Ready for the Tour..

I’d set the clock for 6-15a.m., so that I could get an early start…before the daytime heat built up too much. I was going to cycle into Bastia 20 kms away, along the ‘up and down’ coastal road…so that I knew what it would be like for the TdF (now only 2 weeks and one day away!)

So I was on the road by 7-15 .a.m. food  and 2 lts of water with me, as I trundled out and onto the road, in the nice early morning sunshine – as i got to the main road, I saw a ferry making it’s way to Bastia port, so thought I’d ‘race it’…kept me going. Although early the road was already busy, in both directions, obviously everyone moves before the heat becomes too much.. I won’t say I zoomed there, but didn’t do too bad, stopping every 30 minutes for a drink, keeping an eye on the ferrry, and as I got to Bastia, so did the ferry..although I think I was on the quayside before any of it’s passengers !

Just over an hour to get to Bastia, do-able, if needs be (and I think it will be !)

I saw some signs for a L’Eclerc supermarket, and followed the signs, ending up right on top of the hill overlooking Bstia…with the supermarket below..not well signposted, and a needless climb, although now I knew where it was, although it wasn’t really up to much !

Then back to the main square, where already they were putting up bunting for the TdF,with a huge yellow jersey on one of the Hotels…hopefully I’ll see Mark Cavendish winning this on the first day… Bastia itself is just a busy crowded town/city

A quick visit to the Tourist Information, had me carrying another load of pamphlets and maps back, as I decided it was almost 10 a.m., and i needed to get going to stand a chance of returning…without too much torture and heat !

I managed it in just over an hour, so gladly took a cooling dip in the swimming pool, before lunch, and snooze in the heat of the day…again 32c+ inside Wally .. before a swim in the sea later in the afternoon, and a relaxing evening..

Tomorrow ??, I’ll bid you all a peaceful Bonne Soir !