Day 247 23rd March
12miles (around Nimes) Average speed 8.4mph Top speed 24 mph
A day of successful logistics. I left the hotel after brekkie in bed of orange fizz and prince biscuits. Patron offered me to leave my bags and bike and explore the city.
Galerie Jules Salles
Fountain
Brian the Snail has found holiday accommodation
So I went to the tourist office and got some good info: Hostel for 17€ , bus info and bike shop address. I went for a walk and then a coffee where I met Emma from York, who had just arrived from Barcelona on Interrail. We had a good chat about our journeys. Then I went to find the hostel where, after ringing the wrong doorbell, I found the main entrance. Andy from Leicester welcomed me despite my dodgy French and then told me he was from Leicester – in perfect English, of course. I asked if I could camp, which is only 8€, but as I’d already booked a room and it was raining, I took advantage of the cheap bar and found a spot for the bike. I also requested a locker for a week and he said that would be OK. Wow.
Then I went in search of a bike shop and the first was helpful but wanted to replace with inferior products, the second was much better, especially after I mentioned Gerry Patterson, who had recommended them online. I explained that I wanted to leave the bike with them while in London and they put it up on a stand to check the chain etc. Then he produced a second-hand gear lever for 50€ . So I’m happy to leave the bike in their capable hands while I’m in London. Bike will be going in for repair on Saturday and they have a replacement gear lever ready to fit and as its been 2500 miles since Malaga I will need another new chain. So I will leave it with them and pick up on my return.
On the way back I popped into Lidl for provisions and got enough for a few days. Back at the hostel I had a pint and Andy easily twisted my arm for a second, before cooking chicken pasta and an early night after a couple more beers.
Youth hostel 17€