Rans to Besancon: Rain is here to stay!

August 31, 2012

As we anticipated, we had torrential rain again last night. The rain is not a problem in the tent, but once we get up the work begins. We had a later start trying to dry out our tent before setting out. Temperatures have dropped sharply and we are now experiencing 16 degree weather - a big drop from 40 degrees a week ago.
Our hopes of reaching Baume les Dames (about 75 km) were dashed by the high winds and heavy rain that hit us on the way to Besancom. We had wanted to explore the town of Besancom so we took refuge in the tourist office and found a hotel. This is the heaviest rain we've seen since England over a month ago. We have been spoiled. The ride into town was very difficult as there is much construction to add a tram line to the downtown area. Coupled with the bad weather, we found that we had to walk our bike in a few spots.
We explored the city on foot in the rain. We discovered that much of the old town has pedestrian only streets and is very easy to explore.
The ride today, despite the weather, was quite beautiful. We are surrounded by towering rocky cliffs and soaring hills. At times it almost feels like we are riding down a mini fjord.
As well as being warm and dry this evening, we are looking forward to using our hotel room (with a bathtub) to fix one of our sleeping mats. For the last week, one of the mats has consistently lost air and has needed some tlc. So we hope to figure out the source of the leak and repair it.

Our campground across the bridge from the tiny village of Rans

Our campsite had a wonderful view of the canal

During our ride today we came across several of these Eurvelo 6 map poles

We think that this flock of birds must be storks.

Boats go through this tunnel to the lock on the other side. We had to ride up and over.

A mysterious fort on the hill overlooking the canal

We rode through this 388 metre long tunnel that goes under Besancom

Next to the bike path is a canal that boats use to go through the tunnel

Besancom has many museums and historical sights

Today's ride: 37 km (23 miles)
Total: 1,752 km (1,088 miles)

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