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Day 9
So I think today is the day when I should be wearing that white jersey with the red polkadots! Part of the reason I treated myself to a lie in this morning was down to the fact I had looked ahead and see the terrain I have to cover... that and it's a Sunday after all!
The Achilles tendons in both legs were really hurting yesterday, and when I got up this morning they looked inflamed and I could feel something grating when I moved them around. Read up on the Internet and apparently this pain is down to having the seat too high. So I can't win really, too low = knee pain, and too high = Achilles tendon pain. I know what you're thinking, just stick it in the middle. Unfortunately the margin for adjustment is maybe 2 cm, so there's not a lot of scope for change!
As anticipated, the going was painfully slow to begin with this morning, with some seemingly endless ascents. By midday I hadn't even covered 10 miles, and was a little concerned. To add to this I realised that all shops were closing at 12.30, which meant I had to buy, and subsequently carry, the water I needed for the rest of the day.
Due to the additional weight, and how late in the day it was already, I decided to reroute, and use a longer, but seemingly flatter / faster alternative.
Glad to say the plan paid off, and after a cross country / valley stage I got onto the 'N' road. Not sure if I was supposed to be on it on a bike, as I had 3 or 4 people 'beep' at me whilst I was on it. It may just have been because my perfectly toned, lycra clad derrière was on display, and people liked what they saw, however I severely doubt that, and it was more a case that i shouldn't of been there.
However, I made it to Albi, and checked in to the Formula 1 Hotel (cheap and cheerful) so that's all that counts. Showered and popped next door for an all you can eat buffet, before convincing the waiter to give me sine ice for my knees / ankles and retiring to my bedroom.
P.S. In the pic you should be able to see a kneecap... I have trouble locating it these days!
Video Blogs:
Sundays in France suck: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh2VXrlxV5U
End of day / The Man That Says Umm... A Lot! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjgywxOZUJk
- comments
Annie Your joints are bringing out the"physio"in me....keep icing when ever you can.Have you any tubigrip with you? Might help s whilst you are cycling. X x
Dad and Mum Delighted to hear you've reached Carcassone. A brilliant effort so far - and only three more days in the saddle before that well-deserved, authentic tapas. Love the pix of your somewhat unusual tan. Stay safe and we look forward to catching up at the weekend.
David Any excuse to show your legs... Don't damage yourself - it's not called the Achilles tendon for nothing. And you've got Annie's physio to look forward to so we'll understand if u double your route x