Distance 52.8 miles

Ascent 603 metres Descent 636 metres

We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded Level 2 cyclist status by Christophe. I am wondering if my Cycling Proficiency Badge will give us any bonus points.

We are not sure how this occurred as Christophe’s predicted journey time for today was 6.15 hours and we did it in a little over 10 hours. Perhaps we were awarded points for perseverance.

As we climbed up from the campsite and lake the temperature also climbed and we were pleased to have the shade of the pine trees.

We followed Christophe and the EV3 route but both gave confusing signals and sent us on the mountain bike route.

It is getting hotter and the climbs are harder work.

Eventually arrived at our hotel to find door locked, shutters down and no-one around. Phoned the owner (without Hugo’s help) and we are in. Website says hotel has a restaurant but of course it is closed.

In town this evening everything is closed as it is the Whitsun holiday. We managed to find the one restaurant open in Mont de Marsan to drink to our Level 2 status.

Happy days.