Day 14 2/8/16
It rained overnight so I am packing up a wet tent and then off for more adventures.
58.8 miles (Ambrieres Les Vallees to Craon ) Average speed 10.3 mph Top speed 26.9 mph
Another great day but different as I was still following francette velo but now it was pretty flat along rivers and tree lined paths. Which was a good thing as there was a headwind so the trees covered me from the wind. Late start as it was raining when I woke so after saying goodbye to Francoise & Miram I headed off at 11.30. I had grapefruit for brekkie, just like my Nan used to have, halved with sugar, but now I eat a whole one.
After a while I stopped in Mayenne and found a Carrefour to buy lunch of Camembert and bread. I then found a hypermarket and chained bike up for the first time, at least I finally used the lock after carrying it for so long! Where I purchased a new pair of slippers for €3. What a bargain. This also meant I could get rid of those plastic sandals from Sports Direct that have not only made my feet stink but also every bag I’ve put them in. Those plastic sandals were walking to the shower block on their own. I felt so comfy in my new ones and there weren’t any flies following me. Bonus.
Mayenne
Lunch in Mayenne
Then on to the river Mayenne which was a delight with everything I love about rivers, wildlife, fishing, locks and weirs, boats and fellow touring cyclists .
Mayenne river
Railway bridge over Mayenne river
View from a bridge – Mayenne river
I continued on to Laval where a decision had to be made. Do I detour west for four days to go to Lorient?? No brainer! of course I do. So now I’m on a different cycle route which consists mainly of tree lined paths, fantastic.
Passed this on on the way, using an old disused railway line as a tourist attraction : 6km on a pedalled trip on a railway track.http://www.mayenne-tourisme.com/en/Activities/Activities-for-thrill-seekers/Rail-bike
Velos-Rail pedalled carriages on old railway track
Velo-Rail Saint Loup du Gast
Campsite was at Craon where reception was closed when I got there but bikes can get through pedestrian gate so I sneaked in, found another cyclist, Gary, who is going in the opposite direction to me, and pitched my tent opposite him. Gary was really nice and we shared stories, he has been on the road for 3 weeks from Santander. We talked quite a bit and he gave me the password for the new shower block.
Cooked excellent chicken pasta if I do say so myself!
So after another long day it’s goodnight from me and it’s goodnight from him (Brian the snail)