Day 1 - The last push!

Photo 11: Paul cycling on his own in a welcome stretch of shade!

Photo 12: Ian ready to go after a "Lift-Off" energy drink...

Photo 13: Dinner in the Ackerman Caves in Saumur

Kevin and Ian wrapped up the 4th round of rides. Towards the end of the ride the heat and hills caught up with Kevin and his legs started to cramp so Ian made him one of his special muscle re-energizing drinks!

Paul started the fifth round with about 40 miles left to go to the end of day 1. With 40 miles to go if we all cycled 10 miles in our 30 min slot we'd only have one last ride each. However, there were a few hills to come yet, and even though it was now late in the afternoon it was still very hot. We pushed hard for the last stretch of the day and I think each of us was happy when we finished. When the last round of rides finished there were still 10 miles left so Paul did the first 5 miles and Ian and I then rode in together on the final 5 miles and we finally got off our bikes just after 7pm.

Dinner was in the Ackerman Caves near to the finish line which was an unusual venue, but was nice and cool after the heat of the day. Day 1 was done, we just had to find the hotel and get some sleep ready for an early start for day 2.