68.2 miles, Ascent 1150 metres, average speed 12.0 mph
Baggage van packed.
We were on the road by 9:15 with a long flat route along a cycle path beside the Orne canal passing by the Pegasus Bridge which was open for fishing boats to pass.
After passing through Caen we followed the river Orne to the brew stop at 18 miles then on to our lunch stop at Clecy. I had a very pleasant surprise when our very good friends, Edith & Pierre arrived from Lisieux to say bonjour. After lunch the route became hilly and the weather showery but the last 5 miles into Bagnoles de l’Orne were mostly downhill.On the run in to Bagnoles we shared the road with a cycle race!!! 1 km to go.
Nice first stage, for now it is relatively flat. I see that the weather is rather beautiful, which is always more pleasant. And France is still beautiful is not it ..?