August 12, 2017
Saumur: A great day's riding
At long last we seemed to be in a rhythm of riding and the whole day went without a major drama. No punctures, the bikes behaved themselves and we found our way easily rolling along at what for us is a goog pace. Well there was one problem and it was my fault, Ken was a little in front of me and I followed the wrong sign and we lost each other for a short time but it wasnt for long though Ken was a bit cross about my stupidity
Leaving Angers we decided to take the long way around as it is much more straight forward and doesnt involve take ferries that may or may not be operating. The route along the Maine until it meets the Loire was lovely between the river and the Lake. When we reached the Loire we were on the perfectly signed path we are getting used to and enjoying the variety of agriculture. The variety of crops was impressive sunflowers, corn,canola, apples , pears, green beans, lucerne, wheat and chicory and other crops we didn't recognise. There were even fields of flowers some of which looked as if they were being grown for seed. Fortunately in one of the little villages a bar was just opening so we were able to get our very necessary morning coffee
Across the river it changes, the country becomes a little undulating and the small towns and villages look smarter and more touristy, the vineyards begin and there is the odd abbey etc. We of course remembered Genne very well as it was near here in 2011 we had side wall blow out and found a great chambre d'hôtel nearby while Ken made trips in and out of Saumur to remedy the problem. The countryside after Gennes is lovely, it is where the troglodyte dwellings in the caves start and there are caves growing mushrooms and being used to store wine
When we arrived in Saumur there were a mass of people and a huge market going on. We made our way to the Tourist Information and who should we meet but two men from Waiuku on a truely massive tour. Waiuku is a small town close to us so it certainly seemed strange to meet them here. The have already done 4000km in England and Scotland and are now off along the EV6 to Budapest
Our hotel is lovely and our room has a great view of the Loire
Today's ride: 68 km (42 miles)
Total: 414 km (257 miles)
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