Day 16, Stage 12
Tonnerre – Vittel, 211.5km
Another supposedly flat stage!
All of the days are starting to roll into one.
We spoke to a 74 year old lady when we stopped for a break (every person over 60 seems proud to tell us their age). She was a real character and was making comparisons between our bikes and her electric bike. We have found that you reap what you sow with the French people. If you put in and make an effort they really open up and warm to you. If you give them nothing they will do the same. I haven’t met one arrogant French person yet (but the French people are telling us to wait til we get to Paris and we will find plenty of them!). I’m sure they’ll be fine - we’ll see how we go.
The fact that the Tour de France is still a month away from passing through some of these towns doesn’t seem to matter to the locals I don’t think. They just seem thrilled to see people on bikes riding through their town and they are eager to support us. They clap and cheer and make comments and it feels nice to know that cycling and cyclists are so highly regarded in France. I can’t imagine the pandemonium when the real tour goes through if they are this excited to see a bunch of hacks ride through their town.
Marika hit the deck again today when she didn’t clip out properly at lunch time. She has absolutely smashed her body over the past few weeks.
It was very undulating again today. If we see a flat road anywhere in France we will take a photo for you and post it on the website. I’m sure we haven’t seen one yet in nearly 2,000km of riding. The flat stages haven’t been what we would define as flat in Melbourne.
As we draw closer to the real tour which starts on the 4th July there are more and more decorations, bike sculptures, statues, murals etc in each of the towns that the tour is passing through.
We wore black armbands today for Brian, a family member of one of my best mates. Brian loved life, was a real character and unfortunately passed away overnight.
Crohn’s Fact
The incidence of Crohn’s is similar in males and females and the onset of the disease can arise at any age, however symptoms typically start to occur between 15-30 years.
Crohn’s Profile
Name: Arne
Age: 54
Lives: Oslo, Norway
Age of Diagnosis: 17 years (1972)
My Story: Got bad when I was about 15 years old. Got Crohn’s diagnosed in 1972, had surgery. Feeling good until 1980. Got Crohn under control by using different medication: sulpha, imuno supresiva, cortisone. Then got worse. Early retired because of Crohn.
My message: If you donate money to research, you will help many people who are seriously affected. Many of these patients are small children with serious symptoms.
Today’s images can be viewed here
Stage 12: On The Road (not much video on offer today)
Sponsor Profile:
Sponsor Name: Mango Tiger
Sponsor Level: Project Partner
Sponsor Website: www.mangotiger.com.au
Margaret of Mango Tiger Neurokinesiology has been mentally preparing Damian and Marika in the lead up to their ride. Visualisation, releasing negative thoughts and emotions and embracing positive thinking have been key themes in the weekly sessions that Margaret has delivered. Find out more about neurokinesiology and Margaret’s work at www.mangotiger.com.au Margaret will also be joining us during the latter stages of the ride which will be great.
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