Every other year or so I go to France---With the family. I am the only one cycling so I have to think of the others out there with me. So what I do is choose a base town and stay there. I get my rides in the mornings while the others are lazing round the Pool. Get back have lunch- then the whole family do the tourist bits round the vineyards and other places of interest.
Only thing is that some areas of France and I will take up the whole day. I forced the Family out to Ventoux and that was where the problem was. They stayed in the town at the bottom of the ride for 2 hours and met me at the top. Only problem was on the way back they wanted to do the tourist bit again and all I wanted was a shower and a long lie down resting my eyes.
So unless you are on your own- Pick a base and work out from there- rather than touring. Keeps the rest of the family happier.
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How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan