So day five completed – 95 miles of French countryside rolled passed, punctuated with frequent pastry, coffee and lubrication stops. The latter happens usually just after lunch and is the reapplication of the chamois cream. I must stress this is only performed by oneself, although the passing of a wet-wipe or tissue is permitted. Den has offered to lend a hand – I’m unsure if this is allowed, but his hands are quite rough.
Our lunch stop today underlined two things:
1. I’m a rubbish vegetarian
2. I can spot sex workers from a considerable distance.
We stopped for lunch in Bourges and placed our bikes outside the bar. The lady owner seemed concerned, but we assured her it was fine. I thought it was due to the few unscrupulous souls wandering passed, but she seemed happy as long as we sat where we could see our bikes. My meal arrived an amazing salad with lettuce, sun dried tomatoes, artichokes, rice, coles, ham and chicken. Now I’ve been a vegetarian for 25 years, but I’ve not recently cycled 1000 miles, so despite worrying what effect it may have on my system – I eat what’s put in front of me. I figure my body needs fueling and as long as it is not KFC then bring it on.
On leaving the bar we looked down the street to see some charming local ladies who seemed to conduct the part of their business on the street. Both looked a little unusually dressed and seemed to be keen to make acquaintance with anyone. They smiled at us and I assumed they were maybe drawn to our muscular thighs and tight abs (only on Den). It was only then the big sign saying Sex Shop gave away their profession – probably mime artists. However, not one of them did a walking into the wind or elevator mime.
The day rolled on and we spent some of our time fighting with modern technology. My Garmin intent on routing us through imaginary roads, farm tracks or even railway lines. Finally, we spent quite sometime trying to take a picture of a sign which said “Les Denis” with another phone with a picture of Les Dennis on it. Only with Den could I be having such adventures.
