Legs are still turning. St Dizier reached after 95 miles. The route had some long slow hills up and down through open valleys and forests. Skylarks sang in the sky. Was that a Goshawk landing on a fence post? We’ve been trying to remember our journey. Those who did the Greek leg feel it is now so far away: the memories as distant as those of childhood. Tonmorrow: Epernay. Champagne country! Seems appropriate. Thanks for your continued messages of support and generous sponsorship.

When Dr Damian Coleman talked of involving us in his scientific experiments he mentioned measuring the “degradation” of our bodies. That seems about right. There’s quite a few degraded bodies around: tired legs pushing up hill. But the scenery is those vast French valleys with oats and barley meadow sweet and scarlet pimpernel.

French roads are the best for cycling. The Italian HGV’s in attack mode a forgotten nightmare. We’re travelling on small country roads eolling through fields of corn, maize and sunflowers. Large brown cows in grassy fields.

It’s Mr Barrett’s birthday… so how to spend it?  There can be few men who would plan a 93 mile hill climbing cycle as a way of celebrating their birthday. Onwards and upwards.

Ps  He was overjoyed with the musical swiss cow and t shirt we’d clubbed together to purchase for him.

Losing track of days so I thought I’d remind myself by writing Tuesday at the top. Epinal to St Dizier today. 90 miles of undulating countryside – lovely. The sun is up and the house martins are flying.