The alarm goes off at 5 o’clock. I had insomnia for an hour. I hope this doesn’t happen every night, they’re short enough as it is. It’s off to the « ultra rhythm »: wake up at 5am and leave by 6am at the latest. I immediately see the advantage of staying in a hotel: I’m ready in 30 minutes instead of 1 hour. I set off slowly as the day dawned. I’ve got a big day ahead of me: 255km. That’s the disadvantage of booking your hotel in advance and miscalculating – there are miles to go. I’ve never ridden so much before. Will I be okay?
Passing Enschede is much simpler than in 2021, because the huge roadworks are finished. And with the early hour, the traffic is calm. Add to that the fact that it’s May 1st and a Sunday, and it’s really quiet! But it’s also a public holiday in the Netherlands and I’m not sure I’ll find any stores open.
I’m in good shape. My legs are going well. It’s a pleasure. I’d completely forgotten about the Heuvelrug climbs and I remembered when I saw the signs! Damn! At least it keeps you warm…
The Jumbo store I was aiming for is open! Ouf! And I’ve even got access to the toilets. Resupply + toilets + a 10-minute nap. That’s a 30-minute stop well worth it!
By 2pm, I’d already done 145km. Which is great! I know the day’s going to end on long straight roads that aren’t very motivating, so it’s good for my morale to be making good progress.
Near the village of Ane (aka donkey), I’m not making this up, I stop for 5 minutes to stretch my legs. I’m along a hedge when suddenly an old lady appears and comes straight towards me. I wonder what I’ve done wrong. Nothing, she just wants to know why there’s been so many bikes passing by since this morning. So I explain and she wants to invite me to her place for a glass of water. I dare to ask her for access to her toilet, and I’m delighted with this impromptu meeting at the end of the day.
I’m only going to keep smiling for a short time, though, as I’m going to have a headwind all the way to Bourtagne. 80 km of headwind to finish the day is completely demotivating! And what’s more, to end the day on a high note, there’s a broken bridge that takes us into a bypass with 1.5km of sandy road. I’m going to moan and groan because I know I’m close to my B&B and I’m getting nowhere! I decide to go through Bourtagne to validate the CP so that tomorrow I can rejoin the track from my accommodation.
I’m not used to staying in B&Bs, but this is something I’ll be doing more of. There’s direct contact with the host, and in this case, it’s a nice lady who’s going to offer me a soup and food in the evening. As luck would have it, the second room was rented by Delphine! The lady asks us lots of questions and offers to serve lunch earlier than planned. It’s a good deal for us!
I chat a bit with Delphine while I swallow my soup, but it’s not long before we’re off to bed. We’ve only been riding for two days, but it’s already feeling good! I’ve covered 259.5 km, my new record!
