June 23, 2024
To Le Pouzin
Escape from Colditz
The meal we had from the food Matt and Jane had managed to get from the Boulangerie turned out fine. She had also got some stuff for breakfast so we were up early had our banana and yogurt - no coffee and were away keen to get out of the place. The gates opened with the code and we set off on a track to get us to the Isere Cycleway without having to cross the dangerous road. It was a very inventive track jane had managed to construct and took us trough orchards, single track then no track but then miraculously we were on the Isere cycleway and we were able to follow it with ease until it joined the Via Rhona. The weather today was fine but the wind extraordinarily strong. We were lucky however, it is about the strongest tail wind I have ever experienced so we flew along. I felt sorry for the poor people going in the other direction, they could hardly move. The route takes you up into the fairly big city of Valance. It is well marked but the entire route was blocked by an enormous and very busy market. The smell of the roasting chickens was amazing.
Up the hill we went into the attractive main square. Being Sunday morning nearly all the many cafes and bars were closed but we found an open one for a coffee. A march was forming in the square The French elections are next weekend and the following weekend. This march was against the extreme right and it certainly contained very committed people. It was then through the really beautiful gardens and park to take us back down to the river. This was great for a while but then we were turned and directed over a long high bridge. We started to ride but although the cycle path was reasonably wide we just couldnt stay upright with such a powerful wind howling down the river and catching us side on. The others went across then came back to rescue me bringing my sticks and pushing my bike for me
It was a relief to get to the other side of the river but we were mindful we would have to cross it again. By now we were getting hungry and thinking that there was not much hope of food and we came to a camp ground. The most delicious smell were coming from it, it was just on 12 and people were coming from all directions. In we went Matt and Mark had burgers and the rest of us moules. Mark says it is the most delicious burger he has had in his life. We were so lucky to find this place.
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| Heart | 2 | Comment | 0 | Link |
It was Sunday and one thing I haven’t mentioned is the large number of families out cycling. It never ceases to amaze me how such tiny cyclists are so skilled. Families are so well equiped for their cycling adventures and I love watching then. The only problem as the kids are rather unpredictable and you have to keep your wits about you
| Heart | 2 | Comment | 2 | Link |
3 months ago
Our destination for the day was Le Pouzin where we were staying in an Ibis Budget - tiny rooms but we were able to get good pizzas for dinner. This was the last day riding with the family tomorrow they will leave us and take the train back to Lyon. We really have enjoyed having the 3 generations of us riding together.
Today's ride: 50 km (31 miles)
Total: 754 km (468 miles)
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