I started the day feeling incredibly strong. I was well rested and felt it. I started in Montélimar and was considering making a push for Lyon (105 miles) however that would have been an over commitment.
The day started off with some wonderful bridges and cycle ways. The cycle ways were similar to the previous days except without any canal paths. They mostly followed agricultural areas. I did pass a nuclear power plant and was able to see the water sprayed into the bottom of the cooling tower which I’d never seen before.
Along the way just outside of Valence I was made aware of a substantial bike shop. I’d had a little bit of wobble from my wheel not being true so decided to stop in. However it was during break so I went to the nearby Intermarche Hyper and stocked up. The haul included a fork, rice pudding, canned pears and pineapple, and a couple other things I’m too lazy to search through my panniers to find.
After they opened I popped into the shop and was informed they were busy. Luckily one of the mechanics was able to help immediately and fixed it in about 30 minutes for €5 including the replaced rim tape. The wheel was riding much better. Unfortunately about 10 miles out from the shop I got another flat. I was a bit rageful. I laid under in cherry grove and replaced the tube. The pin prick was around the valve so I’m hoping it was due to some overgenerous adjustment that grated it against the valve (which aren’t well chamfered which is the true cause of all this, they aren’t amazing wheels). After the repair I downed some more ham and continued on. I stopped a bit later and ate again (a theme…).
I got 70 miles in without much issue, even with the numerous stops. I stopped at a campground, Le Domaine d’Andance. I payed €12 for a spot and a hot shower. There is tree fluff everywhere. I ate canned spinach, rice pudding, and canned tuna for dinner.
In almost chronological order here are the pictures I enjoyed for the day.
