I have been itching to use the oft quoted line from Ernest Hemmingway about cycling and the contours of a country but that quote is over used. Instead, I came across this quote recently from (William) Somerset Maugham, "Happiness begins with a quiet breakfast", and how true that is. I'll get plenty of those on this adventure. The French stole this quote and more from English authors, but then Jean-Paul Sartre's contribution to breakfast quotes might explain why they looked further afield as his goes "She got up first, and since we had a lie-in, she would bring us breakfast." Maybe it reads better, or has a saucier flavour, in the original French.
On the subject of breakfast mine are interspersed with slowly breaking camp which includes hanging up the tent and groundsheet to dry if the weather permits. My breakfast was 2 hours ago so I feel confident in my advice to avoid tinned sardines when breaking your night fast even (or especially) when they are heated through with pasta and soup powder.
With fair weather, a warming sun and cooling breeze I turn my attention to managing my aching shoulders and this includes taking pressure off my hands on the uphill and downhill segments then some shoulder rolls on the flat. The fact that I mention my shoulders which are furthest away from the bike tells you that the legs are holding out.
My legs have coloured slightly which for me today means red blotchy shins. I mention this as the colouring highlights the four white scars from last year's tour; three puncture wounds where a dog got a grip then a one inch long gash where the same dog tried to take some flesh. Oh happy days.
The reality of cycle touring is that you are on the road pedalling much of the time and whilst that is enjoyment enough you do occasionally stumble across a Châteaux, as happened yesterday, or a town's market day where today I have just enjoyed une gallette complet in Segre in the commune of Segre-en-Anjou-Bleu. I tried to resist buying more food to carry but as all the stalls sold white asparagus it felt rude not to. How I will cook these 10 inch spears in my 5 inch pot is project I am working on. The town hall here is particularly grand.
Though the town is also very charming.
My tour round Brittany in 2022 was 1,000 miles zigzagging the lanes so I barely touched the south and only ducked into Normandy for a few days. In comparison, this tour is hell bent on reaching the Mediterranean and despite my low mileage I hit the Loire tonight after plenty of straight D roads taking me from picturesque village to picturesque village. On leaving each settlement the church spire of the next quickly comes into view drawing me onwards. There is a cycle route along the river Loire.
Contrary to the post title I am actually in Possonniere 6 km up river. Here we see that the design of water craft reflects the environment and the needs of the people working on the river; I accept that the house boats may now be holiday retreats.
Tomorrow is 90 km and I just hope I can pace myself and get through it as it is at my upper limit in distance. 60-70 km would be my ideal.
