Since my last post, we have cycled another 2 days to our first destination on this trip, Les Ulmes. Things have changed a lot since then. We're reunited with our good friends, sharing great fun, food and drinks. We have a very good, real bed with our own bathroom - almost seems like too much comfort (not!). There's an always full fridge, full of deliciousness. Coffee comes out of a machine, just press the button. Wow, even after just 11 days on the road, little things can bring such pleasure!
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It was still hot in the evening by the time we went to sleep, but by morning the weather had cooled down a bit and breakfast was very pleasant again!
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Gradually, the surroundings became more and more "French" with sunflowers and vineyards
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And even more French: we're approaching the Loire region, and there seem to be a castle around every corner
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A beautiful and very quiet campsite (camping municipal) in Chateau Le Valliere for our last night
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A few minutes after we left the campsite, it started to rain. We expected it would just be for a few minutes but it lasted for more than an hour. The whole day in fact, it remained rainy and windy weather. We thought we wouldn't need these rain jackets anymore for a while...
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On our last day towards Les Ulmes, Google Maps was in an off road mood and navigated us several times over unsealed roads. They were quite rideable however, and in fact very beautiful and enjoyable. With the rainy weather, it was even better as it gave us a nicely sheltered itinerary.
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Even to the point where we could hardly speak about a track anymore
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Even on a drizzly, windy day, it's fine to have your lunch picnic in a sheltered forest - thanks to being off road
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While most of it was through forests, we also had these gravel roads through the fields upon our approach to Saumur
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It was only a 60 km day, but with all the headwind it was not a walk in the park. We had a nice terrace stop in Saumur first however, where we already met up with some of our friends (and mmmm that Grimbergen tasted like heaven). The last 10 km to Les Ulmes, we took the easiest regional road - which was a big mistake. For 7-8 kms that was probably the worst road in terms of bicycle environment we have had on the entire trip from Belgium (on top of that, we had another heavy downpour, making it even worse to ride in that place). Nevertheless, after 11 days on the road with 10 days of good riding, and clocking around 725 kms, we arrived at our destination: Les Ulmes!
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This is our "tent" for the week, no complaints! And all that in the company of our wonderful friends!
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It was the end of our bike tour for a short while - or not. Because it is a great cycling environment here, and we've been doing some very nice ans scenic local trips.
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We'll be here for another couple of days, then travelling further to Ile de Re before we get back on our bikes. So there will a bit of silence here, until we're on our way again in about a week or so! To where, when, how long? We honestly don't even know yet!
