Did I win?

The final ride today was pretty short and it wasn't long before we approached St Cyr du Bailleul. Our directions guided us toward a steep incline on the edge of the village but as we cycled closer we could see a man stood in the middle of the road, flag in one hand, ushering with the other towards a left hand junction.

We gesticulated, as only the English can in an attempt to indicate we needed to cycle up the big hill. In return the nice French bloke explained the situation in his native tounge. I listened intentively and nodded in all the right places...... I hadn't a clue what he was jabbering on about but one thing was clear: we weren't cycling up that big hill.

So instead we took the alternative route and as we rounded the corner we were greeted with the most amazing site. The entire village had turned out to greet us. People lined either side of the road watching expectently, at last, our reputation proceeded us.

We were just about to start waving to our welcoming comittee when all of a sudden a bike shot passed us literally flying up the hill. In the saddle? A boy of no more than 12 ywars old. We had inadvertantly stumbled upon a local junior version of the tour de France and we were right in the middle. Bikes were flying past and the crowd cheered the whipper snappers on.

It turned out there were lots of races going on and for the rest of the afternoon we were able to sip beer and watch the events unfold.

Come the evening we were famished and headed for the only restaurant in the village. The cycling tour company had pre booked us a table which made our life easy, or so we thought. There was no record of a reservation and a private function meant no available places.

As a last chance saloon we went back into the small bar to see if we could buy a few snacks. As it turned out our reservation had been made here abd we were treated to the most amazing meal. 3 courses' cheese platter, wine, coffee and calvados on tap and all for a staggering 22 Euros all in, for both of us.

Today has epitomised what the good bits of life are all about; beautiful scenery, wonderful food, fabulous hospitality and unexpected adventure which even the most meticulous planning could not have delivered. Bon nuit

Distance: 44.17
Average speed: 12.6
Max speed: 30.4
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