Day 1 of the 4 long days

So, departing Tarbes Team-SIM set off an a 140 mile trip to Libourne. As luck would have it the first 40 to 50 miles are relatively down hill and so they make good progress.

Distance however can take its toll. And so as the day and Team-SIM progress the miles get longer, the hills get harder and the roads get rougher. And yet, the support crew as is so often the case think that riding a bike aint that hard. Cue Rob Drake who helps himself to the spare bling bike that Codge brought and rides the last 70 miles.

This is probably the first time that Rob has ridden a road bike and given that the bike wasn't really set up for him, applause has to be awarded to him for achieving what is by any standard, a significant distance. Mind you, having sat in the van with Steve Yates I think I do understand the motivation for sticking with the bike and the fresh air :-).

As days go, this is probably the most telling so far with many riders flagging. Little Fran for instance was just about finished with 20 miles to go but her determination and stubborness wouldn't let her give in and so it was that all riders got in tired and maybe a little late.

All then comandeered the dining room for the evening and ate just about everything in sight.

And so to bed for Team-SIM before the next marathon day.

Night Night Team-SIM

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