Where do I start?

The day 6 beckoned with fears of a 15000 foot climb tally - reduced by the last evening's 15 mile late foray.

We set off bright eyed and bushy tailed - like the cast of Watership Down (but quickly reconsidering given the French Agricultural Industry's preference to shoot anything furry and edible) - Rob's wig cowered below his helmet.

Bright temparament changed quickly to heavy breathing as the gradient rose - the peleton stretched from Brown at the front to a comedy masterclass at the rear from McNulty: Eales, Cocksedge and Pagliaro suddenly increasing cadence and speed in a vain attempt to escape.

Cycling continued - up, down - then up again!

The first calamity then befell the team.

In Brookes' words: 'Margaret was on the phone organising some sewing circle meeting, when I chanced upon a junction, maybe travelling at 2 or 3 mph. I asked her several times 'which way?'  only to hear some needlepoint tips for her next soiree. Before I knew it, there was a herd of Wildebeeste being transhumanced to higher pasture. In order to avoid a horn and fur disaster, I took the only option and carefully drove the car I was entrusted with to the side of the road. Owing to some cheap Frog or Algerian immigrant labour having built the road (unlike DSD) the verge crumbled and I ended up with 2 wheels in a ditch!'

In Margaret's words: 'I was applying a 4 point racing harness seat belt to counter the centrifugal force as we encounterd a hairpin bend: at mach 2, I blacked out. Awakening to hear a sobbing Brookes begging me to go along with his sordid excuse of a story. He promised never again to wear his spandex speedos in our hot tub should I go along with his plan. I am already regretting my aquiescence, but seeing the negative effect Brookes prancing bathing has caused our Koi, I had to agree.'

I leave you, dear reader, to decide who is telling the truth?

2 and a half hours later, the car was recovered and back on the road - no problems. However, having decanted all luggage, bikes, spares and people to the X5 - this promptly fell sick. resolutely refusing to start, the equipment went back to the Audi, the X5 heading driverless to St Etienne! Bretherton unable to fit in the car had to take a 40 mile taxi to the end hotel. We were beginning to forget the long miles.

Finally at the hotel, surely there couldn't be a 3rd incident?

I leave the photo here to speak of the injury to the rider'. Comments suggesting cause please?

Over 66% completed - perhaps tomorrow's cycling may take the headlines? Today's 95 mile ride through the Massif Central barely remembered above car and incidents!