Monday 12th of May 5th Day

I was dog tired this morning, up till pretty late last night, and had a couple more drinks than were absolutely necessary.   So rose a bit late and eventually got away at about 9:30 with 135 miles to ride to Besancon.

Tom Tom was at his absolute best today, taking me off the first main road within about five minutes of setting off and cross country for near enough the whole day.  The roads were incredible through huge areas of countryside that were divided up into small herds of cattle standing about in the odd bit of meadow, acres and acres of some sort of cereal crop, but growing in fields that have resisted any attempt to conformity.   The fields are all odd shaped and up and down everywhere.  The rest of the landscape is mature traditional woodland, with the odd hamlet encountered every couple of miles.  The whole to all intents and purposes deserted.   I doubt if I saw 100 people all day over the complete 135 miles.  Everywhere is however well maintained and looks prosperous.   

About half way through the journey at a cross roads, where I was instructed to halt.  Sore buttocks and back got the better of me, and I dismounted.  I could see the road in all four directions for probably a mile each way.   I stood stretching myself and waited, and waited, in the end giving up after about 10 minutes, for any sign of a vehicle coming from anywhere. This wasn't on the top op the moors or anything, but well cultivated land and the roads were all first class A roads.   I'm only travelling at 40 mph and a fairly easy target for overtaking, but I reckon today to have only been overtaken about 20 times all day.   I can't believe it.

All in all today was fabulous, the new plug lead gave no trouble, and the only worry was fuel.  When I set off from Troyes, this morning, I had a nearly full main tank, but none in the spare as I had used that last night.   I didn't pass one garage until I was again running on reserve, with I should think less than 5 miles left in the tank.  Then of course, there were three in the same town, but no more for the rest of the day.  Again I have filled the main tank up from the spare and MUST fill both up again tomorrow before heading for Switzerland.

I can hardly believe it, tomorrow I am aiming to reach Martigny which is just the other side of Lake Lausanne and in sight of Mont Blanc.  

Must tell you about the hotel tonight.  I'm staying at one of a chain called Premiere Classe associated with Campanile and Kyriad group.  They really are excellent value for money and intriguingly run.  Reception is only manned for a few hours a day, and when not manned, if you just turn up, there is a machine outside, into which you stick your credit card, 10 seconds it tells you if there is an available room.  Continuing,  2 mins later, you have a printed bill, and a key card for your room and to access the car park gates and you're in.   Rooms are pretty basic but, for 33 euros tonight I have a double bed with a bunk bed over the head of itwhich at a push will sleep three, en-suite bathroom a bit reminiscent of the ones you get if you have a cabin on one of the longer cross channel ferries.  Perfectly servicable and all for about £24.

I'm off out now for another night on the solitary razzle.  Will have to go easy tonight as I have to ride a couple of miles into town.