(80km)
I woke up this morning from the heaviest sleep ever and I could barely move my legs. It took me at least half an hour and two cups of tea to completely open my eyes and start feeling my legs again. I should have probable taken the day off, after yesterday’s ride but I didn’t. I wanted to make it to Pau and take the day off there, as it’s a city and it will probable have a few more things to see.
Usually it takes me about 5 kilometers in the morning to get my legs warm enough to start cycling at the usual pace. Today it took about 30 and it was only after my lunch break that I started catching up. I know I should have taken the day off, but I didn’t. Pau wasn’t that far away, I knew there was a camp site and as I wasn’t in a hurry, so I just took my time.
The lunch break took place in Navarrenx, which is another fantastic town within a medieval fortress. I crossed the gate, had my sandwich on a bench looking at the nearby river and then had a short walk around the walls. It should be quite nice living in a house within such a landmark.

Approaching Navarrenx

The main gate

The view of the river by the walls

The houses inside the fortress

I started pedaling again to the next city of Mourenex, where I didn’t find anything interesting to make me stop apart from a self service car wash. It was time again to clean the bike and remember that my gears and chain are nickel and not black. After the wash I put some fresh lubricant and the ride was once again as smooth as when I first bought the bike.

Hi, my name is kitsch!

The road from there onwards, was running parallel to the Pau river, which means it was entirely flat and easy for my legs. I got to Pau early enough to go via the tourist office for a local map and a supermarket for supplies.