Archives for September 2023

Day 7: Saddle Stylites

September 19, 2023 by Simon Robinson Leave a Comment

The mortification of our bodies continued on 80 km of canal paths. My mortification was intensified by having to wear ‘not quite dry’ clothes in the chilly early morning. I had made a misguided attempt at spiritual purification by ablution and the evening washing of lycra. I wondered if gel saddles and foam gussets nullified the indulgences achieved by sitting on a moving pole for hour after hour. Then I passed over some asphalt upheavals by tree roots at 22 km/h and was brutally reminded that asceticism is overrated.

[Read more…]

6: two half days

September 18, 2023 by Simon Robinson Leave a Comment

Two cathedral city visits, Laon and Reims, may have inspired us to take things a bit more easily.

Watching people barely older than us fail to comprehend coffee machines tells several stories. The dispenser button design was stylish but not intuitive, never practical for high capacity, pensioner tour use. Two jaded cyclgrims watched from afar as female groupthink solved the challenge. The cyclgrims decided to take things a bit more easily. Watch and learn.

[Read more…]

Cycle Day 5 to Reims

September 17, 2023 by Simon Robinson 5 Comments

I think we were both a bit tired today. A loop of Laon wasn’t on the itinerary, proof perhaps that navigation muscles need as much warming up as any calves or thighs.

The steeds just needed a light chain oiling and they were rearing to go. We riders needed coffee (three doubles) and lots of food. Lots. And maybe just one more hard boiled egg, Justin Casey. And another Madeleine, to be sure to be sure.

[Read more…]

Day 4 to Laon

September 16, 2023 by Simon Robinson Leave a Comment

Late start at the Somme because hotel breakfast didn’t start until 8. It was going to be hot and windy and besides, we’re struggling to find places to stay within our daily cycling range. So we were happy to start late towards Laon, some 80 km away. Komoot decided we should follow the Somme rather than the ‘official’ Francigena because Komoot is a smart app that seems to know what’s good for us.

[Read more…]