Saturday 07th July 2018 - Stage 2 - Mouilleron-Saint-Germain - La Roche-sur-Yon

As expected, the transfers from the hotel to the start line and from the finish line to the hotel can take up much of the day. This time was added to in the afternoon after a van navigation failure gave quite a few bonus miles. Consequently, we did not arrive at the evening hotel until after 6:30pm. The hotels chosen are based on compromises of availability and distances to the start and finish lines. The only other hotel available was a one star. Today's one is very good and we are here for two nights with Stage 4's start only about 5km away.

The day had started as planned with the 6:30am breakfast. This was a simple cereal, yoghurt, bread and pastries affair as to be expected from the two star hotel.

It was a relatively short 32km drive to the start and we were riding just after 8:35am under clear blue skies with little wind and a mild temperature of 21 degrees. This dropped to 19 degrees inland before climbing and peaking at around 33 degrees for the day.

With the road rising from the start line, the riders were forced to be a little more circumspect in the opening kilometres with an average speed of around 25km/h achieved in the first 30 minutes. However, the road then turned down before rolling and a short cote (hill) at about the 28km mark which saw an increase in speed.

The first feed stop was scheduled at 86km but with the heat, an informal stop was held earlier to get more water.

Scenery was again farm country with regular small villages, most with churches, and the occasional chateau.

At the first feed stop, the first puncture was found just as we were leaving. Once this was fixed, we were on our way with a staff member joining us. The average speed rose as did the temperature. By the time we reached the second feed station at 127km, the staff member declared the pace was too much and they were finished riding for the day. A visit to a local cafe for egg cup sized coffees and cold coke was arranged. It was an interesting small French cafe with a motorbike theme and a pet parrot.

At about the 110km mark, our cunning navigation plan of following the green arrows was thwarted as we passed the vans putting them out as they were having lunch. We did see there were small green paint marks on the road that helped. The vans passed us back while we were at our 2nd feed stop so navigation again became easier.

From there, it was another 60km or so to the finish line. Unlike yesterday, all there was at the finish line was a line on the road which was very anti-climatic. The GPS recorded 187.2km of riding in 6hrs 11m with 1,593m of climbing. The arrow marking vans were there and one of our riders asked for, and was given, some souvenir arrows for all the riders.

After some refreshments, the vans were loading for the journey to the hotel and we arrived after 6:30pm. The van I was in was running short of petrol so automatically cut the air con so we reverted to open windows.

Dinner reservations were also a challenge with one restaurant cancelling them and the second one a 10 minute or so drive away. Driving was also cancelled and we walked about 500m to a French restaurant who was  confused when we arrived. They spoke little English and initially denied knowledge of a booking and directed us towards the sign for the toilets. This actually lead down and around the back to a huge extra restaurant area. Food was ordered and slow to arrive. When queried on the delay, we were told they only had three working in the kitchen so please wait. I had a smoked salmon salad followed by mussels and fries. As is typical, French restaurant meals also typically take 2.5 hours so by the time that was completed, it was time for bed.

To add to the fun, some of my electrical devices do not like the French power and I have to hold my tongue right to make them charge up and work.

As tomorrow is a 35km TTT (Team Time Trial), breakfast has been set at 7am.