To Villefranche sur Soane

June 18, 2024

That dratted head wind

We have ridden between Macon and Lyon a couple of times before but it was some time ago and we had to pick our way along finding the quietest possible road and it wasnt always a pleasant process. This is what we thought we would have to do again today but we were in for a pleasant surprise In the years that have intervened the tow path beside the river, which was previously only passable by unladen mountain bikes had been revamped. Or at least as far as Villefranche sur Soane We will see if the rest has been done tomorrow

We started out on the cycle route that was opposite the hotel and along the river. There was a great cycle path that went under the lovely old bridge and took us to a port like area where there were cruise ships tied up. I thought of the easy life the passengers were having. Then onto the high steep bridge taking us over the river. Luckily there was a cycle track as the traffic really was fairly heavy. Then signs led us onto small roads and then a turn and it announced that we were on the Voie Bleau. The surface was hard packed gravel and great to ride on It was extremely well signed and there were cyclists coming grain the other direction. It must be OK. The only things we didn’t like about it was that once more there was a fierce head wind and the temperature was climbing rapidly

Ken is always happy to see some farming activity

Once more we delighted in seeing groups of children with their very careful minders riding the route. We wondered if this was happening because it is near the end of the school year or because it is part of the curriculum

One of about five groups of kids - this is group has medium sized kids. There were some really tiny ones. they were all riding well

It was nice when we came to a green tunnel like this , it broke the wind a bit and it was somewhat cooler

I am delighting in the poppies. We have never been to Europe at this time of the year and I didn’t realise how spectacular the are

We had been worrying about the bridge we would have to cross to get to the other side of the river so you can imagine how delighted we were when we came to this one which was not only car free but also low

After this however things weren’t so great. The roads were busy, there were alsorts of awkward overpasses but the temperature was now over 30. What a relief to see the Kyriad Hotel and across the road a Brasserie where we will est tonight

Today's ride: 46 km (29 miles)
Total: 578 km (359 miles)

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	8
Comment on this entry	Comment	0