Well after two very difficult and slightly disappointing days, today was a huge improvement. Yesterday we didn't make it to Abbeville, so we had to drive back to Hesdin and start where we had left off. We knew we were going to have to work hard in order to make up the extra milage and put ourselves back on schedule.
As we jumped back on the bikes at 8:00 am it didn't seem like a likely outcome. We were both still very sore and tired from the last two days. But after about ten minutes on the bike (and a healthy dose of Paracetamol) we began to loosen up and started flying through the miles.
We limited ourselves in terms of stops and breaks only resting for a couple minutes at a time to take on some snacks and fluid. We shot through the towns of Airaines, Poix de Picardie and Grandvilliers in record time. The weather was perfect; bright blues skies and shining sun but with a lovely cool breeze to keep us going.
We rolled into Beauvais at 6:00 pm feeling very proud of ourselves and greatly relieved. We had made up for our mistakes in the first two days and had absolutely crushed day 3! Even more satisfying was the fact that tonight was the first night where we got a decent meal. The cottages we were staying in had a kitchen in them and my mom had kindly cooked up a huge pot of chicken pasta with bread salad and dessert. GOOD EATING!!!!!!!!!!
Today's stats:
76.9 miles in 7 hours and 2 minutes
Elevation gained 3,320 feet
Calories burned 5,293
Top speed 38.9 mph
Last day tomorrow...shorter distance but getting into Paris could be tricky. The end is in sight though...nothing is going to stop us now!!!!!
Day 3 done!!!!!
Getting ready to leave from Hesdin
Powering through French countryside
I think we've made a wrong turn
Never been so happy to see a road sign
Delicious home cooked meal
Awesome :)
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