A bit of everything

We started off the day by packing up our hotel room. Then our landlord's daughter appeared to take our heading off picture. 

We first tried to go to the bike shop down the street to pump up our bike tires a bit but it was not yet open. Then coasted downhill through Paris for some harrowing city riding. Lots of taxis honking and police cars yowling. Although we hadn't even made 3 miles when I glanced in my mirror and noticed that my mom was no longer behind us. We doubled back and she had a flat tire. It had popped because it was too flat. My dad swapped it out and began pumping up the new one when suddenly the little pump broke. So there we were with a flat tire and the others low on air without a pump. 

We began looking for the nearest bike shop that was open but luckily my dad fixed the pump. We topped up the tires and continued on our way. 1 hour into our ride having gone 2 miles. We continued through Paris for more city riding for a while longer. We went through a park in Paris which was a pleasant break from the roads and eventually transitioned to town riding. We then came to the roundabout where our entire trip splits in a 600 mile lollipop which was exciting. 

Then we took a break for the much important bakery stop. 

Then, rejuvenated we continued on our ride. We eventually came across our first large hill and began climbing. Our map told us to turn right at the top, suddenly into the forest. 

We began the off road portion of the day. We happened across a large bridge which was much longer and darker than first thought. 

The tunnel must have been 60 feet long and it was very dark. My mom made the mistake of wearing sunglasses and couldn't see a thing. We then came across a huge bridge with people climbing on ropes. 

finally we came to the end of the off road section and found our path blocked by none other than a wheat field. 

luckily there was a track leading around it. We continued with country riding for a while longer. Until we were confronted with another track. 

it was arrow straight and seemed to go on for miles. We learned from a sign that it had obviously been the site of the 1969 land speed world record with a jet powered monorail. I can't believe we didn't think of that. Eventually we came to the village where we were staying and our campground is a 300 year old castle sort of farm with a tower. 

There is a beautiful green field for us to pitch our tents in. We had a good supper of noodles and sauce and everything tastes delicious when you have just biked 33 miles on fully loaded bikes. I think we forgot how much happens in one day of biking and I can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store for us. 

- Lyle