ELATION!

4 May
How fantastic for Ben and Paul - they have arrived at Le Puy en Velay! They reached the outskirts of the town at 6pm and checked in to the first hostelry that they found - 'Le Biblioteque'.
52.03 miles were cycled today and, by 'French standards' (they have specifically requested that everyone who reads the blog should be aware that, on the occasions when they say the terrain is relatively flat, they are no longer using the word 'flat' with the Fens in mind. The Fen flatness has long been forgotten by our two cyclists) the first 10 miles were relatively flat (undulating).
At last, during those 10 miles, they were given the opportunity to appreciate the Loire, it's size and it's beauty. Prior to this, whilst following the Loire for many miles, their concentration on 'hammering the hills' detracted them from ingesting the river and all it's surrounding glory.
They were completely absorbed in fighting 'the enemy' (the ..... hills) for the ensuing 42.03 miles and all the hardships of the past cycling days were immediately eradicated from their minds when they pedalled in to Le Puy en Velay - tremendous elation and relief immediately replaced all thoughts of the gruelling ride to the start of the Pilgrims' Route.
Knowing full well that a long, hard and wearisome cycle ride is ahead of them - all the way to Santiago de Compostela - our boys are taking a well deserved day of rest tomorrow.

With admiration
Jenny