Rest day 2 - Bastille day

So today we had our 2nd (and final) rest day of the Tour, all of the "lifers" have been counting down to it for the last few days!

Before you start bleating on about why I need a rest day, bear in mind that ive now cycled over 1700 miles in just 16 days, thats the equivalent of riding from Lands End to John O'Groats..AND BACK AGAIN!!!!

It was an admin start to the day. Get up, have the usual continental/insufficient breakfast of bread and jam...milk? why would you want milk? with cereal and coffee..who would have thought they needed it in a hotel of 80 hungry cyclists?!

 Then it was a quick clean of the Tractor mobile, adjust the brakes so they actually stop me on the descents in the Alps over the next few days, and then chill!

Simon and I decided to head into Gap central, Gap is a pretty little town made up of many old squares and narrow alleyways.

A very random statue of a Gorilla, perhaps it was to honour Andre Greipel from the peleton?..although he is unlikely to feature in the top ten for this stage

Gap HQ - the town hall, very impressive for a small town

A lite bite to eat for our rest day lunch - needless to say this was quickly demolished and followed by a massive ice cream desert...but I've earnt it, right?

Nice big church, shame about the clock time...I sure there is a "fund" for its restoration going on somewhere

Its Bastille day in France today (The 1 day a year, when they all have a legitimate excuse to stop being on strike, and have a genuine reason for a day off!!), so the local forces were showing off their finery...not sure if they were "Snow Patrol" Army, or the local part time Pizza chefs, look at those Berets...super Mario anyone??

Not to be outdone by the local Army. Inspector Clouseau was lining up his men...no sign of Kato yet though? 

 

Have you heard the one about the Chief Inspectors wife???

 

No...say that again???

 

...And onto tomorrow - a bumpy day with more than a few "speed bumps" to negotiate

Tomorrows unofficial "Phil" stage

    

And the official TdF version... you can hardy tell the difference - really!

No stats du jour today, cos I only went out for a 3-4mile ride just to stretch the legs and see where everything in town was...Stage 17 is tomorrow, fingers crossed for a safe ride for everyone!

Mange tout!