May 14, 2023
Castres - Albi
Yesterday treats us to one final and unexpected dowpour when we go out looking for a restaurant. And now for today. This morning our spirits are definitely dampened. The weather report predicts a few degrees warmer and less likelihood of rain but clear skies are not yet on the radar.We check out of the very pleasant Hotel Rivière - they even lent us an umbrella last night - retrieve our bicycles from the garage next store, and before getting on the road, stop for a few farewell pictures.
We are soon on the Chemin des Droits de l'Homme, a Voie Verte rail trail, that will take us all the way to Albi. This is a good thing and a bad thing. It is good that we are avoiding the many rises and dips in the landscape since I am not feeling too good today. My nose is running, I have a sore throat and am feeling kind of washed out. An easy ride is just what the doctor prescribed.
The not so good thing is that it is monotonous. We climb very gently and descend gently while the view remains more or less the same except when we cross a road or there is an opening in the trees where we can appreciate what we are missing, the pretty views that you have from the small roads.
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The path is wide, not paved but hard packed sandy soil that is easy to ride.
We see almost no one else the whole day, just a very few walkers, cyclists and people out with their dogs. We have a head wind most of the way and are thankful when the sun makes an occasional appearance. Just twelve more kilometers, almost there, and it starts to rains. On with the rain legs, the helmet cover, the cover for the cargo bag. I am hapy that I am so well equipped. Nothing in my panniers was superfluous, except for the sunglasses maybe, although when we started out two weeks ago, I thought it was probably overkill. The shower doesn't last long, which is fortunate since there is no shelter in sight.
Almost in Albi, the Voie Verte comes to an end and our route wants to take us on a cow path. Iˋm all for taking the safest route, but I balk at that and we go for the main road leading into Albi. Since it's Sunday and the traffic is light, what would have otherwise been a busy road is no problem.
We have a super hotel, they carry our bags to our room and the bikes are in a spacious garage. All is well. Except for the wifi connection. Tomorrow I'll see if the connection is better in the lobby.
Dinner at Le Tajine, a Moroccan restaurant in our street, is good.
Today's ride: 48 km (30 miles)
Total: 479 km (297 miles)
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Your photos are beautiful and though I am a bit envious of your tour, I am happy to get your reports, your photos and you little stories thrown in. Living vicariously through you ;’). Happy cycling.
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