Benevolent bike ride day two: Thunder, lightening and comte

Of course, it’s highly naïve to assume neatly planned itineraries should run without the odd alteration, but if someone had suggested day two of the Benevolent bike ride would incorporate Wizard of Oz style storms, 50km of solo riding into a headwind and a dinner complete with ’55 Clos des Mouches just after the Corton Vergennes ’08 with comté, there would have been an understandable element of surprise and anticipation.

And so it’s a pleasure to report that the second day – all 175-190km (depending on route) – of the Benevolent bike ride is complete.

The weather has been momentous: sheet to bolt lightning, intense rain to equal the intense hail, sun, wind, steam… And then there’s been the sheer distance: kilometre after kilometre of tarmac, some smooth, other stretches pock-marked like the Reichstag before restoration.

All has been endured, laughed about and cursed. It’s been exciting, horrible but wonderful.

Thank you to Burgundy for providing the backdrop and Chanson for the after party.

Please can tomorrow be easier and bonsoir.

Click here to sponsor Patrick on his epic 600km challenge across France.

Patrick Schmitt, 08.06.2011