Yes it was. We left at 6 in the morning. Most of us were freezing. Not until about 12 did we start feeling warmer. Fierce northerly wind. We were going due west for most of the morning, and it was hard to take shelter on the left of the preceding cyclist because of (occasional but fast) traffic. About noon our course deflected SW so the wind became favorable for the rest of the day.

Next day was only 150 km, but much hillier. When we finally saw the Mt St Michel in the distance, we let loose and covered the last 40 km in 1h15min (which is fast by my standards). Needless to say I quietly kept shelter behind younger blood...

Was the real test for the new machine. I was favorably impressed as I felt no fatigue (at least no more than on my old Reynolds steel bike) and I quicky forgot about the iron-hard saddle. Going uphill was a pleasure, even when seated. Doubt I'll ever go back to steel 

Declined to visit the Mount on arrival due to enormous crowds. Had a beer instead (I know it should have been cider)