Some days you’ve just got to get it done.

We knew today’s ride north was going to be a slog. A strong headwind all day. So despite staying up to watch England win the football, we were up early for breakfast and on the road.

The scenery was beautiful, but the wind and the steady climbing soon started to take their toll.

On days like this there’s only one answer. Keep your head down. Just keep pedalling.

We made our way to Calais, and then came a 17-kilometre stretch straight into the wind. It felt like we weren’t getting anywhere. You just keep turning the pedals and trust that eventually you’ll arrive.

Fair play to Robyn. She never complains. She just keeps moving forward.

Then, almost without noticing, we found ourselves riding through beautiful old villages before the final run into Dunkirk. That was a surprise. Plenty of industry, lots of regeneration, and even brand-new roads that weren’t on the Garmin.

Eventually we rolled up to our hotel on the waterfront.

Another evening wandering through town, mixing with the locals and enjoying a Sunday night in France.