78.5 miles, ascent 1000 metres, average speed 12.8 mph. Interestingly my recorded mileage was slightly higher than yesterday’s which was billed as the longest!
Rob gave the morning briefing pointing out any hazards along the route and giving the locations of brew stops and lunch.
I lost contact with my riding buddies, Pauline and Mick, while I stopped to take the photo above. As I had the only working sat Nav of the three of us it caused P&M some navigational problems. Fortunatley they were swept up by our support guy Chris and we all met up at the brew stop in Noyant some 18 miles into the ride. The weather today has been mostly sunny but with a strong crosswind which, very occasionally, turned to be at our backs. At 41 miles we stopped for a very nice picnic lunch on the banks of La Loire at Langeais. Rob, Isabel and Chris from Peak Tours are treating us really well.
The route after lunch was undulating until we reached the brew stop at Thilouze after 46 miles. Suitably fortified we had a long flat section with a following wind which allowed us to make good progress to Loche where we arrived about 4:30. Another long day but perhaps a little easier than yesterday – or, more accurately, less difficult! We have been passing through apple growing country with lots of commercial orchards beside the road. A little scrumping may have been going on – very tasty!
Loche is a picturesque medieval town and we are staying in the Hotel de France which is in the town centre.
Hope you enjoyed your evening in Loche, an interesting place with excellent eateries as we recall. 150 miles plus over the past two days is impressive – and we are enjoying the photo shots. Good to see you passed through the flea market, not all we know would have done that !
Keep cycling – fortunately Peter you are missing the start of the new series!
Lots of Love, Robbi & Ian
You crossed a part of the region of the castles of the Loire. Damage that you did not have time to visit them.Demain will be a little more hilly, in preparation of the harder odds to come. Good courage …
Loving all of this Pete! Keep up the good work, Gill & I are following every day just press on!
Magnifique soleil à la Flèche; j’espère qu’il sera avec vous jusqu’à Nice !
Bonne route,