Birthday Surprises !

The mornings had been cooler for the last couple of days (must be all the rain !) and so I’d set the alarm for 6 a.m., undecided as to where to go…but knew I’d be out for a ride, hoping to get into a large group going somewhere, and I could tag along…

I had wondered about doing my ride from the other day, the other way round, but decided not to risk damaging my trusty steed, and so set off for The North, and I’d decided as I got higher up… I soon passed Santa Severi, and continued up the coast for Macinaggio, which I reached in early morning sunshine..and no groups to tag along with…so I sat in the sunshine, and decided – I would go to Bastia…back along the coast road, as it was quiet being Sunday !

I started riding back down along the coast road – I did see a couple of groups…going the other way ! It was quite pleasurable , especially when I saw in the distance another rider, who I thought I catch up with, and see if we could spin along together… I did manage to catch up with him – A Frenchman from Bastia, ideal I thought, as we rode together into the stiffening breeze, taking turns to lead, whilst the other sheltered behind – although I think I did more leading, even had to wait for him a couple of times, but enjoyable, and we were soon on the outskirts of Bastia, where he lived and left me to continue into the town.. there seemed to be a giant car boot sale going on in Place St Nicholas, so I didn’t hang around

I wanted to find where the TdF was to finish, and se whether there was a more suitable campsite for me to be in, I rode through the town, not being able to go through the coastal tunnel (which was flat!), instead had to climb up and over the road past the Citadelle, and dropped down along the coast. I had seen a map from the tourist office, so knew the finish would be near here…and then saw it…a newly laid stretch of road, along the sea front, culminating in a big area..I bet myself that this was where the finish would be,(and I later found I was right !) even had a couple of sprints myself…testing the ground for the ‘Manx Missile’ to perform on..should be good (and I’ll be here, watch out for me, whether I’ll be able to have a couple of ‘sprints’ on my shopper bike though…?? At least I can still say…I was over the line first – not that it’s there yet !!

The next time I expect to be here it’ll be absolutely packed, and chaotic

I did find a campsite on the beach front, thought I’d be better off where I am , and went into the centre to treat myself to a big ice cream..and then the hard ride back to Pietracorbara, it was a slog, arriving back after 12 noon, the sun was hot, and I’d ridden 70kms +, I felt like John Wayne, as I got off the bike…doused myself in the shower and had a light lunch…

ready for my Skype call to my youngest Grandchild Chloe, who is 1 year old today.. Happy Birthday Chloe

They both look a little different from  when ?

I was able to sing Happy Birthday before the Computer connection gave up on me…however it was nice to catch them, before they went out to Lossiemouth for the ‘Birthday flypast’, amazing what you can get ,with the right connections in the RAF isn’t it !

So, now I’ve not had my afternoon siesta, it’ll be early dinner ( Big Garlic steak..), and early to bed, Bonne Soiree !