The Wandering Idiot

I woke up first thinking about my knee…’was I going to be able to ride today?’ I knew that we only had canals ahead and the path was fairly flat – so as long as I only need to spin the pedals I should be ok…uphills would not be on for me. Ok – persecute me if you must…but I really didn’t want a rest day…I was anxious as hell to get moving and I didn’t want my fall to stop me.

I got of bed…checked my knee….minimal swelling. That was good. Felt it out a bit. And things seemed to be all right. I didn’t hurt nearly as bad as when I went to bed. I was relieved. My shoulder however has tightened up. It hurt, but I figured ‘I’m not pedalling with my shoulder’! Ok. I can do this today.

Jerome was also keen to get on the road – and I was interested to see how he would do on his first day. He’s an artist, not an athlete – so who knows how this would go. But bear in mind that I am no athlete either…my decision to do this trip was equally as spontaneous as his to join me…and hey – you get fit on the road (at least that’s what I told him).

I feel that I am taking on a risk here…bringing someone else on board…on this tour. But the opportunity presented itself…I saw no reason not to take the risk…why not. Nothing to lose and everything to gain. I was however worried slightly about pace. I have worked my way up to 130km days and this clearly would not work for someone just starting out on tour. But hey, this also gives me a chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery a bit.

Equally – I remain incredibly impressed that someone who hates bicycling took the initiative to take a stranger (me) up on an offer to cycle across Europe. He pulled it together. Got a bike. Met me in Toulouse and is keen to ride. Obviously you have to give this a chance. This tour is all about opportunity and who knows how this can change the adventure!

Just to put some context in here about my new cycling companion; Jerome lived in the UK for some time and has worked as a successful artist in London. You can check his work out on his website, jeromefayoux.com. I guess he will become a regular part of this blog as I write and hopefully now that someone is travelling with me there will be less pictures of my bike and more pictures of people!

We set off at about 9.30 this morning for Castelnaudary. It was nice 60km away or so, and I figured a good way to break in his legs and see how he gets on for the day. The weather, cool and overcast…no rain…but a fierce headwind! Was a nice size ride, flat – but the headwind provided a challenge and slowed us down a bit.

We were cruising along the Canal du Midi. I had been warned by some of the boys on Cyclechat.co.uk that portions of the path were pretty tricky when wet, but we went for it anyway…fought the mud and gravel and enjoyed some of the technical riding. I think Jerome really enjoyed the day. He has never really cycled so it was cool to get out there and mash about in the mud, feel out his new bike, and enjoy the scenery…plus – this was his first 60km day! As the distance grows there will be many firsts for him on this trip!

He did well. I think he could easily have done another 30km, but equally, that could also have been too much. Better to take it slow…break the legs in, and stay for the long haul, rather than get injured early on. I think he also surprised himself as to what he was capable of. From cycling novice to cycle tourer in one day. Not bad. I was chuffed and I think he was too.

Tomorrow is a short ride as well to Carcassone. We’re going to meet his parents their for cassoulet! I’m told it’s awesome and I can’t wait…food lover that I am.

Stealing Wifi to contact our host

Tonight we are being hosted by a couchsurfer named Sophie and her boyfriend. They have really made us feel comfortable…we had starters, Toulouse sausages (good choice Sophie), cheese, desert, and great conversation.

My knee feels much better…the ride went smooth and I suffered very little from yesterdays fall. My shoulder will take a few days…but I am grateful that that is all. I recognise that I got pretty lucky on this one…and to all the boys on Cyclechat – thanks for pushing my to buy health insurance…don’t need it now, but I’m glad it’s there!

67km Bicycled Today

1660 to Date