A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.
A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.
Another recumbent bike epic across France. There seems to be a theme developing, accidentally, but based on European Bike Express' collection points; the last one was B to B (Beaune to Barcelona), this one is A to A.
Having gone down the east of France and over the Massif Central last year this year I thought I'd explore the westerly area a little more. So, this trip went from Auxerre, followed the Canal du Nivernais to Decize, went west towards Chateauroux and Le Blanc then Poiter, followed La Vienne river skirting Angouleme, Limoge and Perigeux to get to La Reole, finally following the Canal Entre Deux Mers to Toulouse and a bit beyond before returning to Agen for the coach journey home.
About 1,500km in all.
Date of event: 7/5/2010
I didn't explore Pessac, I just rolled over the bridge and kept on rolling. Following the Durieze river for a while before climbing up towards St Martin du Puy.
In spite of the look of the contours on the map there were some long stiff climbs and a few big descents, at the bottom of one of which I missed a turning, this time though with no dog punishment just a bit longer to ride.
I stopped for lunch about 11.30, they started serving at 12.00. They put my Powermonkey on to charge for me. I washed and spotted this view out their back window on my way to the bathroom.
I decided to sit outside since it was sunny and pleasant and because I could keep an eye on my bike. Unnecessary of course in a little village in France but old habits die hard.
The restaurant was also an antique shop full of all sorts of interesting bits and pieces. There were also photos decorating the walls of the rich and famous who'd been there, and little wonder, it was a nice place.
The food was good too, though I could have invited a few friends and still had food left over, I ordered the Couscous Royal, and it was enough for three, pity I didn't have three to share the cost, at 20€ it was more than I really could afford to spend for lunch.
Still, it was very nice, with couscous and a bowl of soup with a chicken leg, some lamb and two merguez and a very tasty harissa on the side.
I took this photo without even slowing down which is why it's blurry. I'm starting to get blasé about chateau but then just after this there was a long descent and I didn't want to stop either.