The perfect road

Andy about to cycle down the perfect road.
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We have found the perfect cycle road. About 15km into our ride this morning, we came around a bend to see an extremely long straight road ahead of us with the end not in sight. Furthermore it was downhill, downwind and fabulously smooth. And we had it all to ourselves! This is what we came for. We have had mixed experiences on the roads here, from great cycle lanes to cycle lanes in name only, fabulous smooth tarmac to horrid chip seal. Universal however are the courteous drivers who give you lots of room; particularly the trucks who will usually move onto the opposite lane.

Andy topping one of the Tour's first climbs.
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Short stage today finishing off stage 5 which went from Villers-Cotterets to Joigny. We cycled from Nogent-sur-seine to Joigny. Andy decidely under the weather but battling on like the trooper he is. Nev feeling quite good at this early stage. Lovely ride today in nice conditions through succession of little country lanes and towns. Couple of category 4 climbs again which were no problem and starting to see some writing on the roads from last years tour. "Vive le Tour" or "Allez Moreau" (a french rider). Certainly helps confirm we are on right road! Joigny a very pretty town on a large river and we arrived just in time to see them pack up the markets! Its all about ......... timing.

we came around a bend to see an extremely long straight road ahead of us with the end not in sight.

Did 82km in 3 hrs 22 min averaging 24.3 kph. Biggish day tomorrow before a rest day for the boys in Dijon.

Note if you would like to view our actual route, here is the link to the tour de france route, stage by stage.

http://www.mapmyride.com/user_profile?username=TourDeFrance