09 Lisieux to Neufchatel en Bray

Arrived Neufchatel 9pm from an 8.40am start. I did have two meal break stops but the actual cyclng time was over 10 hours. Not a bad effort for an old guy. I really struggled after 30 miles as I had realised I'd miscalculated the mileage. Total today was 92 miles making the running total in three days 225 miles. I am 2mph slower than usual with the tent sleeping bag ground sheets etc on the bike so todays 92 miles is equivalent to I guess around 112 miles on an unladen bike. The steering is very hard - you can't rest on the bike as it will become unstable. The human body is amazing. After 30 miles in tough headwinds, there was no way I could get to tonight's reserved campsite but a little bit of luck at Duclair where there was a ferry over the River Seine surprisingly running on a Sunday gave me some fresh inspiration and after 50 miles I picked up mentally. I got into the zone.... it is hard to describe but it seems as if your body is in tune with your mind calculating the mileage left and it just takes off. Quite amazing how you find the inner strength and more energy to complete a ride of this length on water and bananas! I would mention the town of Cleres which I passed through about 20 Miles from reaching Neufchatel. It was beautiful in bright sunshine and very popular with tourists. A little gem.