TGV bike-loading method–stuff 'em in | in a train In front of the Gare de l'est, ready to head across Paris | Paris Notre Dame from Pont d'Austerlitz | Paris St. Vincent de Paul church | Blois St. Vincent de … Read More
Before catching the train to Paris, I had time for one last visit to the market (the French are so civilized — allowing one to shop for food on a Sunday morning!). On the way to Les Halles I walked … Read More
The week has definitely taken its toll on my body. I took it very easy in the morning, resting a bit in my room after breakfast and then heading out about 9 to make a circle around old Tours. I … Read More
What a day – somewhere between heaven and hell! My knee was really hurting—riding on the flat was OK, but climbing hills, walking, and even getting on and off the bike was painful. Getting old is not for sissies. The … Read More
I got on the road at about 9, after partaking of the rather large breakfast buffet. Actually, I partook rather too freely—I was sluggish throughout the morning. Of course, part of my sluggishness could be due to the continued hot … Read More
The morning was spent exploring Blois. I visited the cathedral and a really mediocre organist was practicing. One can only hope he/she was sight-reading. The cathedral is 17th century gothic – OK but not on my top 10 list as cathedrals go. Its gardens are small and charming–I really enjoyed cooling my feet in the stair-step fountain. (It was already 90 degrees at 11am.)
What a tiring day! I got on the road at about 9:30, about an hour later than usual, and stopped at a fruit store and a bakery for provisions on the way out of town. The countryside was fragrant and … Read More
The day started out a bit cooler—I could have worn my over-the-knee pants and a shirt with sleeves. Oh well, I survived, but was really thankful for my wind vest. Rode across the river, out through the suburbs, over the … Read More
Breakfast was very French—a croissant, a piece of baguette and café au lait. I wasn’t quite sure that it would be enough sustenance to get me though the morning, but I did just fine.Got on the road at about 8:45 … Read More
Just getting on to the TGV was an adventure. The entry was wide enough for a fully-loaded bike, but the bike places were not quite what I expected — simply bikes strapped against folded-up seats. And of course two families’ … Read More