Ross was keen to make moves following his decision last night to push along the Camino from Le Puy by himself realizing that he needs to cover 800 km over rough terrain in 12 days to reach his fly out point in Bayonne.
As a group we left Saint Bonnet. Again threatening black clouds were present which was not surprising given the reports that parts of Europe are badly flooded !
We launched in to an exciting 5 km downhill on a good surface. With this kind of cycling we expected the day to be short as according to road signs we only had 57 kms to cover to reach Le Puy.
The expected climbs came after our mid morning break cycling our way from one valley to another.
Near Yssingeaux we ended up on a major trunk route and soon realized by the honking of one particular motorist that maybe cyclists were not permitted.
Sure enough a detour to McDonalds and their Wi-Fi revealed that while it was legal to ride on an` N road it was illegal when the road became110 kms an hour !
A motorist had befriended us offering us a map and an alternate route to Le Puy but checking the GPS indicated a few squiggly lines indicative of some serious climbing !
Taking another route out through Ysskngeaux had us momentarily lost but soon climbing hills of the type that we`d tried to avoid !
Eventually we were led back on to the N road but only where it was only 90 km /hr and therefore legal for cyclists. Legal it may have been but safer it was not as the drizzly conditions, strong cross winds, traffic and a lack of a verge to ride in made the 5 km section we rode most unpleasant !
Leaving the N road as it turned to 110 km /hr required more circuitous riding (thank god for the GPS) to head in the general direction of Le Puy.
Finally after covering 65 kms (only 57 by direct route) we entered this historic town of 20,000 and recognized as the starting point in France of the Camino trail - some 1500 kms to Spain and Santiago de Compestella.
It has taken Kev and I 2,300kms & Ross 800 kms just to get to this point.
We had a farewell dinner with Ross having enjoyed his company over the last two weeks and our various experiences particularly the Vecors, acknowledging that we would have only delayed his attempt on the Camino particularly as intends to ride most off road.
The lightweight from NZ had during the day ditched most of his camping gear to make the cycle even easier still - we may follow his example if / when we find a Post Office.
While Ross plans to take off for an early start the Aussies with some bike work and feeling a little weary are planning to have a rest day in Le Puy and take in some of its beautiful sites !
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