Rolling Along the River
France Stage 07 – Tours to Saumur 73 Km (Fri 15 June 2018)
Weather: 12⁰C min – 21⁰C max, persistent light rain
“Bike hard, bike safe, bike for life.” ~ Unknown
Moaning about the weather does not change anything, so one just has to accept what is given and get on with it. Light rain was falling as I left Tours, but after a while it eased to a persistent drizzle that was not too unpleasant for riding. No wonder the country is so green here, and just think of all the money I am saving on sunscreen!
Aided by bike-friendly back streets and cycle paths, I escaped Tours safely and without the hassle of peak hour traffic in the rain.
Miraculously, the rain stopped altogether for about 30 Km. Unless my mind was playing tricks on me, I even imagined seeing my shadow for a minute or two.
What made the ride so special was the magnificent paths and roads, all paved except for one 700m stretch of well-compacted gravel. Most of the paths were on top of an embankment that looked like a disused railway line, but which I realise now must be a levee bank for the adjacent Loire river.
The threat of rain did not stop lots and lots of other bike tourers. Cyclists are a crazy lot aren’t they! Not far out of Blois there was even a group of about 40 young school children, riding under the guidance of their teachers who were instilling in them at an early age good cycling disciplines. Great to see.
With head down and tail up I powered along until before I knew it I was approaching Saumur. The last few Km were particularly enjoyable, passing through a number of pretty villages. One thing that intrigued me was that the houses were all so similar, with cream or beige coloured walls and grey slate tiled roofs.
It was good to see some chateaux appear today too. Also, hollyhocks and hydrangeas made a nice change from the pink roses that have been so prevalent until now.
After such a dismal start it ended up one of the best days of cycling I have had on this tour, just rolling along effortlessly beside the majestic Loire river. Who cares if there is a drop of rain or two (or three)!
Yes moaning about the weather does not change anything so ride on and enjoy.
Maybe instead of “rolling along the river” maybe you should swim then the rain won’t bother you.
Nearly finish just be safe always. Great photos!!
Not much photos in the town!