Day 2 : Saturday 10/7 From 36C -> 36mm

Last night I was very tired and fell asleep quickly. However I was soon awoken by the closeness of the weather; even with the windows wide open. So, I reverted to a technique I learnt in Malta (1980) - damp towels! So with a damp towel draped across me; any suggestion of heat disappears instantly. I slept like a baby and was woken by a text from Dave at 7am; breakfast!

Outside, the clouds were gathering and there was the distant rumblings of thunder to be heard. Forty five minutes later, over croissants and Earl Grey, the heavens opened and it rained very heavily; thankfully we had chosen a hotel; had we been camping, my cheery disposition may have been threatened!

We left the hotel and set off towards the puys (volcanic domes) south of Clermont Ferrand. The roads were still wet but it was enjoyable. Unfortunately, the sat nav routed along along some pretty small D roads which were not only littered with gravel but along general forest debris.

It started to rain heavily and we stopped to put on the waterproofs; off we went again. Now the roads started to open out and we enjoyed some wonderful roads; fabulous surfaces; almost no traffic and the opportunity to alow the GTs of their leashes. Great !

A pic nic lunch was taken at Lac Chambon and we set off again. However, by 3pm we were getting tired and we decided to book a hotel.

The nearest hotel with a Michelin "bib" hotel was further south near the the Millau bridge. We headed for the autoroute and came off after some 75 km; another 45 km and we were at the hotel. Pretty knackered, but some good riding.