So a bit of a slow start this morning as we had breakfast and decided to see what the weather would do. There were some intermittent showers, but nothing too heavy, and nothing to delay the ride ... until we went and loaded our bikes to find Brett had a flat tire. It's the fifth of this trip so far between us, and there always seem to be valve issues. We're thinking that a pretty cheap batch of tubes is the issue ... it couldn't be us!
While the tube replacement team (Brett) got to work, David took the opportunity to put some adornments, bought at Decathlon yesterday, on his bike - toe clip pedals (to stop his shoes slipping off the pedals in the rain), a mirror (to see himself about to be hit by a truck), and a phone holder (ummm ... to hold a phone).
The wet weather was holding off so we headed down a steep hill out of Sancerre. Some of the back streets were potholed and gravel, and the wet surfaces made the ride interesting!
We rode across a beautiful ancient bridge, through vineyards, and farm-laden laneways. The bike paths, when we eventually returned to them, were generally well-maintained and flat for the morning's ride.
It's only 60 km today but I'm already feeling leg-weary... this lasts all day. For me, this is a sign that I'm dehydrated and not keeping fluids up. More effort is required (sounds so much like my school reports from the Sisters of Mercy when I was in primary school)! Oh, and 700 km in 9 riding days for a non-cyclist didn't help!
A lot of riding this morning seems to be on paths atop a high dike. We're assuming they're flood prevention dikes. Some are shared with cars and some are for cyclists or pedestrians only.
There have been a couple of showers this morning, but looking at the ground you know the earth really needs this rain - much of Europe has been in drought for a while now. So, as much as it might be inconvenient for cyclists, it's a lifeline for farmers.
Just as a heavy storm was hitting us, we pulled into a shelter for about 15 minutes before riding off towards two large cooling towers of a nuclear station. Near the plant, we saw a waterway coloured green. Just sayin'.
As we passed the nuclear station, ironically (in some eyes) we came to an Environmental Education Centre which offered a warm respite from the cold and served hot coffee! Another quick stop.
Only another 18 km and we stop for lunch in Chatillon-sur-Loire. We were promised by Google that the nearby creperie, serving award-winning crepes, would be open ... apparently not. Onwards we go to Speed Kebab! It was actually a great feed for David and me. I think Col and Brett took one look at the deep fryer and headed off for healthier pastures.
After lunch with around 20 km to Gien, we hit head and crosswinds. With the track shifting in different directions, and wind protection variable, it was hard to get a cycling rhythm happening. The scenery was magic, with a freshness that only rain can bring. Farmland on one side of the bike path, with lots of cattle, and on the other side, a canal fronting large, dense trees in autumn colours.
We rode over the magnificent Pont du Briare - another canal that goes over the top of the Loire River, similar to the one in Decize that we rode over a few days ago. In my view, this one is better.
We finally arrived in Gien, welcomed by the sight of Chateau de Gien sitting above the town. It was quite an imposing sight shadowing the small town. We did a quick tour of the chateau before looking for a thirst-quenching ale. We still had an uphill 4km ride to the Ibis Styles Gien for our night's stay (not to be confused with the cheap and nasty Ibis Budget hotel ... we have standards)!
Given our Ibis was located on the town fringes, it was too difficult to go back into town for dinner (also the lessons learnt from our Choisey stay still resonated!). For dinner, we had the choice of McDonalds or another popular chain, Buffalo Grill. We chose the grill and had a boot-scooting good time.
During nightcap drinks back at the Ibis I was to learn something that made me question my 40-year friendship with Brett. I learned he was a highly talented piano accordion player until he was 14 years of age! I now wonder if we would have become friends if I'd known that fact. What kind of nerd plays the piano accordion?
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