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Day 11
Tailwind... finally! Had to do 2.7 extra miles to get back on right side of dual carriageway, but did 21 miles before a break in just 1hr8mins, at average speed of 18.42mph. Not too bad for a bloke who's been cycling 10 days straight and who's body is slowly falling apart!
Speaking of which, visited a pharmacy and in my best French said: "Je voudrais analgésiques anti-inflammatoires pour mes genoux et les chevilles," which I hope translates roughly into: "I would like painkillers with anti-inflammatories for my knees and ankles." I've started taking what she's given me, so hopefully it's the right stuff!
Following that, getting to Narbonne was fairly easy, as the wind really helped me out. Unfortunately, as soon as I turned south for Perpignan, the wind became an immense frustration as it did it's best to knock me off the bike. It was taking hold of the panniers, and it meant I was constantly fighting the handle bars to try and keep it straight. Also felt like I was on a permanent corner, leaning the bike right over into the wind... not great fun, and a few French drivers may have been slightly confused by this mad cyclist who was yelling a series of threats and curses into seemingly thin air. I did refrain from getting off and actually punching and kicking the air, but it was close. Even writing this now is again filling me with a deep hatred!
Anyways, succumbed to desire and stopped at a McDonalds en route, where i made use of the WiFi and demolished a big mac! When I took off again afterwards, the wind didn't seem so bad, and I made good time into Perpignan centre.
Once in Place Arago, I called Patricia (a work colleague of my Dads) who came to meet me. Was very nice to be fussed over and made to eat and drink lots, and also just to have a good conversation with both herself and her sister, which did end in us condemning the British legal system! I did refrain from drinking alcohol, as I have done this entire trip, it's kept me fit and also thar first beer in Barcelona is going to taste all the better because of it!
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