After lunch there are several hard steady climbs through the "Foret De Brotonne" where we are followed uphill & down dale by a mystery tractor who wasn't quite fast enough to get past us - for miles all we could hear was the drone of that "bloody" french tractor. Mike was also beginning to feel a bit crook at this point but showing true grit he soldiered on at a steady pace. Just as we crested the climb out of the "Foret De Brotonne" the heavens opened - its absolutely p****d down. Luckily for us a local bus stop was on hand & we sort refuse with a few others - this was also handy as I suffered my second puncture of the day.
Today the old adage that "What goes up must come down" was certainly true. Normally the descent makes up for the struggle of the ascent but on today's ride they are over much too quickly & the ascent are long & arduous at 5 - 7% & 3- 4 miles long [Photo 1 - this one disappeared into the sky]. 97+ miles of toil & we finally arrive in Lisieux along the D150 [Photo 2 - that's me] - our abode for the night is the "Grand Hotel de l'Esperance" [Photo 3] - after changing my rear tyre - cleaning & lubing the bike its time for a well earned dinner. Mike is still suffering a little & consults the DA doctor who informs him that he probably has low blood sugar - he should eat & rest to be ready for tomorrow.
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