A cracking sunny morning greeted us as we arose from our slumber. A big ride was in store today and I was feeling confident. The usual morning routine was completed at a leisurely pace. Dad chased after the honking bread van to pick up some supplies for the day. A couple of croissants did the job nicely!

The trip started in the usual fashion as I checked my phone a million times to see if we were going in the right direction. Google maps pointed us towards the canal. We crossed a bridge but were in the wrong place according to the map. We eventually found our way onto the paved track next to the canal. The map told me to follow this canal for about 40km which seemed straightforward. That was until the track disappeared after 5 minutes! This is becoming a regular feature of my rides. All good though so I turned back and stayed on the main roads. I was still aiming to get back to the canal just up the road.

After 40 minutes of cycling I got to the canal. The road surface was poor and my old nemesis was back in force. The headwind was strong. Luckily it was flat otherwise it would have been a nightmare. My knees were aching as I powered on for hours. The scenery by the canal was pretty but not as enjoyable as the first ride in France. I arrived in Aubers after 2hrs 50mins of riding! I completed a record 58.5km so I was feeling chuffed! It was my toughest ride and my legs are feeling it now. Stiff knees and hip but all good! One more ride tomorrow and then a rest day…when Mum arrives! How very exciting!

A big shout out to my Korean family! Brandi, Kayleigh, Holly and Soo hosted a brunch in Harry’s Beer House to raise money for the charities. It was a brilliant success with loads of people’s attending. Lots of delicious food on offer…jealous I wasn’t there to sample some!  I’m so grateful to have an amazing girlfriend and great friends. Love you guys!