A good nights sleep after the rest day, greeted with a dry and windy start. The idea for the day to start riding on Euro Velo 1, known in France as “The Velodessy”. It follows the Atlantic Coast all the way up to Norway. I think we will be turning right and leaving it before then ! There was one last view of the Spanish hills on the way out of Saint – Jean.
In the end we decided to mix riding on the Eurovelo with taking small local roads, as sometimes the velo was not that direct as it hugged the coast. After some more stiff climbs, we ended up on busy roads into Biarritz. I’m sure it is stunning on a sunny day, it certainly oozes wealth, but today was wet and it looked a bit drab.
After Biarritz the rain really came down and It was on with the rain jackets. There were thunderstorms in the distance, but I think we got the end of them. Breakfast was taken at a petrol station, hiding from the rain. Did manage my first Pain au Chocolat though.
From then it was on through small roads up the coast. Tim had stayed in a hotel in Mimizan and we decided that we would head that way and see if we could make it that far. It rained on and off, but some of the small towns still looked pretty. We stopping for a sweetie break in Hossegor
Then back on the Eurovelo cycle track, through the forests, with a late lunch stop at Messanges
We were still a long way from Mimizan , but decided to press on. Admiring local artwork along the way.
Eventually after about 72 miles we rolled into Mimizan- tired and ready for hotel. Except it wasn’t the right town ! Well it was sort of – we needed Mimizan Beach about 5 miles away. We got there only to find the hotel in darkness. A quick ride around the town didn’t provide any obvious alternatives, so I went on booking.com and took one of their recommendations- following the directions, brought us back to the original hotel ! This time the lights were on and room was found for us and the bikes.
Steady Pedals 