Day 8: Chaumont to Amboise

August 17, 2024

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We know well that cycle touring requires character, with a certain toughness and determination. And for the young, it will presumably help build these traits. Since these three Grands are beginners, we worked hard to plan a course that would be possible for them. No more than 35 km daily, no serious hills, lots of pastries. But easy does not mean dead easy, and today nature blended some gentle hills and some light rain into our design. The result was total meltdown, suffered by each one in turn, and punctuated not only by floods of tears but also by some memorable expressions, ranging from the standard "I wanna go home!" to the pithier (when offered a time honoured remedy) "I don't want another fucking gummy bear"

Between the farmers' market yesterday and the bakery down the street, we were able to put together a nice breakfast.

We left Chaumont in good order, but rain and some slopes began very soon. The kids did not last long under these conditions.

Gave up on recording all the instances of this.

We limped along, actually covering the distance to Amboise in decent time. And one shout out to Amelia - we were pulling off the road for some reason, and she pulled just a little too far, discovering a quite deep ditch disguised by vegetation. Two adults hauled her and the bike out of the ditch, and she carried on, quite bravely!

When we were in Amboise in the spring we had stayed in a hotel in walking distance of the chateau, and of Clos Luce, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci. But this time they had no space, so we had to reserve at Ibis, 2 km further on and up a bit of a hill. When we arrived at Clos Luce, a chorus of kids wanted to carry on to the hotel, to warm up, before doing the visit. But by the top of the hill, they were really beat, and did not take the news that reception was not open until 4 very well (at all!). And there was some refusal (a lot of refusal) to go back down that hill. Eventually it did happen, and there were even crepes at the Clos Luce creperie:

Clos Luce is not a chateau, but more like a large stone house - a mini chateau. But it also has lovely grounds, and a river running through. The interior has period furnishings, that perhaps result from a restoration effort that began in 1952. There are displays of Leonardo's workshop, and rooms with models of his many amazing designs. These range from applications of gears and screw designs, to the literal invention of the bicycle, the tank, the machine gun, the parachute, and many more.

Leonardo's cat (descendant of?) asleep on his bed.

In the rooms with models of Leonardo's designs

This tank design exists as a larger model out on the grounds.

One form of machine gun. Leonardo was inbto various forms of weaponry. There was one with rotating banks of barrels, and a steam powered cannon.

Amazing conceptualization of the pedal and chain system that we use today.

A kind of holographic film of Francois I discussing with Leonardo.

And of course, Mona Lisa. Mona Lisa was one of three paintings that Leonardo brought along when he came to stay at Clos Luce.

After the struggle to get here, we are sure the kids got something out of the visit to Clos Luce.

KIDS' TAKE

Joe:

this is a selfy in the morning when i woke up.

this is a propeler that leanardo de vinci invented!

this is a cat (warning cat is real it was on leanado de vincis bed)

this is a nother pic of the pussy cat!!! i am sorry i dont have lots of pics this is becaus 1 the rain 2 i had one bar of battery

Evee and Amelia: Graciously say that although the day was atrocious, they enjoyed cycling with grandparents!

Today's ride: 32 km (20 miles)
Total: 144 km (89 miles)

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Suzanne GibsonBrave grandparents! I guess some days are better than others. And every cycling experience is going to be a unique one. We have taken teenage grands on trips, not bicycle tours though, and have some insight into the highs and lows. They don't even remember their little rebellions any more.
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4 months ago

Carolyn van HoeveWe took our son on a number of bicycle adventures from the age of about 7. He loves recounting the stories but as an adult now, he swears never to get on a bike with us again. It can go either way 😂. You’re doing a great job
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4 months ago

Patrick O'HaraOne day the kids will look back on this as a great experience! Good life skills and learning about resiliency!
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4 months ago

Scott AndersonWow. This brings back so many memories.
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4 months ago

Steve Miller/GrampiesTo Patrick O'HaraWell, that's what we think also.
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4 months ago

Steve Miller/GrampiesTo Suzanne GibsonSome of our own kids most memorable meltdowns on family trips from their childhood are now firmly entrenched as family lore. They tell their owns kids about the great times they had on those trips, laughing at their reactions atvtge time.
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4 months ago

Steve Miller/GrampiesTo Carolyn van HoeveThank goodness Josh came with us on this trip. He still cycles at his home and is invaluable in helping keep the adult to child ratio manageable on this trip. Not sure if he would ever care to repeat the experience though.
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4 months ago