I used the word grind yesterday to describe our cycling, today's word would be flying. Helped (for a rare change) by that same pesky wind we flew through our 66 miles here to Nantes. Or to be more accurate to our hotel in an industrial park on the outskirts of the city. We are well into our routines now, cycling, R&R stops, evening activities we are creatures of habit. There are variations on our routine, for example we (Alan) talk to people. Alan also attracts that French phenomenon, the village idiot. The other day he even attracted that rare person a cycle loving village idiot, Alan entertained him while the rest of us mounted up and peddled off determinedly. We rely on Alan to deal with idiots, it's in his job description. Another great day, cheers. AB.

I must admit that Andy is correct about the village idiots. They must see me as a like minded person. The cycling village idiot had the breath to wipe out a small village ( alcohol ) at 10am and then left us and jumped in his car!!!

Let me just take a moment to thank our small band of followers for their supportive comments on the blog. One yesterday was particularly pleasing and accurate so thank you.

The pensioner chat this morning switched from egg favourites to comparing breakfast fruit salads on the road. And , Mrs Andy, please do not encourage the egg conversations. You are not here , I am!!!

Good undulating cycling today and Jon and David piled on the pressure and left Andy and I floundering in their wake. Must be the profligacy of pineapple in the breakfast fruit salad. I should have listened.

Middle of nowhere tonight and forecast of rain tomorrow. Considering this and the potential evening conversation to come, it may be time to bite down on the cyanide capsule secreted in my left rear molar.

Blog may be " and the there were 3 " tomorrow.

APL

Yes, an excellent days cycling aided by an easy exit from Les Sables, ramrod straight, nicely undulating and not overly busy roads.

Now, I must correct Alan's assertion that David and I left A & A floundering in our wake ... this was on the few occasions that a modicum of navigational know how was needed, when A & A took 2 steps back and left D & I at the front. Once through the tricky manoeuvre we were discarded like a piece of litter, and A & A assumed their position 5 miles in front of us ... we know our place! Haha, only joking, it's true, we were always in front! (You decide which version is true!).

Another great day has been had by the intrepid quartet, slowly inching our way northwards. Now, I must concentrate on my beer and let D take over ... JPS

The troops are back on form now. The knock out from the European footie thingy and EEC have been forgotten miles ago (circa 200 miles). Al's new love is Spain so we might be cycling in Spain from now on. Apparently things are half the cost in Spain compared with France. Jon's been researching British Standards for colours with particular reference to football teams for some reason! Clearly he is getting bored not having any gym to go to. Andy has not referred to anything to do with footie for a day so he must be losing his faith. Whatever next.

DH

Postscript.....

Mrs Jon, where on earth did he get those safari trousers from. He has had them on tonight despite 25 degree temperatures. None of us have ever seen him in anything but shorts and please have a root through his wallet at home to see if he has kept the receipt.

All 3 of us would be grateful. I didn't think he could top the budgie smugglers but I was wrong again.

Actually, truth be known, I am really envious of Jon having a proper pair of pants when I have to walk around like a tramp with my cut down pantaloons (which I couldn't even cut straight), ... This must be why I attract the village idiots. APL