Champagne...& the police!

It was 39 degrees as I cycled into Fismes late this afternoon to set up camp. 70 miles of cycling in eyeball burning conditions. Sweat is still pouring off me now as it approaches 9pm, it's still in the 30s. I guess a hot night ahead! And no storm in sight yet.

I made good progress today in rolling countryside although I had some sizeable climbs and descents in the "Montagnes (mountains) du Reims". I always find the hilly bits! I'm sure I've earned my flat bits now so here's hoping as I enter my final week in France.

To say I've been cycling through the Champagne region for a few days, I didn't come across any vineyards until I reached Epernay today, at the heart of the Champagne producing area. I cycled past all the famous Champagne houses, bumping along the cobbles until I reached the town centre for probably my best cup of tea ever. I needed it so badly. They were kind enough to refill my water bottles with ice cold water as well. I ate my picnic lunch in a nice square with a big water fountain. Again, I was astounded at how quiet it was. A major tourist town but barely any people, cars & certainly no shops open.

Epernay was supposed to be my destination for the day but I'd arrived before 12pm and felt strong enough to continue even though I knew the temperature would sky-rocket in the afternoon. So, here I am, a further 30 miles later in Fismes.

I located the campsite and, with no-one at reception, the note said to pitch up and the caretaker would be along shortly. Fortunately, I had no issues either dismantling the tent this morning nor pitching it this afternoon with the broken pole. Phew! That had been a major concern. I was hoping the caretaker would be along soon. Unusually, the shower block was locked & a code was required to enter. So no access to showers or loos in my extremely sweaty state. I don't like leaving it too late to shower as I need to get my cycle clothes washed and dried as well.

I sauntered up to the noticeboard to see when reception would be back open. 8.30am tomorrow morning. What?!!! So how was I supposed to access the showers and loos before then? Ah, a number to call if no-one was manning the campsite. Oh, office hours only and it is Sunday evening. Well, there was nothing else for it but to call the police!! They may know the access code or someone who did.

I was right! After some discussion, they gave me the number of a man who could help and he was with me 5 minutes later running through the codes. Phew!

After dinner, I strolled back into town and 1 cafe was open. They had sorbets so I had a scoop each of apricot, passion fruit and raspberry so 3 of my 5 a day! V cooling and I gulped a carafe of water whilst I was there. Now I'm back at the campsite, lots of other people have turned up & they're all asking if anyone knows the code to the shower block. At least I can now help. A very strange system. You can't have people unable to access a toilet! Anyway, all's well that ends well.

I hope you all had good weekends and I look forward to hearing of your Bank Holiday plans next week!

xxxx

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