52 miles ridden – 4600 feet climbed – temperature 22C

The idea of a shorter day appealed to everyone but in the typical sense of balance the climbing made it feel long. We were either doing one of three long climbs or we were on rollers – a bit up and bit down and then repeat for an hour.

There was no hint of rain which was great and although the air was cool when we set off it soon started to warm up. The scenery today was stunning, both natural and man made.

Much of the day seemed like wide open alpine meadows. Stunning colours and vistas that stretch out with crops, cattle, sheep and trees. Although we spent a lot of time in groups today, Sue and I spent quite a lot of time cycling alone. Of course you’re never really alone on cycling trips like this as other riders – now of course friends – are never more than a few minutes in front or behind which is reassuring.

In amongst the picturesque villages, there is the occasional industrial town which although visually unappealing has something which catches your eye. Tadcaster? Why? How?

The lowlight today was the squeak developing on my bike. Only going fast downhill – figure that one out! During the course of the day I tweaked, cleaned, and twiddled but to no avail and the final descent into Mende was the final straw. As fate would have it there was a bike shop opposite the hotel and a wizard there sorted it. I say wizard not because he got my back wheel into true (balance) but because he removed the tyre and inner tube simultaneously with his bare hands – that was pure magic.

Went passed an interesting side-line of my friend Barry too: