It was very misty when we emerged from our tent. Everyone was ready early for the big day's ride ahead. We left at 8am in heavy mist. We were riding through forest and it was slightly undulating. A deer ran across the road in front of Liz. We had a hot chocolate at Bourg-St-Maria, along with many other riders. It was about 17 degrees during the day.
Around 11am it started to rain. Lunch was at Bulgneville, in the rain. We passed through many small villages during the day. The villages all had war memorials, some had very large churches. Many houses had flowers in window boxes.
We stopped also at a lookout at the Col du Poirier, alt. 430m, on a busy road. It was certainly high up, with crop fields all around. The day's ride was all on undulating roads, but they were mostly quiet backroads. The French people are all very friendly and say "Bonjour".
The rain was very heavy through the afternoon. We stopped to eat our nibbles and only a few times for photos. Unfortunately because of the rain the views and photo opportunities were not great.
It was about 5 pm when we arrived at camp very wet and cold. The site was very exposed and with the rain falling was not at all pleasant. In fact it would not have been pleasant anyway as it was on a recently mown field with the abulition blocks about 200 metres away. Eventually alternative arrangements were made with accommodation available in a nearby school gymnasium. So we came over and unpacked our wet bags and set up for the night. There were people sleeping on the stage and in the foyer. At least we did not have to put up our tents in the pouring rain and could eat in the dry also. After checking maps for the next days ride over the Alps it was an early lights out.
Mileage for the day was 133 kms, average 19.1. Total climbing for the day was 1460 metres.
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