79 Miles ridden – 2500 feet climbed – temperature 20C
Wet! Wet! Wet! From the moment we walked out of our hotel to get our bikes until lunch in Langeais it rained. And in between the rain it seriously poured. No pictures today!
Within our group we had a wide variety of rain protection options. Overshoes – I have some but didn’t bother as in rain like this it means the water stays in your shoes after the rain ceases. There was one type – Velotoze – which seemed to work but you need to shake them in a bag of talcum powder to get them on, not exactly a spontaneous option. There were helmet covers, bag protectors, all sorts of different coats, jackets, gloves. You name it but when comparing notes over lunch nothing kept the rain out.
The only photos today were at lunch – please note Sue’s Rapha top:
After lunch we crossed the Loire river and it did seem to brighten for nearly 10 minutes but although not as heavy as in the morning it did rain. However the Loire is a pretty area and even in the overcast damp it was attractive with a mix of chateaux, mansions, little villages and pretty houses.
The roads are good too, especially when they are dry. As we got nearer to Loches they became slightly narrower but the landscape opened up so we could see for miles in all directions. Fields of poppies, maize, wheat, and hay crops make a beautiful patchwork across the vista, only broken by grey clouds which seemed to predominate in whatever direction we were cycling at the time.
We are staying at the Hotel du France in downtown Loches. It has a traditional courtyard and the reception, stairs and landings are wood-lined with lots of old glass panels – like something out of a movie. Sadly the bathroom fittings are 1970s pink but you can’t have everything.
I can’t overstate how wet it was today. My camera got wet in its case which was itself in a supposedly waterproof bag which had a waterproof cover. I do not like rain – Sue seemed fine – a real trooper.
I have some internet here so I hope to be able to get back on line later and add some pictures for the last 2 days. There might be one of two from today!
Nick we have read your blog of the past 3 days. WOW!!!!!!!! Having completed this tour in 2015 we were very disappointed we could not return to ride with you and Sue this year. HOWEVER being inside with our heater on and dry seems to be a better option at this stage. As penned by Julie the weather you are experiencing is “character building” We guess that this is one way of looking at it !!
Stay safe, enjoy and hopefully stay dry.
Heather & Murray