Another day that announced itself long , wet and cold. The second set of rain trousers had to come out, the first one being insufficiently dry. None of us was equipped for this kind of prolonged wet weather. Who could have imagined that at the end of may we would have to experience days with temperatures barely reaching the low 10s and with days without seeing the sun?  Leaving the Champenois area we followed a route with beautiful views on the champagne fields and houses. Gradually we climbed until we reached Le Mesnil sur Ogier. The rain was light but incessant and the wind was not in our favor either (did I already mention that? I'm sorry ) . The only thoughts we had was to continue, not to flatten, and to get dry at the end of the ride. Pity because the area we were riding through was very beautiful and after some 45K into the ride we were descending into the Seine valley. Again, the risk of inondation was big and we were glad we could still pass on roads that had not been closed. The risk for that happening was getting bigger each day. I managed to get another flat tyre somewhere.  During the ride we were so happy that we could stop at the rest stops provided. Here we were being pampered by Fons, Nicole, Babette and Melinda, who made sure we got enough to eat and drink, and even provided us with hot soup. Also they kept our spirits high. Thanks guys, you were like guardian angels to us.
 After 6 hours of cycling we arrived in Troyes and had to risk our lives riding through most of the city in the rain. In the evening we had a nice dinner in a local restaurant.