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Part 3: Carhaix --> Brest --> Loudeac
The sunrise gave a me boost to the morale again. I met with Greg from SFR, and we ended up riding together until Brest. It was great to see him! The day had the longest climb, and the longest descent, but they were more bearable with company.
Finally seeing a glance of the ocean on the descent was a great relief, I was almost there! Well, I knew that I was, in fact, not even half-way through the ride, but that wasn't really registering. I had to get to Brest, and then I would be happy.
The arrival in Brest included passing over the bridge that I had seen in many PBP picture. I stopped to get some pictures (which didn't even turns out good), and lost the group.
I took another break (also known as "I wasted a bunch of time") in the control, walking around to get food, refill bottles, and so on. My new goal was Loudéac, again!
The most satisfying part was that I could start following the sign to Paris. Somehow, the end felt closer.
While I had a few chats on the way to Brest, most of the time I would ride alone, and in silence. On the way back, I started looking around more and talk with more people. There were plenty of Italians, all with the same jersey, so they were easy to spot. I learned a lot about the rando scene in Italy, and about some amazing rides. The one below is another unofficial stop at the top of the climb out of Brest. Coffee and sweets are always welcome!
The saddle sore weren't getting better. I biked the entire day with as little movement as possible on the saddle, as changing position was very painful. I pulled through the night, and stopped in the early morning to a pharmacy to get diaper rash cream, which I had hoped would help. My interaction with the pharmacy staff was hilarious, but I was finally able to convince them that I needed "crème bebe".
At St Nicholas, I stopped to get another shower and put the creme. It didn't help much, I would have needed to really rest for a few hours to see any effect, but I didn't have much time. I was on my way out, when one of the italian riders (who is a nurse) suggested to get back and go to the nurse station for help.
It was the best idea ever. They took me in, put some other cream, and placed miraculous gel pads on the inflammation. I got on the bike ... and no more pain!! Now I knew I was going to be able to finish. After that problem solved, I felt good. I was having fun, and I was making good progress. With company, time passed faster too.
I arrived in Loudeac and I slept for 2 hours in the common room. The room was a large gymnasium completely covered in mats and camp beds, side-by-side. The room was dark, and a volunteer walked me to my assigned bed. People were snoring loudly. I didn't sleep as well as Tintenniac, but it was enough to get me back on the bike.
Some people thought that sleeping on ground in the dining rooms was better. This is was a common sight at all controls, but the crowding of Loudiac definitely made things more evident.
Starting again was cold! I had to get back on the bike quickly to warm up. I was shivering quite badly. Once pedaling again, I felt better and I could continue pushing through.
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