Day 2 – Up to Arras (thankfully without rifle and pack!)

Started from Calais at 8am, weather scorching from the start. First five miles were killer as the legs had to get going again. Not too bad up to the first water stop but big climb on gravelly road surface just before. Left late from the water stop so ended up at the back. Problems up ahead meant van had to drop me a mile into the middle of the group but from there never got to the back again hurrah!

Stage before lunch awful, big hills and you could see for a long way so knew they were coming. After lunch much better, more gentle ups ang downs. Made good time to the second water stop. Last stage ok but a challenge, heat was the biggest problem and was much harder to deal with after 60 miles. Finally made it to Arras about 6pm. Hopefully hardest day behind me 79 miles, done!

Half way to Paris baby!

~ by charlottepage on July 24, 2008.