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.
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€