Tag Archives: problem

Day 21 – Mimizan to Labenne

(95km)

The first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes, was a very strong chemical type smell. Then I remembered the big paper factory I saw the day before as I was entering the town. I wanted to get away as soon as possible, but even if I was up for an early start, it was very humid during the night which meant wet tent and undried clothes. I had to wait about an hour for the sun to warm things up and let me pack my things.

Snail attack on my tent and the bike

Snail attack on my tent and the bike

After buying a few supplies, I headed back to the forest for another 40km on beautiful cycle tracks. The scenery was pretty much the same with yesterday. Dense pine forest and the occasional view of the sandy beaches. The only difference was the heat which today was unbearable, going up to 35.

Yet another cycle path within the forest

Yet another cycle path within the forest

It was very hot at the time

It was very hot at the time

At around midday, I was feeling way to hot, so I invaded a camp site to refill my bottles and throw some water on me on my face. I decided to go to the beach and look for something to eat, but out of my bad luck everything just closed. I find it a little strange that restaurants close at 2pm?

I moved on and on the way I ate all the fruits I bought in the morning plus my emergency almonds. The heat was still unbearable. I decided to leave the cycle track and go faster to the next town and about an hour later I found the relief of a pizza and a cold soft drink.

My plan was to get to Biarritz and maybe get the next day off to take the time and see the city. I passed through Hossegor which is another surfers town and look preaty cool, but I decided to make it to my destination. Unfortunatelly half way through I gave up because of the heat. I found a camp site and went straight in and kind of regreated not staying in the Hossegor, as where I am at the moment there are only a camp sites, a beach and buzzing mosquitos.

Day 16 – Ronce Les Bains to Royan

(46km)

Last night I had a couple of beer and went to the tent for sleep late. Just as I was falling asleep it started raining and then the strong wind came and even more rain. Luckily my tent managed to hold strong and the kept the water out but not the noise. I couldn’t fall asleep until it all finished which was around 4am. This morning I woke up late and very tired. Not a good start.

I left the camp site very grumpy and started my way to the forest of Coubre. Ten kilometers on the way, I realized I took the wrong road when I started. I didn’t want to go all the way back, but I tried to find another way and at least see part of the forest. I got lost again and again, got very annoyed and gave up as it was already lunch time. I decided to just go to the next city which was Royan.

While trying to find my way, I saw this in Tremblade

While trying to find my way, part of the port in Tremblade

On the way, I did see small parts of the forrest by the sea, which was probable just a small sample of what I missed.

A small section of the forest

A small section of the forest

Just outside Royan

Just outside Royan

After such a bad  morning, I wasn’t in the mood for more cycling, so I though I’ll call it an early day, get some food and good rest  and make a new start tomorrow.

Like a junky. stealing wifi from the shut restaurant and serfing out in the rain

Like a junky, stealing wifi from the closed restaurant and surfing out in the rain

Bananas are everywhere!

Bananas are everywhere!