Day 13 Thursday,

Yesterday was Chris's graduation day which unfortunately Nick missed due to the bike ride. We all nearly missed it come to that as a certain person called on Sunday to say that it wasn't on Friday as we had been lead to believe (booked train tickets for, special meal etc.) but on Wednesday! Anyway, managed to get here in time for the ceremony in the 500 year old Bath Abbey with it's very beautiful stained glass windows.
 The powerful organ music made me feel  very proud and emotional as Chris's doctorate was conferred on him looking fit and handsome in his red and gold robes because, as well as the culmination of a lot of hard work, it marked the end of his 7 years at Bath University during which time he has grown into a man. I was really glad that Holly, his girl friend, was there with me but sorry that Nick and I could not share the moment together. He now is fully qualified to wear a cushion on his head, which, being Chris he has got full mileage out of - see photos coming soon
That  morning he also had the good news that one of his papers has been accepted for publication in an international journal but conversely when he cycled to pick up his car after it's MOT he was told he couldn't because it needed so much work it was dangerous! You win some, you lose some !

Meanwhile back to the ride. Today it was Fougeres to Tours, 218km, no mountains.
Not much to report really except that they are cheerful and though very tired not suffering too much.