Tuesday 15 July 2014

Dizzy, Miss Lizzy...Stage 5: Saint-Quentin to Saint-Dizier.


Sometimes you just can't get a tune out of your head...step forward the Pre-Fab Four with their cover of...


'Help', did someone say? Could've done with some oomph for the first half of today's wander...it was a trudge with some indifferent road surfaces, although still Le Gallic courtesy extended to wheezing cyclists is a source of wonder. Does their highway code say that they should/must give two-wheeled loons a 1.5m birth or something?



Whatever the case, on at least two occasions today I saw the guy overtaking me go so wide that he woke up the poor sod in the oncoming lane!

Two clicks too close for me. Move away...

Great to see Dave at The Winchester getting his dues.

I saw further reminders of The Great War, including a huge French graveyard. Brings you up short.

Saw a couple of more memorials along the way.

This one marks French 'fallen'.

I went through Reims about lunchtime: looks like an interesting town and not just because it is the world hq of shampoo.

Reims cathedral...good work!

Of course the countryside around Reims was full of fantastic looking vineyards and loads of producers trying to tempt you in...keep moving son, there's nothing for you here.

Apt. Bouzy on the Champagne trail?
I was very pleased to eventually see a village bar open: it was like a ghost town pretty much every where that I rode through...great for zero traffic but not great when you need water. Another note: say 'bidons', not 'bottles'. He was a cyclist so he was onside, hah-hah!
You expect France to be warm in July- it was a reminder of how the wall of heat from the tarmac just warms the cockles sometimes. Fair enough.

Cannondale's 2015 Sagan model released to the public. He probably still could wheelie it. Uphill. No hands.

Don't worry, hundreds of wee bast**d flies were harmed during this photo.

Took some finding but it was a tres pleasant final few miles to Saint-Dizier.

Tonight's acco is cheap and colourful. Let's leave it there. Early departure? We head south tomorrow, beginning the three hardest days...keep your fingers crossed. Cheers!


While we're here, and I know that I say this quite a bit, but a massive thank you to you generous types who have donated to these causes. Good on you. You know that I'm busting my balls out there at times, so it's really appreciated.

I will give £10 for every £50 that you do. Aside from that, there is one other thing that would help, if you can do it...please share this blog and/or the JG links with your pals/acquaintances/enemies.
Cheers!