The start had been delayed until 4pm which meant quite a bit of hanging around. Registration had been done and bags were dropped off by 11am to be transported to the finish. At least we could have a good lunch.

There was a strong wind coming in off the sea as the riders gathered. We had been well briefed by email and become members of the WhatsApp group that would alert us to issues during the race. Something which was going to be of vital importance.

We gathered just off the main road through Menton and then the police escorted us out of town and onto the first climb. I was quite quickly the lanterne rouge but it didn’t seem to bother the policeman on his scooter. I was also not bothered. I have learnt that too many people surge at the beginning of a race and pay for it later. I knew I would gradually haul others in. I am the tortoise.

We passed St Agnes the scene of our lunch the day before and still the climb went on. You can see from the map and data above that there was a hefty chunk of ascent before the climb eased off.

It was warm and the views were wonderful until the sun set and I started riding into the night.

The only time I knew I had crossed the French Italian border was on day 1. I am not sure if or how many times I subsequently crossed it again.

I did come across a restaurant and stepped inside to get a coke and water. A woman came over to me and after ascertaining I spoke English said she was American and wanted to know what I was doing. I told her. She insisted on paying for the coke and they gave me the bottle of water for free. People can be quite lovely.

I hit the bottom of the next climb. It was going to last at least another 20km or so. It was getting late so I started searching for a bivvy spot. I had discussed what to do on the first night with Niel and he recommended not trying to cycle through the night. I always take his advice 😉

I saw a space with three cars parked in it, each covered in a drape, adjacent to an olive grove and made out that there was a place, behind some trees, flat enough to pitch my new tent. Across the road was a house with spotlights around it so I was a bit worried I might be spotted and clandestinely set up the tent, blew up my sleeping mat, unfurled my sleeping bag and crawled inside. It was so hot I decided to lie on top of the sleeping bag. I couldn’t open the doorway for extra ventilation as I already had one mosquito buzzing around inside.

People came back to the house and there were barks and noises. Somehow I managed to fall asleep and get some rest. The adventure had begun.