I got up around 8 and was packed by 10ish. I hurriedly filled my camelback which ended up soaking my bag and giving me a wet shirt and shorts all morning. I crossed the bridge to Dormans to pick up a pan au chocolat croissant and demi baguette. Just across the bridge I met another cyclist who stopped for a chat. I told him I was cycling to Greece and he followed me on insta. I cycled a short way into the Marne valley before stopping by the river to have my croissant. Today I finally felt like I was doing it right.
I’m following a frequented river cycle route. I passed bike securing spots, small cafes, pubs etc. My wet shirt was bothering me but eventually this was solved when it started to rain hard… il pleut! This is the second thunderstorm so far. The lightning strikes are bright and disconcerting and the thunder is deafening. What fun! I got soaked but pedalled on until I passed a riverside fete complete with tables, champagne and sheltering tent. I stopped there, bought a flute, and wrote this. Feeling adventurous!
***
I cycled on through driving rain. I got completely soaked. I stopped a couple of times under bridges for relief. Eventually the rain stopped and the sun came out. I continued down one long, long canal. It became monotonous. Even Holmes couldn’t spare me from my boredom. Eventually my mind wondered and [...] Will this ever stop happening?
I chose a campsite and aimed for it, about 100km from my starting point. My route at times took me along non-existent grassy paths and between tight bushes. I made it in the end. A pregnant lady signed me in and I showered, washed my clothes (kind of) and set up a tent. I had asked if they do food. They didn’t, but they made me something anyway. It was tonnes of pasta, salmon, beetroot salad, thick ham and flan. It was quite a feast. No one mentioned price so I optimistically assumed it might be free. I was wrong. I won’t mention that to anyone I told. It was ten euros. Still generous. But I hadn’t the cash so I promised to cycle into town to get it tomorrow. I will do that. Now I’m likely just going to relax with my book and go to sleep.
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