Chris's first article
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Diary of Chris Devereux on his French pilgrimage *A PILGRIM'S PROGRESS
In the first of his weekly diary entries, long-distance cyclist Chris Devereux
keeps readers updated on his progress as he pedals his way along a 1,000 mile
pilgrimage trail through France and Spain. This week he writes of lightning on
the road to Conques.
May 21, Villeneuve d'Aveyron:
Today was the third day of my cycling pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella
following the Way of St James, Le Chemin de St Jaques.
At 6.30am I left the community I was staying with at Estaing and pedalled ever-upwards
into one of the most severe storms I have experienced on a bike.
Huge bolts of lightning crackled to the ground followed by deafening thunder
and torrential rain. In the east I could see the sun rising and blue sky but
in the west the direction I was travelling in a wall of black cloud blocked
out the countryside.
Yet by the time I got to Conques, a world heritage site and one of the oldest
and most famous pilgrimage sites in Europe, the sun
came out to greet me and it stayed that way for the rest of the day.
There is something about this journey which has already impressed me it is
the sense of community and understanding among fellow travellers that we all
seem to share.
People of all shades of opinion, belief and nationality have decided to do
the journey as a way of stepping off the normal routine of life and reflecting
on what is important to them.
I met Paul at Le Puy, a
commercial pilot from Nurnberg who was cycling to Santiago in thanks-giving
for no mishaps in a flying career of 42 years with some 18,600 hours flying
time.
Yesterday I met Charlie who was walking 25 miles a day to reflect on what his
next career move in life was going to be.
And as for me, I am just grateful to get through each day at the moment and
looking forward to four friends joining me from England to ride with me for
the next three days. Next week I should have more experiences to share.
But for those who like figures, I have cycled 159 miles in 2.5 days, climbing
a total of 13,320 feet and averaging just over 11mph I have always said that
the Auvergne was hilly.
For the full story, log on to www.sutton.guardian.co.uk/news/features, or to
sponsor Chris call 020 8661 0428 or email chrisdev@atlas.co.uk
9:22am Friday 24th May 2002
* This is the text from ....
http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/search/display.var.181812.0.diary_of_chris_devereux_on_his_french_pilgrimage.php
but unfortunately doesn't seem to be on the Sutton Guardian's website any more.
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