Distance 40.73 miles

Ascent 239 metres. Descent 244 metres

A ride along the EV 3 route known as La Scandiberique. Today’s section followed the Loire. A rest day for Christophe. We stopped at the delightful and busy town of Blois.

Today I got to use a present that I hoped I would never need. What do you need to change a tyre? Two Alisons and three tyre levers ( thank you Jackie they did the job perfectly).

What does it take to blow up that tyre? Two Alisons, a Frenchman, 4 pumps and a connector. Phew! All this cycling is making us weak.

The journey of a pilgrim is not always easy but more challenging has been finding someone to stamp our pilgrim passports. We thought today would be the exception. The Cathedral would be overflowing with people as it is Ascension day. The Cathedral was empty, the town hall closed and no one to ask. The assistant in the tourist office was unsure but stamped our passports with the official tourist office stamp. We are officially tourists.

We are not alone and in so many ways. This tent is a snug fit for two and I had not been expecting so many unexpected visitors. Think Alcatraz. I have to make my escape. Have been tunnelling hard but haven’t got very far yet.

I am not sure cycling is good for my body. Everyday I have to tighten my helmet fittings further. My head and brains must be shrinking.