Day 11 Figeac

Tuesday 27 September and I give no apologies for dating these every day as it's the only way I can keep track of time which can become one 475 mile blur.

My reading material so far has been Mark Beaumont's book "Around the world in 80 days" where he describes his 18,000 mile cycle ride circumnavigating the globe in under 80 days starting and finishing in Paris. That means pedalling 16 hours a day maintaining an overall average of 15 miles per hour, only getting 5 hours sleep and the remaining 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) given over to eating and health management. 

I mentioned keeping track of time and the mathematically minded - or time aware - may be asking where the other 15 minutes went. Well, travelling east, Mark was always losing time in every day he experienced. That time is regained on crossing the International Date Line when you put your watch back a whole day. In this way, Mark would enjoy 81 23-hour 45-minute days while the Parisien onlookers experienced 80 24-hour days. To smooth out lumpy time zones Mark and his team created their own time system so each day could be as consistent as possible. 

I mention health management and by this I mean the dietary needs and medical care. The legs were trained but the pressure points of being on a bike so long are hard to manage.  After one crash which broke a tooth the team had to source dental materials whilst in Russia and the physiotherapist had to craft and fit a new tooth after learning the skills on the go and performing the work during a short scheduled break from the cycling. 

I say this by way of putting into context my leisurely 6 hours walking at 4km per hour to achieve my 24km average per day. It is a breeze and I am enjoying it. 

I suppose today's standout features were the number of churches and chapels the route took in and the number of donation or self-service snack bars available. Also, I have been on the go long enough that I recognise quite a few people so I have chance to say hello at the picnic sites. 

I moved into the Lot department today, I say this with some hesitation as the confusion in the names of regions and departments continues to puzzle me along the route, though the following clarifies matters. 

You can see how the GR65 passes the spot where the three intersect. If you want to know the three 'what', just put something in the comments box; oh sorry, there isn't one.
Welcome to the Lot department. 
Last night's gite was excellent with a warm welcome and the food was good. The gite catered but also had cooking facilities so the younger occupants pooled their skills to cook for themselves. 

As a milestone this is day 11 of 33 so one third of the total days exactly. 

I have found that the mapy.cz app which has maps and shows the GR65 is not always up to date so following the signs is best as there will always be a delay in technology catching up with rerouting on the ground.  Having mapy.cz maps downloaded to my phone has however been useful as I don't need to worry about mobile signal or data roaming limits. Booking ahead has been a boon as people are often hunched over their phones trying to book or finding they have to walk longer than ideal. The gites are mostly cash based so tracking ATMs and days is important. There are plenty of water points on the way and they are clearly signed.

At times today I was on autopilot and often wondered how I had got onto the current stretch of track though there was always something interesting to catch the eye; sorry for the lack of resolution on this as I had to 'zoom' in.

David Moncutie was the local cycling hero in this village and France is always up for celebrating the Tour de France visiting their patch.

The signs are clear but some need extra scrutiny. This one does read GR65.
Having finished my book I managed to agree a book trade with an Irish couple. He gets my fat 410g book and I get her thin 180g book assuming she finishes it tonight. Less weight for me to carry; a 230g saving to be precise.

Lots of maths today and if you want to query anything just put something in the comments box; oh sorry, there isn't one.

Figeac, my destination for today.

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