The Discover Adventure team agreed that we could leave later than scheduled as we finished much earlier then planned yesterday. This meant we had a lie-in until 6.30am and set out at 8.15. The weather was good, overcast but dry and warm albeit with a bit of a headwind that stayed with us all day. We all agreed that we would ease off the pace, but that did not stop Terry Macey taking off like a scalded cat. This would be a theme of the day, with his room-mate and partner in crime Carlo Gajewski, the pair avowed not to be beaten to the finish by the famously pacey Steve Hutton. Sneaking away from drinks and lunch, and not stopping in Chablis having said they would, ensured that they stayed ahead despite best efforts to reel them in!
Today saw the first climb of any note, a winding 2km hill which proved a solid test for all. Our reward was a fast, swooping downhill section, with super descender Steve Rice taking the maximum speed colours. No doubt riding a bike weighing just short of 500cwt helped with that.
A large part of the day comprised undulating landscape, and coupled with the headwind this made for testing conditions. Working with Steve Hutton, Steve Rice, George Smith and newly recruited Green Army cadet Henry (surname unknown, affectionately known as Henri D'Hoover) we maintained a good pace and, despite agreement to the contrary actually increased our average speed compared to the day before even with the significantly "lumpier" nature of the route.
We arrived at the hotel in Semur at 4pm, but unfortunately the weather was not good enough for us to enjoy the outdoor swimming pool.
Tomorrow the climbing starts in earnest with a 6km hill to contend with during the 98 mile route. We depart at 8.15 again and once again have agreed that in view of the length of the ride we will moderate the pace a little. We'll see!
The team will be wearing the charity kit tomorrow.
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