Day 8

We had a good few issues to discuss this morning! Peter and John went off to the local hospital to check Peter's ankle out, while Simon and Andy went off in search of a bike shop to make increasingly vital repairs to Simon's rear wheel. Very quickly we realised that Lundi means much the same as Sunday used to mean back in Blighty! Despite locating two excellent cycle shops, the lack of actively dashed our hopes of having the wheel sorted out today. Simon was facing several choices, most of which meant he would not be cycling for the entire route. This would only be an extreme choice, to be taken either as a last resort, or to enable the others to complete their goal. Extreme doubt was expressed that the bearing would last the distance from Mauriac to Hotel du Lac at Lacapelle Viescamp. Simon felt he had no choice but to continue cycling with the shattered bearing. Brutal editing of what was now essential for the rest of the trip was done. All surplus equipment, and some of Peter's too, was packed into boxes, and posted back home. This would lighten the burden for the rest of the ride. Peter and Andy returned from a remarkably efficient hospital visit, having been x-rayed, diagnosed with a torn ankle ligament, and "fixed" with an ankle brace, linament and Paracetamol. The cycle began with a climb out of Mauriac into wind and rain. This was a three hill climb day. A dramatic drop down to the Maronne, where we picniced for lunch. The weather improved throughout the day, as Simon's bearings progressively destroyed themselves. Peter and Andy went ahead of Simon and John to the hotel, so Peter could rest as much as possible. At the junction of the D653 and the D18, John and Simon had a final 11 km to crack. Things were looking very grim. We were actively trying to hitch a ride by the traditional "thumbing a lift technique, amongst others, but no luck. Simon spun the pedals, but they would no longer propel the bike. He had to resort to running uphill with the bike, while John assisted with True Git power. This involved a well coreographed sequence, cycling side by side, with John pushing on Simon's back. We eventually arrived at Hotel du Lac....completely knackered! We relaxed through a beautiful evening, with beers and supper outside in the sunshine, overlooking the lake below us. Perfect end to a gruelling day.

Chillin' ce soir!