Royan
82kms
303 vertical metres
Mechanicals...new wheel for Simon , dropped chain (again) for Sally
Medical ....Simon bee sting , John's back responding to nurafen plus as frequently recommended by Lawrie our graperide pharmacist
Wine count yesterday 5

Wine count today 5
Cup : Simon for being chief translator and finding us beds despite bee sting and his mechanical 

Breakfast en famille...the butcher of Surgeres didn't quite get the croissants right...rather burnt but his freshly made jam was very good. Nice little brioche buns to fuel us for the day.
On the way by 8.15 am ...a tricky navigating day for Lawrie and Geoff ...they come through and got us to Royan in good time despite others breaking the golden rule of not leaving it to the designated navigators!!
Massive fields of corn, lentils, more and even bigger sunflowers.
Royan busy ,warm and French touristy, film set charm. Great to be at the sea.... Dinner at Le Petit Bouchon ..those liking oysters were in seafood heaven....the rest of us had superb French sea food  too.
Still French holidays until the end of the week so accommodation tight ...John and Sally in one hotel ...happy as...the boys down the road in rather more colourful accommodation ( and more expensive).

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Posted by greatgraperide at 9:31 AM BST

Updated: Friday, 30 August 2013 9:41 AM BST

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We've added a link at the bottom of every summary-

 Click here to see us! 

- that will show you where we are on a map so you can keep an eye on our progress. 

Posted by greatgraperide at 6:38 PM BST

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Surgeres
87kms ( completed by 3.30 pm)
Vertical metres 570
Mechanicals , 2 dropped chains ( John and Geoff)
Cup : Geoff for taking on Alison's advice.... "make the most of every day without always looking ahead"
wine ( too early to confirm , see tomorrow's update!)


Another beautiful ride out...has been a hot day with a tail wind. Feeling fitter, morning teas getting better and better, pain au raisin and apple tartlets. Lunch at Coulon which is quite touristy but found a closed cafe which had left its tables out so picnicked in luxury under the trees . Saw our first French canals .
Lots of sunflowers again with windmills on the horizon.
First time finding accommodation was a bit of a mission; options were caravans, double beds for all or ride another 27 Kms. Hotels all full . Of course chose the double beds which we did not realise came with dolls and interesting tapestries .It is one seriously eccentric Chambre d'Hote
Walked into town and visited the XII century church.
Drinks at Cafe Francais and just about to head off to dinner

Click here to see us! 

Posted by greatgraperide at 6:22 PM BST

Updated: Wednesday, 28 August 2013 6:37 PM BST

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