Things now going well - logistics are good and a pattern has formed - chaos! Here they are off from Laon up to the Cathedral church.
Tiredness appears to have overtaken some.
Having stopped at Reims cathedral to enjoy the beauty of the building some decided to meditate on its splendour.
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We did not know what was ahead that evening at Chamois: a little penance and mortification !! Things got worse at the booking-in as the hotel had decided to reduce our room numbers down by one and then said that we had cancelled one room even though it was a block booking. It came to light that they had an over-booking policy - so much so the the receptionist decided to walk away and get on with his ironing !!
We went to the hotel next door and booked in there after doing a deal and told the first receptionist that we were cancelling our whole booking and not paying the credit card bill. We noticed that the hotel then became fully booked - proving our point. The second hotel was very pleasant and incredibly helpful even though a few eyebrows were raised when I said inadvertantly to Denese, "Where do you want to do the men?" (For those of you who don't know, Denese is our physio).
Mike Burton and I got talking to an elderly couple, who were returning to England, about the cycle ride and he kindly gave us ten euros - the last he had. We all ate in a lovely Italian restaurant where they made their own pizzas in the restaurant.
Next day the F1 hotel in Chalons en Champagne was bad enough - but even worse was to come on the fourth evening at Chaumont where the whole hotel reeked of a pit stop for drivers who wanted to rest their heads and not use the facilities. Mike Carney had problems when he found his bag was outside his room so he moved to another hotel down the road.
Mike Carney was on a high and sped along with vigour - in the middle of the road - his favourite position I am reliably informed (we have nicknamed him the King of the Road) putting out the juggernaut driver's noses. He did however have the first fall but was spirited up by Fr Michael.
The day was made better by an excellent Chinese buffet meal at China Wok where the food was well prepared and presented - and as much as we liked. Mike Claridge had his fill and the restaurant closed immediately afterwards !! Luckily we got in first! I then cancelled all the other bookings with this group of hotels and made new bookings while Mike Burton re-worked his ride schedule which held us up a little.
Today we had lovely weather and a long ride, arriving at Besancon and a better hotel with staff who were exceptionally helpful. We had a fish meal in the restaurant opposite and it was very good.
Fr Michael and the others are bearing up well and riding on air !
Nicknames abound, the latest - I am Batman and Denese is Robin. I will let you know the others at another time !!
Malcolm Johnstone
