We are in Agde just 30km short of Sete and the end of the Canal du Midi. It is also apparently the nudist capital of Europe. I discussed a bit of nude cycling with Gilly but she has not got any doublesided bra tape (see previous blog) - she now says she has but I've checked, she does not have nearly enough!!!!!!!!
We stayed in the same hotel in Toulouse as last time we cycled through - Hotel Victor Hugo but I was disappointed that we did not get a discount as regulars and I realy don't think they remembered us from 3 years ago. I like Toulouse, it is a vibrant fun city with many friendly folk willing to help lost cyclists.
We followed the canal out of the city during rush hour, we were late starting as John, who was in a hotel just round the corner,could not get his breakfast as firstly the staff did not turn up and then the bread man did not cometh - so eventually we departed about 0900 - half an hour late. There were cyclists everywhere all pedalling at 100mph coming from all directions - in many ways worse then cycling in traffic - at least you can see and hear cars approaching!
We rocked into Castelnaundry after coming off the towpath about 13 km from town. The tow path deterriated into a narrow, rucked grassy track - not good with laden bikes. We were battling into an easterly all day and once we were clear of the tow path it hit us hard. We huffed and puffed up hill for nearly 7 km before dropping down towards town. Hard man!!
Last time we cycled through I put in the blog that Castelnaudry was a dump - nothing has changed. Dist 62.22 Odo 1297.3
Wednesday we stayed clear of the tow path and struggled against a strong easterly - what should have been a gentle short day tested our resolve - there was a hint of LMF in the air and comments such as "what are we going to do tomorrow if the wind does not change?" Were being banded around. So we slunk into Carcasonne, grabbed a coffee and licked our wounds. Gilly booked our hotel near the castel and John said I will lead us to our hotel with my magic garmin thingy! Our fearless leader took us higher and higher up the side of the castle road, a road too narrow for the impatient French drivers to pass until eventually we were looking down onto our hotel way below. LMF was definately active in the troops following our leader.
We had a great meal inside the castel and our spirits were high as the wind was going to shift to the west and blow us along the following day.
Carcassonne Dist 41.28 Odo 1338.6
Thursday was a great day, cross country to Narbonne, through small villages, virtually no traffic and yes, a strong following wind. Fantastic.
Narbonne Dist 61.79 Odo 1400.4
We met up with some old friends who have an appartment about 40km south of Narbonne, we stayed in the appartment last time we cycled this way. Had a great meal in a restaurant which boasted fresh food and individually cooked. It was but it took nearly 3 hours.
Today should have been a good day but it was very ordinary. Too much traffic, hard navigation in places but we did pick up the canal for a few miles were it had a metalled surface. We looked lost in one town and Frenchie came across and asked if could help - he was very confused as I read the wrong town off the map. He was just like me - the less I understood what he was saying the louder he said it!!!
So here we are, Agde, we have not got our kit off yet but Gilly would like to go the Cape Agde tomorrow before we go mmmmmmm....
We will seek out the end/beginning of the canal before our last days cycling to Sete.
Dist 59.83km Odo 1460.2. Good weather with the wind mainly on our backs.
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