T+5: Lays sur le Doubs to Dijon Sud

Well here we are, in the lovely Chenove Industrial Park. There are more massive shops here than I can even countenance:

E Leclerc: it's a huge warehouse-styled supermarket, not an actual person. It contains a Flunch which is a kind of entry-level restaurant serving variations of beef and chips.

Conforama: I'm not sure what it sells, but I imagine everyone who goes there wants exactly the same thing, which is also probably what they want you to want.

Halle des Chassures: The Hall of Shoes. Perhaps a kind of theme-park ride for the dedicated follower of fashion.

KFC: YES!!!! Seriously, it's just around the corner from our very humble abode. I've waited over 5 months for fried chicken. I need no longer wait. I've had to cycle over 240 miles, but I'm finally pres de fried poulet.

Anyway, how did we get here (you may well be thinking). We woke up after a pretty good night's sleep and went to the bar for a cup of coffee (as Dom's guests). We packed up and left. Bit of a shame to go, as we did feel genuinely very welcome there. However, as we were within a day's ride of Dijon, we thought it best to give it one more full day on the roads.

The ride was pretty uneventful, as the roads rolled but were never too much up- or downhill. We passed through Seurre, and Pouilly-sur-Saone. There're lots of lovely rivers with little beaches in this general area. In the Summer it's probably buzzing. The cycling certainly allows me to see lots more insect-life as it inevitably smashes into my chest/sunglasses/mouth at around 15mph. The fields are full of interesting-looking crops and the sun is everywhere. Yesterday there wasn't a cloud in the sky, so we had to cover up to protect our already-pink skin. Today there was one cloud, somewhere over there.... Still covered up, still very warm indeed. The sun is currently the main challenge after the slight inclines. Every town seems to be in a "dip" so you inevitably have to climb out after coasting in. We passed through Broin and Corcelles, stopping at Noiron sous Gevrey for a sandwich, tuna and a drink.

After a bit of traversing in the super-hot sun, we got to the industrial/commercial wonderland that is Chernove in the South of Dijon, and a Formule 1 hotel. The bike fits in the room and we have a proper bed for the night. Current plan is to rest, wash stuff and take a trip into Dijon tomorrow. That is if I ever finish blogging!

One good thing about stopping here is we have free internet (although I can't upload pictures) so I've managed to update this blog. But mainly we've managed to see our Virgin Money Giving page and all the new donations that have gone in. It is a massive fillip to us to know this journey is worthwhile, and it really does keep us going through the sun, bugs, massive gear fall-outs and closed roads. Thank you everyone who has sponsored us already, and thanks in advance to those who are about to! Please feel free to tell your friends, add a link on Facebook or otherwise spread the love.

T+5 - Lays sur le Doubs to Dijon Sud - 34.15 miles (236 overall)