We left Biarritz at 11:30 on our bikes after a photo at the beach then followed our carefully plotted route out of town then along a river on a nice bike path.
On the beach at Biarritz |
Then through undulating country through farmland and small villages then through a lovely gorge.
There were some steep climbs as we proceeded up the valley then a VERY steep hill - the big climb of the day.
Mike, Greg and Phil got ahead, George, John and I rode ogether. On the descent we stopped for a drink at a secluded friendly Manexenea hotel for a rest and Coke.
We rode together to the historic village of Saint-Jean-Pied-do-Port on the Saint Jacques pilgrim route.
Another climb took up the higher ground followed by nice fast riding to get to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a lovely old town with cobbled streets.
Excellent dinner - local fish (John Dory) and lamb shoulder was on the menu.
It was hot today - up to 38C - which made the cycling challenging.
Hopefully my fitness will improve - its a 120km day tomorrow with 2000m of climbing.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port |
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port |
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port |
Dinner in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port |
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