September 5, 2023
Day 1 - Albi to Villeneuve-sur-Tarn
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I don’t know about anyone else, but first days are always rough for us. There’s so much “logistics” involved, along with the constant threat of having forgotten something critical. In the end, I did NOT forget the S&S coupler wrench, our shoes, or anything else. But there were a few moments of panic before everything got sorted out. It doesn’t make for a calm, leisurely departure.
Nonetheless, we rolled off at the (for us) impressive hour of 1045. Albi was jumping. Cars and pedestrians everywhere! We joined in the fun, following a nice bike lane over the bridge to the other side of the river and then heading east away from the hubbub.
The first 45 minutes were spent navigating through the suburbs of Albi on mostly quiet streets. We did have some exciting traffic moments around the suburban shopping malls but we were pretty quickly out of town and on a quiet riverside road.
It was hot today, but not ridiculously so. The high was around 32 degrees and the wind kept us ventilated if not cool. We’re also both suffering from post-covid fatigue, so today was a day for low energy expenditure. We took lots of breaks and walked a bit of the 12% hill that popped up at km 18.
We were along the river all day but viewing opportunities were limited by the trees and undergrowth along the road. The trees did provide some welcome shade, though.
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We rolled into Ambialet about 1300 and had lunch at the cute little cafe there.
The shade, food, and drink hit the spot and Rich was ready to stay for the night. But Robin wisely pointed out that we had a prepaid reservation elsewhere. So back onto the bike for the final km of the day. The views opened up a bit above Ambialet, so we had some nice photo ops with the river.
We rolled up to the Logis Hostellerie des Lauriers just before 1500. We were instantly and cheerfully installed in our room, and Schnooks was stowed safely downstairs.
Given our state of fatigue and the heat, we chilled for most of the afternoon. But around 1730 it seemed to be cooling off. So we went out to explore around the hotel. The village was very quiet as we wandered down toward the bridge
That about all the extra energy we expended this afternoon. Dinner was on the terrace behind the hotel. The wind died down and we had a lovely menu in the quiet warm evening, along with the 6 or 7 other people staying tonight.
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1 year ago
Today's ride: 45 km (28 miles)
Total: 45 km (28 miles)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 8 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 2 |
1 year ago