A windy day (cyclists nightmare) but also beautiful and sunny . We left the De Groene Waard camp site about 0930 and cycled back through Gorinchem. We felt full of energy after yesterdays unexpected day off.

We rode the somewhat familiar streets of Gorinchem following the route on kamoot. This took us over water – a problem on a bike ti I saw the ferry terminal. We took the 10 min ferry to Sleeuwijk,. I hope you don’t think this was cheating and want your donations back !

We carried on to Breda after this . On the outskirts, we did a small shop for food for when we camp later on . We were about to set off when a lady came over and gave us 2 ice creams that she had just bought. A lovely thing to do. Tracey ate both as they weren’t vegan but it was so kind.

I was in Breda with my previously mentioned great friend Sara in 2011 as we walked together as far as Paris. Sara , it’s easier by bike!

We had a coffee in the Grote Markt before continuing another 10 miles or so to a very tricky to find Bivakzone – camp site in the woods. We crossed the border into Belgium on the way! This is a big deal.

The bivakzone is basically wild camping. There are no facilities here there are however mosquitoes. Lots of them, big ones, hungry ones. It’s amazing how quickly you can put up a tent !

One final thing before I go to sleep. I really didn’t expect to meet camels today but here we go – camels x 3 . I love The Netherlands!

Tomorrow we head to Brussels and a meeting with our friends and primary sponsors of this stage ANSELL .