We covered some serious territory today, clocking in at 57 miles at an average of 12.3 mph. That does not sound fast, but on fully loaded bikes, on unfamiliar and varying terrain, that is a pretty remarkable result. Our group is operating as a fine oiled machine at this point. We all take turns in front, sometimes using the electric stallion (Beth's e-bike) to pace us as fast as 17 mph (or 27 kilometers per hour - sounds faster that way).
The miles (or kilometers) go fast as a group. The front person is spending more energy, while the rest of us rest in the slipstream. A lot of the trail today was on the top of the flood control levees' (not sure that spelling is right). It can be quite beautiful, but most importantly, it is flat, mostly well paved and has very light traffic.
Today's route took us by a wonderful bakery for a morning snack (flan, cookies, apple turnover). Then we found another bakery for lunch, feasting on baguettes and ham (or prosciutto) with wonderful combinations of mayonnaise, horseradish mayo, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. All perfectly suited to fuel our rides.
Our lunch was eaten within sight of the Surry sur loire château.
We had a treat at the end when we came upon an unusual site, a canal, crossing over the Loire on a bridge. The pictures do not do it justice.
Crazy - a boat canal over a river - a canal bridge
Today we treated ourselves to a 4 star hotel, with a beautiful pool. It felt great to hop in a pool after a 57 mile day. It was warm today, about 82 degrees. Once again, it was pleasant in the shade (of which there was quite a bit) and while riding. Another perfect day of cycling in France.
Dinner was "al fresco" (like most evenings) overlooking a beautiful park.
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