Thursday, September 19, 2019

Day 19: Thu 19 Sep – Sancerre to Nevers, 76km; total ride: 489km

Another cool start to the day 8 (feels like 5) to 20 deg with a NE tailwind. Brilliant sunny, cloudless sky.

Up early to catch the sunrise but due to the lack of clouds it was slightly unremarkable. The cold lazy wind which was accelerating up the side of the hill and going straight through us convinced us that a nice cuppa in our room was a much better option. After that and some porridge we set off about 0740h. The descent was more fun than yesterday’s climb.

Spent most of the day on “D” roads, smooth and quiet. Saw a few nice villages, the best being La Charité-sur-Loire, the home of the 9th century Notre-Dame Church. Like most older churches in this country, it’s had a very tough journey; in fact, it’s lucky to be still around. I love how they cherish their history here, warts and all. Time hasn’t been too kind to the old lady, and it needs a serious injection of funds. La C-s-L is also the home of great coffee, one of the best we’ve had on the tour. Purchased some supplies at the local Spar and sat beside the river for lunch.

The rest of the day was fairly straight forward, and we finished the ride at 1500h, thankful for the tailwind for most of the journey.

Dinner tonight wasn’t nearly as flashy as last nights, a salmon entree followed by fish, chips, and salad. It filled the gap though.

Sunrise at Sancerre

Sancerre

Halfway down the hill this morning

Morning tea stop - great coffee

Town Hall La Charite-sur-Loire


Notre Dame Church, La Charite-sur-Loire



Lunch; a tin of sauerkraut, lovely French bread, plain yoghurt and a banana, overlooking the river

Lunch stop

On the D-road again

Another canal bridge

Loire canal

"Just" a commercial building in the centre of town


No comments:

Post a Comment

Day 34: Fri 4 Oct – Brisbane to Hervey Bay

Arrived home about 48 hours after checking out of the hotel Lyon, a little bit trashed from the lack of sleep and sore from sitting in cramp...