By Rob and Tim
The sun was out from the off so no need for jackets and arm warmers for me it was a clear blue sky as we woke up.
Let’s remember this is a ride we’re looking to raise important funds for the Kirkwood Hospice so if you’re able to support then much appreciated.
Staying in a petrol station motel the breakfast was going to be in the garage shop!! That said it was a nice continental offering that did the trick.
There was no early stretching/yoga call this morning from Farney and some of the lads took it on themselves to try and impress the yoga guru and do some personal stretches 🥴
Anyway on to the ride. A morning of some decent climbs as we crossed quickly into Luxembourg and the glorious countryside.
Luxembourg has the highest GDP per capita in the world and it shows it was a lovely place to pass through. Some glorious roads through villages and fields it was all very tidy and prestige. They may be crap at football but they have a nice place 😀
40 miles in and the van drivers who only seem to have the phone numbers for 5 star restaurants booked is in to a restaurant that was owned by an ex pro cyclist but it was a special balcony setting in the sun. They were so wanting to make it special for us.
Ham, egg salad and fries all round was just the job. The owner taking pictures for his socials and playing songs through the speakers on our depart. 👍👍 top place. We must try harder to make it not look so nice😆 tomorrow we’re back to sandwiches in the van 😎
The afternoon ride had some eventful moments a shut road and a carrying of the bikes for 200 yards (seems to happen every ride) then a splendid tunnel for a good few minutes.
We were then on to France breaking through the border and the van drivers soon getting their first beep of a horn in a few days 😡
A stop in the Town of Thionville for coffee or beers for some as it was just 9 miles out from hotel.
The final 9 miles was a blast alongside the the Mosel with Tim coming from the B team with me to lead the charge home. The charge at the back was halted by our first flat tyre of the trip and it was a double tyre pop for Andy B. The lsds gathered round to repair front and back tyres on Grand Prix time and see Andy home to the hotel.
Hotel tonight is an out of town Novotel and we’ve eaten here too so really not too much to report from here.
So tomorrow is a 100 miler up the Mosel and to Germany 🇩🇪 and some potatoes and cabbage.
