The music started with sunset – initially from ‘over the hill’, but then also in the bay we were in. Somewhere around 2300 there were fireworks, then there were drunk people coming to swim in the lake quite near my tent, then music got louder. Just after sunrise, and consequently shortly after we started getting up the music stopped and with a roar of half a dozen vehicles everyone went home (presumably to bed).
Consequently, some very tired and sleepy cyclists set off for today’s riding. Given what I’ve learnt about needing a good night’s sleep I’m prepared for today to be somewhat hard going
Stage 49 rider instructions
The first two hills went well for me, and because I (perversely) enjoy climbing it meant that the lack of sleep wasn’t too much of an issue for me.
Once we took the left after lunch the road improved in quality which helped there, and finally as we came to the end of the reservoir and onto the ‘main highway’ it was perfect asphalt from there through to town which despite something of a head wind helped to keep morale (and speeds) up.
In the end we’re not camped in a field but are under trees by a small river very close to the town centre which has meant having a (chilly) wash has been possible – it’s amazing how much better you feel when you can get clean after a dusty and sweaty day of riding 🙂
So thanks to the route and the conditions it seems I got away with a total lack of sleep last night – based on where we’re camped I think tonight’s going to be very much more restful!
Richard (the first) and I wandered into town to check out the local co-operative handcrafts shop – he found a couple of things which he liked, but nothing moved me enough to tempt me to part with my money.
Back in camp and we can hear the thunder in the distance and the wind’s just swung 90 degrees so I’d say we’re about to get some rain – time to get the washing off the line, the solar panels in, and hide in my tent either until it stops, or dinner time!
Riding data
| Total distance: | 125.86 km | Total Time: | 06:17:27 |
| Max elevation: | 2031 m | Min elevation: | 1613 m |
| Total climbing: | 1153 m | Total descent: | -978 m |
| Average speed: | 20.01 km/h | Maximum speed: | 60.48 km/h |
View from my tent
A shady spot beneath the trees
Are the partying peeps on their summer ‘olidees (I am trying to write holidays as my former students in Essex would have pronounced it)?
Presumably – it’s kinda hard to know but it is school holidays here at present so I guess so, though we were right on the edge of a small town so maybe it was just a typical Wednesday night…!