Day 7: Somewhere in France to Leucate (also France)

All I hoped for upon rising was that today would go a bit more smoothly than yesterday and that whatever the HELL tried to attack my pillow and, ergo, attack me was now dead.

Again, so glad to have a lift from my new friend, Maria, who picked me up from my horror-show camp ground and drove me into Argelès-sur-Mer to a bike shop. I got my tire fixed and bought two new CO2 canisters (still no clue how to use), one hand pump, and one new inner tube. Unfortunately, “my dignity” was out of my price range.

I am glad that the day was lined up to be a pretty short and flat ride. In the end it was about 55 km and it was mainly uninterrupted. Except, I was having a real issue with the panniers today. Shortly after I had my bike fixed and set out on the road, with every little bump or slight undulation in the road one of my panniers would go flying off. Immediately, I would put on the brakes forgetting that my feet were clipped in, barely get one foot out in time, and then sort of stagger to the ground. This happened about four to five times!! I was getting pretty frustrated because each time I thought I was solving the issue and it just kept occurring. Finally, I tried switching the sides that they were mounted on and, a voilà! Yet, I find it hard to believe that for the last six days I have just randomly strapped them onto the correct sides… Anyway, I made a mental note to remember which way they were oriented. Of course now that the panniers are off I have absolutely no recollection.

Once that was figured out it was straight forward to my destination of Leucate. I am staying in the old historical centre and it is exceptionally cute. Best of all, my B&B has real bed linen made of non-paper material!

Once I arrived I took a shower and walked maybe twelve paces to get to the town square and order a beer. I noticed that some people were setting up tables and a stage for something later in the evening so I made a note to come check back later. After my beer I was debating several options, including: go to the beach, go for a hike, have a nap, do some work, or have another beer. In the end I chose to go for a hike. Really it was just a walk.

The walk was extremely picturesque but I quickly became aware that I was inside of a cricket horror film. The sounds were deafening as I wandered around through isolated vineyards and slopes. I tried to remain calm and forget about the fact that I had left my anti-allergen medication at my B&B. At a certain point though, I saw something flying through the air that honestly looked like a rat with wings and that is when I decided to do the short loop.

Back in town I wanted to just enjoy some time relaxing in my nice room (nicer that last night, at least) so I bought a baguette, some cheese, meat, and a tomato and had a little picnic for one. I checked out the festival on my way home and listened to a bit of live music before coming back for my petit dinner.