60 miles
I rode only half the day today, owing to an increasingly bad knee. We started out riding all together for the first 25 miles to get through the flat coastal area north of Collioure, most of which was into a fierce headwind. We got a bit lost going into the very first town after Collioure, and had to ask for directions, but it was quickly sorted out.
Eventually we got into the hills again and the winds died down, although there was never a moment the entire day with no wind at all.
I had a funny little burst of energy about 40 miles in and sprinted ahead of the group for a while. If I could figure out why or how that happens, I'd do it more often. But I'm mystified as to why I occasionally feel very strong. It doesn't follow any pattern that I can see. Unfortunately, my knee got progressively worse and by the time we all stopped for lunch, I decided to call it quits and get in the van.
I rode the second half of the day in the van with Ron, as navigator, which is nice because it gives me something to do and also I feel connected with where we are.
The consensus from the others is that it was a very hard day, about 125 miles info fierce wind and a lot of climbing.
The guys all went out for dinner, but Jennie wanted to get her legs horizontal as soon as possible and didn't go out with us. This was the first dinner I've had in France that I didn't like. We ordered cassoulet, since it is a local dish. I thought it was pretty bad.
The hotel that we are staying in is right on the banks of the Canal du Midi, and we can step out the back door and walk along the canal.
Here's a picture from earlier in the day when I was still feeling strong and still riding.
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