J203 – 7/8/2006

Getting up is always a bit laborious.  This morning, Serge was accompanied by Stéphanie and Tom, and left from the 280 km marker, after a 20 minute drive by car.  These transfers represent a loss of time for Serge but we have no choice.  It was very hot and luckily Serge quickly finished his day, around 14H00.

Serge is happy to be fed by young Tom and Max and to share some of his race with his son, Tom (Thomas), who is discovering the reality of the race.

For the last three days, at the end of the morning, the camper leaves for the next city stop because we have a mini-move to prepare by July 12: in fact, we are emptying our mobile home.  After a few month’s concentration of living in that space, we have been able to accumulate an amazing amount of all kinds of stuff.  We also have to prepare the 4-wheel drive and trailer because on the 12th all the bags and cartons of things we will take to Japan have to go into them.  It will be hot, very hot so we are better off preparing things beforehand.  The new rhythm gives everyone time in the afternoon to rest, to play Ping-Pong (Tom and Max) or to watch TV.  As for Serge, he takes a nap and rests.

We had a visit from Mr. Kimura and Kevin, of Mizuno China.  They are based in Shanghai and will give us a hand for our arrival there the 11th and 12th.   They have planned a route and 2 cyclists will guide Serge  the last 20 kilometers.  The point of arrival in Shanghai is scheduled to be north of the People’s Park around 11H30.  There will be a ceremony following arrival.  Then there will be just enough time to take a shower and at 15H00 we will have to leave for the airport.  In short, everything is super organized in collaboration with Mizuno and we thank them for their help.