Route 1: up and away

290 km BJB - Les Deux Ballons

1 Col de Grase Piere

2 Col de Ménil

It's hard to believe, but after 30 minutes you're already in tour mode and ready to roll, and as soon as you reach France, a certain holiday feeling kicks in.

Even though the weather initially improved and the sun was shining, I got caught in a nice shower just before Saint-Die and had to set up the tent under slightly damp conditions.

Nevertheless, this was a successful start to the 'travel without pressure'