one for Asterisk

St Malo to Rennes

84 km, 774m

After greasy English breakfast and a scramble in the bike store, a great first half of the day, stopping at one of the best menhirs in France, Menhir du Champ Dolent.

Then a long drag through Combourg to Rennes on quite a busy road. Ending with a long loop through the bike paths of Rennes to Hotel Ibis near the station.

Rounded off with Breton crêpe and cider.

I come in peace

I come in peace, take me to your lizard (Douglas Adams, Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy)

Feeling a bit like an alien myself but great join up with loads of bike packers on the Pan Celtic 2023. 

First time I have seen the bike store full, at least 50 bikes.

Great view as we cast off ...

and then past HMS Queen Elizabeth

And next stop St Malo.

Marginal gains

After a full repacking exercise with some brilliant expertise from an international traveller, a few items lost along with 341g of cargo. Plus a neater looking bike. Thanks Mrs 5%!

It all fits, just.

So it took over an hour but everything fits on the bike.  

The usual dilemma regarding spare shoes  - the neatest solution is to put the TEVAs in the backpack. 

For those who are interested, the set-up comprises:

Bike: Ribble CGR Ti, Hope 20-five wheels

Tyres: Continental GP 5000 32mm clincher

Backpack: Vaude

Back loader (with anti-sway bars) and frame bag: Topeak

Top-tube bag: Alpkit.

10 days to go

 

After months of talk it's soon going to be time to start the pedalling. St Malo to Santander, unsupported  1,143 km and 8,975 m of climbing.

Excited and apprehensive in equal measure.

The roads are calling.