September 11, 2019
Rochefort
Being in the City of Oysters we had to have them for an entree last night. They were beautifully presented in their shells and very tasty but without the plumpness of Bluff oysters. I then had some delicious fish and Ken a warm goat cheese salad.
This morning it was warm and sunny, we started off in coats but they didn’t stay on for long. The temperature quickly got up to about 23 and stayed there which is perfect cycling weather. Finding the way was not as straightforward as we had imagined. We went into the town then found the canal which looked as if we were going to follow for a very long time. Never in my life have I seen so many fishermen as were lining the canal - surely they must be catching something. This route along the canal was a figment of the guide’s imagination as after a few km we came to a busy road and that was that. Once more the miracles of modern technology came to our assistance and directed us to another busy road. We certainly didn’t like the look of it but there was no other option but it did have a fairly wide hard shoulder, with white knuckles we took off and it really wasn’t too bad and after about 4km we were directed across the road and across the canal. The path here was just grass but it was surprisingly good (though would be a nightmare if it had been raining) and I really enjoyed it, it was so peaceful. Fishermen had bumped their way along in their vans and had set themselves up in splendour
When this came to an end we were across the canal again and on to a rail trail but at the start was a little village with a coffee stop. We have become so used to magnificent rail trails with perfect paved surfaces. This one was different however, it was much more rustic, the surface wasn’t paved but it was hard packed with no loose gravel so good to ride on and the sound of it under your wheels was very satisfying. We reached the end and there was a lovely easy bridge over the Charente. We were riding beside it and there were some typical quayside scenes .
| Heart | 0 | Comment | 0 | Link |
We were staying at the Budget Ibis which is right through on the other side of the town. We passed the Railway Station and wiggled around. Things were getting pretty busy at this stage, I knew the hotel was next to McDonald’s and a disgusting family Restaurant (thank you Steve and Dodie) and I could see them both but we couldnt see it so we just headed for McDonalds and there sure enough it was hidden behind. Ken had never been to McDonalds so we decided it would be good education for him. It was packed Ken had a salad and I had a chicken and bacon burger (which I found delicious ). Ken however couldn’t get over the price - “ Why were all these people eating here when they could get a much better meal at a restaurant for around the same price?”It may be it is something to do with the children’s playground, the general excited vibe and good marketing!!
Today's ride: 45 km (28 miles)
Total: 2,184 km (1,356 miles)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 8 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 2 |
On re-reading this, I must say myself it was hilarious!
5 years ago
Off to La Rochelle on a lovely day not the driving rain you had
5 years ago