I was out of the room in super fast time to try and get in the breakfast queue before too many others. I made my way up to the cafe area, came round the corner to a queue from hell. Not overly pleased as I needed the calories.
I headed back to find somewhere to sit to eat the last couple of pain au chocolat in my bag and in front of me was a sign for the Restaurant. As I walked through the door it was clear to see a load of empty tables, lots of food and a bunch of French waiters ready to go!
The breakfast was near enough identical to the one in the cafe (which I had on the way over). The only difference being it was about £3 more. But for this, it was brought to the table with extra toast and a large pot of coffee instead of a cup, bargain!!
As I got off the ferry, the ramp and roads were wet and it didn't take too long before the rain started.
After a week in the sun I couldn't complain, I had been lucky so far so a bit of rain on the last small part of the journey wasn't too much of a problem.
The ride back was good other than one mechanical problem coming through Upavon about 10 miles from the end. During the ride to Paris and back, 5 or 6 times when changing the front gears, the chain locked up between the mechanism and the front sprockets. Each time it wasn't too much of a problem, I back pedalled and it freed up allowing the chain to drop onto the intended sprocket. Today it happened just as I was about to put extra power on to go up the hill coming into Upavon.
It locked, there was a nasty metallic noise and with the extra effort I was applying to try and power up the small hill, something gave and the chain started to continually rub against the front shifter.
To get going again I had to undo the front mech and move it round slightly which had the effect of stopping me from using the lowest front sprocket. Arriving back in Devizes was excellent; I'd hurriedly arranged to go back to the District club from where I had left a week earlier, as I was going to make it in time before closing. When I came round the corner of the Town hall, I was greeted by several members outside the club, my Partner Belle and Rebekah and my Mother all clapping, shouting and taking photographs. It was a great welcome home which was much appreciated.
Route: Leg 6 - Portsmouth to Devizes
See the last part of the Journey here
Ride Time: 5:01:48
Stopped Time: 2:43:35 (most of this time was spent in the club having a beer or two before riding home)
Distance: 68.71 miles
Average: 13.66 mph
Ascent: 2776 feet
Descent: 2356 feet
Calories: 2384
I arrived back in Portsmouth at 6:30 UK time yesterday.The cabin on the ferry was quite good and definitely a lot better than the reclining seats that I had on the way out.
The alarm in the cabin is pre-set to go off an hour before the ferry is due in port which gives just the right amount of time to get washed, dressed and out for some breakfast. I was out of the room in super fast time to try and get in the breakfast queue before too many others. I made my way up to the cafe area, came round the corner to a queue from hell. Not overly pleased as I needed the calories.
I headed back to find somewhere to sit to eat the last couple of pain au chocolat in my bag and in front of me was a sign for the Restaurant. As I walked through the door it was clear to see a load of empty tables, lots of food and a bunch of French waiters ready to go!
The breakfast was near enough identical to the one in the cafe (which I had on the way over). The only difference being it was about £3 more. But for this, it was brought to the table with extra toast and a large pot of coffee instead of a cup, bargain!!
As I got off the ferry, the ramp and roads were wet and it didn't take too long before the rain started.
After a week in the sun I couldn't complain, I had been lucky so far so a bit of rain on the last small part of the journey wasn't too much of a problem.
The ride back was good other than one mechanical problem coming through Upavon about 10 miles from the end. During the ride to Paris and back, 5 or 6 times when changing the front gears, the chain locked up between the mechanism and the front sprockets. Each time it wasn't too much of a problem, I back pedalled and it freed up allowing the chain to drop onto the intended sprocket. Today it happened just as I was about to put extra power on to go up the hill coming into Upavon.
It locked, there was a nasty metallic noise and with the extra effort I was applying to try and power up the small hill, something gave and the chain started to continually rub against the front shifter.
To get going again I had to undo the front mech and move it round slightly which had the effect of stopping me from using the lowest front sprocket. Arriving back in Devizes was excellent; I'd hurriedly arranged to go back to the District club from where I had left a week earlier, as I was going to make it in time before closing. When I came round the corner of the Town hall, I was greeted by several members outside the club, my Partner Belle and Rebekah and my Mother all clapping, shouting and taking photographs. It was a great welcome home which was much appreciated.
Route: Leg 6 - Portsmouth to Devizes
See the last part of the Journey here
Ride Time: 5:01:48
Stopped Time: 2:43:35 (most of this time was spent in the club having a beer or two before riding home)
Distance: 68.71 miles
Average: 13.66 mph
Ascent: 2776 feet
Descent: 2356 feet
Calories: 2384
Friday 24 August 2012
Evreux to Caen
Last night I stayed in a Kyriad hotel which is part of the same group that owns the campanile hotels. I'd looked at the campanile in Evreux and Trip advisor had poor reviews. To be fair Campaniles are similar to Travelodges at home. Basic, and no matter which one you stay in they don't vary that match other than some are more tired than others. On the other hand Kyriad had great reviews and was only a few euros more. So with the reviews I opted for that one.
Mmm... The reception was nice...
Today started a little later than I'd anticipated. I hit snooze on the alarm clock, or thought I had, but had turned off the alarm. Today's ride was expected to be about 80 miles. With the ferry not due to leave until 23:00 this meant I had plenty of time to get to the port.
Before I set off I plastered myself in suntan lotion to avoid a repeat of yesterday's sunburn. I'd put so much on it took half an hour for it to soak on and for me not to look like I'd been white washed.
Can't remember if I mentioned in yesterday's entry, once again near the end of the route I went wrong again, that's every day now without fail. Today I was determined for this not to happen again, so I hatched a cunning plan (baldric). After my stop for Lunch in Lisieux, instead of following the planned route, I cut north on the D45 and hooked up with the D675 which I came out of Ouistreham on Saturday. It worked, I got back to the port no problems and then got there just after 16:30. As boarding doesn't start until 22:00 it left me plenty of time to look round Ouistreham. An hour and a half later, with that done I went to McDonald's, to kill more time, 2nd Mc'd in one day.
I'm Currently waiting in the port for boarding. The French girl I spoke to at 16:30 said I couldn't check in until 21:30. I managed to check in at 20:00! Perhaps it's because I asked her in English rather than French. No Anglo French love lost there!
Route: Leg 5 - Evreux to Ouistreham
Activity: Cycle
Google Maps URL:
Today's route here
Started: 24 Aug 2012 09:07:52
Ride Time: 5:46:07
Stopped Time: 1:53:28
Distance: 79.13 miles
Average Speed: 13.72 mph
Fastest Speed: 49.39 mph
Ascent: 1630 feet
Descent: 1867 feet
Calories: 2360
Average Heart Rate: 109 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate: 145 bpm
Mmm... The reception was nice...
Today started a little later than I'd anticipated. I hit snooze on the alarm clock, or thought I had, but had turned off the alarm. Today's ride was expected to be about 80 miles. With the ferry not due to leave until 23:00 this meant I had plenty of time to get to the port.
Before I set off I plastered myself in suntan lotion to avoid a repeat of yesterday's sunburn. I'd put so much on it took half an hour for it to soak on and for me not to look like I'd been white washed.
Can't remember if I mentioned in yesterday's entry, once again near the end of the route I went wrong again, that's every day now without fail. Today I was determined for this not to happen again, so I hatched a cunning plan (baldric). After my stop for Lunch in Lisieux, instead of following the planned route, I cut north on the D45 and hooked up with the D675 which I came out of Ouistreham on Saturday. It worked, I got back to the port no problems and then got there just after 16:30. As boarding doesn't start until 22:00 it left me plenty of time to look round Ouistreham. An hour and a half later, with that done I went to McDonald's, to kill more time, 2nd Mc'd in one day.
I'm Currently waiting in the port for boarding. The French girl I spoke to at 16:30 said I couldn't check in until 21:30. I managed to check in at 20:00! Perhaps it's because I asked her in English rather than French. No Anglo French love lost there!
Route: Leg 5 - Evreux to Ouistreham
Activity: Cycle
Google Maps URL:
Today's route here
Started: 24 Aug 2012 09:07:52
Ride Time: 5:46:07
Stopped Time: 1:53:28
Distance: 79.13 miles
Average Speed: 13.72 mph
Fastest Speed: 49.39 mph
Ascent: 1630 feet
Descent: 1867 feet
Calories: 2360
Average Heart Rate: 109 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate: 145 bpm
Thursday 23 August 2012
Paris to Evreux
I started the journey home today. The planned route taking in the palace at Versailles.
I got to Versailles with little trouble, getting in with a bike however is impossible. Entrance is via the side entrance to the garden, sailors gate. Once in the grounds I decided to take a ride around the lake. This small jaunt round the lake ended up being about 4.5 miles. The palace from the outside is certainly impressive, especially from the main gate which I wasn't allowed through with a bike.
Today's ride was on the best roads so far. Smooth and fast, although average speed was only 13mph, I was regularly over 20, managing to draft both a French Cyclist and a tractor for several miles.
The French Cyclist was interested in my ride,although neither of us spoke each others languages particularly well we did manage to communicate..sort of.
It was another warm day for riding and I forgot to put on the sun cream. By the time I noticed I'd had a little too much sun I was only about 10 miles from the Hotel, so I carried on. Once I took my shirt off the burn line was quite impressive both on my arms and legs. Think I'll put the sun tan lotion on at the start of tomorrows ride. :-)
Route: Leg 4 - Paris to Evreux
Click this link to see today's ride route !
Started: 23 Aug 2012 07:47:53
Ride Time: 5:49:54
Stopped Time: 3:13:29
Distance: 77.70 miles
Average Speed: 13.32 mph
Fastest Speed: 49.57 mph
Ascent: 4667 feet
Descent: 4396 feet
Calories: 2351
I got to Versailles with little trouble, getting in with a bike however is impossible. Entrance is via the side entrance to the garden, sailors gate. Once in the grounds I decided to take a ride around the lake. This small jaunt round the lake ended up being about 4.5 miles. The palace from the outside is certainly impressive, especially from the main gate which I wasn't allowed through with a bike.
Today's ride was on the best roads so far. Smooth and fast, although average speed was only 13mph, I was regularly over 20, managing to draft both a French Cyclist and a tractor for several miles.
The French Cyclist was interested in my ride,although neither of us spoke each others languages particularly well we did manage to communicate..sort of.
It was another warm day for riding and I forgot to put on the sun cream. By the time I noticed I'd had a little too much sun I was only about 10 miles from the Hotel, so I carried on. Once I took my shirt off the burn line was quite impressive both on my arms and legs. Think I'll put the sun tan lotion on at the start of tomorrows ride. :-)
Route: Leg 4 - Paris to Evreux
Click this link to see today's ride route !
Started: 23 Aug 2012 07:47:53
Ride Time: 5:49:54
Stopped Time: 3:13:29
Distance: 77.70 miles
Average Speed: 13.32 mph
Fastest Speed: 49.57 mph
Ascent: 4667 feet
Descent: 4396 feet
Calories: 2351
Last day in Paris 22/8/2012
Took it easy today. Went up the Eiffel Tower. I was pleasantly surprised the price wasn't a rip off. Admission up to the second section (I couldn't be bothered to wait in the queue to get to the top) was only €5. They had a couple of places to get food and even this was reasonable, pain au chocolat and a coffee €4.50!
After the Eiffel tower I visited The Louvre, using the Lions Entrance as advised by Bike About Tours, there was no queue. The main entrance queue was massive.
Coming in at the Lions entrance brings you straight in by the Anglais paintings. They had several by Turner and Constable. The hallways were impressive but I was struck by how hot it was. Apparently they receive about 15,000 visitors per day! The temperature and humidity were almost unbearable in some areas and you'd think it'd damage the paintings.
The Mona Lisa was a tad difficult to see. The crowd was a good 20 people deep. The Venus di milo statue was a lot easier to get to.
Google Maps URL: Today's tourist route.
Started: 22 Aug 2012 08:40:31
Ride Time: 2:04:52
Stopped Time: 6:17:04
Distance: 19.65 miles
Average Speed: 9.44 mph
Fastest Speed: 38.49 mph
Ascent: 5873 feet
Descent: 6015 feet
After the Eiffel tower I visited The Louvre, using the Lions Entrance as advised by Bike About Tours, there was no queue. The main entrance queue was massive.
Coming in at the Lions entrance brings you straight in by the Anglais paintings. They had several by Turner and Constable. The hallways were impressive but I was struck by how hot it was. Apparently they receive about 15,000 visitors per day! The temperature and humidity were almost unbearable in some areas and you'd think it'd damage the paintings.
The Mona Lisa was a tad difficult to see. The crowd was a good 20 people deep. The Venus di milo statue was a lot easier to get to.
Google Maps URL: Today's tourist route.
Started: 22 Aug 2012 08:40:31
Ride Time: 2:04:52
Stopped Time: 6:17:04
Distance: 19.65 miles
Average Speed: 9.44 mph
Fastest Speed: 38.49 mph
Ascent: 5873 feet
Descent: 6015 feet
Tuesday 21 August 2012
1st day as a tourist
Well, what to say... What a city.
So different to anywhere I've been before. I'd found out before coming about a tour company that show you round on a bike. The reviews online were good and I wasn't disappointed. I was the only person who turned up on their own bike all kitted out with cycle gloves etc.
Our Guide Christian took us around Paris on a bike friendly route. So bike friendly we didn't come across that many cars. The guide was fantastic with a good knowledge and a passion for Paris' history. The tour looked good on the website, trip advisor backed that up and I can say for sure, it was well worth the fee. We covered about 8 miles seeing a lot more than I believe i'd have seen in a conventional walking or bus tour.
Cycling route today
Started: 21 Aug 2012 08:17:23
Ride Time: 2:39:42
Stopped Time: 5:55:41
Distance: 20.95 miles
Overall I'm extremely impressed with Paris. Previously I've only passed through the outskirts, typically on
the way to a lake somewhere.
It's the little differences. We have the same in England that they have here, but it's just...just it's a little different!
Air quality seems better than London (other than I'm a restaurant sat next to someone smoking).
Architecture is phenomenal as are the open spaces.
The only thing I don't like is the cobbles!!
No photo today. The uploads not working.
So different to anywhere I've been before. I'd found out before coming about a tour company that show you round on a bike. The reviews online were good and I wasn't disappointed. I was the only person who turned up on their own bike all kitted out with cycle gloves etc.
Our Guide Christian took us around Paris on a bike friendly route. So bike friendly we didn't come across that many cars. The guide was fantastic with a good knowledge and a passion for Paris' history. The tour looked good on the website, trip advisor backed that up and I can say for sure, it was well worth the fee. We covered about 8 miles seeing a lot more than I believe i'd have seen in a conventional walking or bus tour.
Cycling route today
Started: 21 Aug 2012 08:17:23
Ride Time: 2:39:42
Stopped Time: 5:55:41
Distance: 20.95 miles
Overall I'm extremely impressed with Paris. Previously I've only passed through the outskirts, typically on
the way to a lake somewhere.
It's the little differences. We have the same in England that they have here, but it's just...just it's a little different!
Air quality seems better than London (other than I'm a restaurant sat next to someone smoking).
Architecture is phenomenal as are the open spaces.
The only thing I don't like is the cobbles!!
No photo today. The uploads not working.
Monday 20 August 2012
Got Here.
Arrived in Paris at just gone 17:00.
Very good days riding after a good nights sleep at Michael and Pascaline's house in Oissel.
Both Michael and Pascaline were perfect hosts. They welcomed me into their home, fed me, took me to see Rouen which I would not have otherwise had time for. We went to a viewpoint over the city which had an amazing view with the sun setting. We also went to the place where Joan of Arc was burnt and incarcerated (other way round). There was an Irish bar not far from the spot where Joan of Arc was burnt. So we had to stop there :-)
After having a great breakfast prepared by Michael, I set off just after 8am. I knew at 10 miles there was going to be a big climb. It was clear to see in my cyclemeter app. At 7 miles I could see it looming up on my right. Once I'd started it, the gearing and forced slow pace made it not too bad (I find it hard not to race up hills...thanks Strava!).
My intended route was nearly all D roads all the way. Ond of them being the D14. That one was a mistake, it was a dual carriageway with lots of fast lorries. I took the opportunity at the next turn off to make a route change and wound my way through several small villages. Going through one, it had a sign pointing the way for London to Paris, green avenue. I thought "this is good, I could follow this". I didn't see another sign for several miles. The second one I saw pointed up a dirt track. With fully loaded panniers I thought better of it and carried on with the near exclusive country roads I was on.
As I neared Paris and what's annoyingly recurring, even though I'm following a map on my iPhone.. I went wrong and ended up on another fast road. After some route modifications I found my way to the hotel, quite tired and in need of a shower and a shave.
After a rest and a phone home, my mind turned to food. I'd burned off 2356 calories on the ride and needed to get back in credit. The plan (I know it's bad in more ways than one) was a McDonald's. However I decided I quickly nip over to the Eiffel tower. On the way I ended up at the top of the Champs Élysées. Best pedal forward I attempted to cycle down it, to quote a friend, more like wobbly bigguns than Bradley Wiggins. I've never seen traffic like it and I've decided...I don't like cobbles!!
Instead of Macdonalds I plumped for a nice looking Restaurant called Le Poincare, it was out the way, busy with locals and reasonably priced. Sill can't understand how the waiter instantly knew I was English before I'd even had a chance to say Bonsoir!
Two days off for some sight seeing although I saw quite a bit tonight, then three days to get home.
Route: Leg 3 - Oissel to Paris
Activity: Cycle
See where I rode here !
Started: 20 Aug 2012 08:22:33
Ride Time: 6:14:54
Stopped Time: 2:39:16
Distance: 77.50 miles
Average Speed: 12.40 mph
Fastest Speed: 48.57 mph
Ascent: 3198 feet
Descent: 2988 feet
Calories: 2356
Very good days riding after a good nights sleep at Michael and Pascaline's house in Oissel.
Both Michael and Pascaline were perfect hosts. They welcomed me into their home, fed me, took me to see Rouen which I would not have otherwise had time for. We went to a viewpoint over the city which had an amazing view with the sun setting. We also went to the place where Joan of Arc was burnt and incarcerated (other way round). There was an Irish bar not far from the spot where Joan of Arc was burnt. So we had to stop there :-)
After having a great breakfast prepared by Michael, I set off just after 8am. I knew at 10 miles there was going to be a big climb. It was clear to see in my cyclemeter app. At 7 miles I could see it looming up on my right. Once I'd started it, the gearing and forced slow pace made it not too bad (I find it hard not to race up hills...thanks Strava!).
My intended route was nearly all D roads all the way. Ond of them being the D14. That one was a mistake, it was a dual carriageway with lots of fast lorries. I took the opportunity at the next turn off to make a route change and wound my way through several small villages. Going through one, it had a sign pointing the way for London to Paris, green avenue. I thought "this is good, I could follow this". I didn't see another sign for several miles. The second one I saw pointed up a dirt track. With fully loaded panniers I thought better of it and carried on with the near exclusive country roads I was on.
As I neared Paris and what's annoyingly recurring, even though I'm following a map on my iPhone.. I went wrong and ended up on another fast road. After some route modifications I found my way to the hotel, quite tired and in need of a shower and a shave.
After a rest and a phone home, my mind turned to food. I'd burned off 2356 calories on the ride and needed to get back in credit. The plan (I know it's bad in more ways than one) was a McDonald's. However I decided I quickly nip over to the Eiffel tower. On the way I ended up at the top of the Champs Élysées. Best pedal forward I attempted to cycle down it, to quote a friend, more like wobbly bigguns than Bradley Wiggins. I've never seen traffic like it and I've decided...I don't like cobbles!!
Instead of Macdonalds I plumped for a nice looking Restaurant called Le Poincare, it was out the way, busy with locals and reasonably priced. Sill can't understand how the waiter instantly knew I was English before I'd even had a chance to say Bonsoir!
Two days off for some sight seeing although I saw quite a bit tonight, then three days to get home.
Route: Leg 3 - Oissel to Paris
Activity: Cycle
See where I rode here !
Started: 20 Aug 2012 08:22:33
Ride Time: 6:14:54
Stopped Time: 2:39:16
Distance: 77.50 miles
Average Speed: 12.40 mph
Fastest Speed: 48.57 mph
Ascent: 3198 feet
Descent: 2988 feet
Calories: 2356
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