nbjtours

Nevers

93 miles

746 ft climbed

Today we spent almost the whole of day running alongside the river Loire. Either on the cycle path or on an adjacent road. The good thing about this was that there was very little in the way of climbing.

The highlights of the day were two magnificent canal aqueducts, the first at Briare built in the 19th century we were able to cycle across minding we did not fall in, especially with a brisk cross wind.

At almost 500 m long the path was not that wide and with cyclists coming the other way and a cross wind we had to take care not to fall in the canal.

The second pont- canal just south of Nevers had a huge stair lock to access it too.

We also took a detour at La Charite sur Loire where we had a quick circuit on the built up mid river islet where we came across two Dutch lady artists painting in preparation for an exhibition in Sancerre. We had a good chat initially in French, then English and even a bit of Spanish for Nick.

These all seemed far from waking up in Sully to a slightly overcast and drizzly morning. Extraordinarily Dom was not in a great frame of mind having been kept awake by frogs and Owls all night, Nick had found a friend!

After our porridge and toast. We set off earlier just after 8.00 and managed a whole mile before stopping at the magnificent chateau at Sully

Our route took us along the cycle path along the side of the Loire, until we reached Gien a town that we have been on a couple of trips before .

After Gien which always makes a good photo shot from the opposite bank of the river. We carried on in increasing sunshine and rising temperatures along the raised river levees or the quieter roads by the river.

We had agreed a meeting with Nigel shortly after the Pont Canal at Briare, but repair works to the next river crossing meant a height restriction so we had to go back to meet him where he had found a great stop next to the Loire Canal.

By this time the thermometer was back to over 30 degrees centigrade and we had a nagging headwind slowing our progress. Further levee riding was not the most exciting entertainment so we abandoned a trip up the hill to Sancerre and cut our losses to our lunch stop after only just over 50 miles.

We also passed two nuclear power stations with their huge cooling towers visible easily from 10 miles away

Once again we feasted with the additional benefit of a cold roast chicken to have with our baguette and salad.

With the heat and still over 40 miles to go a tea stop was planned in to help the tired limbs.

This was a tough segment but helped by the visit to the islet at La Charite where Nick was able to take advantage of the facilities of the island campsite before we had the nice chat with the Dutch artists.

From here we bounced along the cycle route and managed to miss Nigel as he had stayed on the road where we had agreed to meet and we didn’t.

We did rearrange our tea stop where in addition to a cuppa we were treated to a treat of chocolate eclairs. The other benefit being that we only had 18 miles to go to the campsite.

This last leg was the best of the day as not only did Dom and Nick have a quick paddle at the confluence of the Loire and Allier. This is Dom cooling down in the Allier. In addition to the temperature dropping a bit the route after the second pont canal took us beside a canal to the south of Nevers and with a bit of a following wind we were able to scoot along at 20 mph for the final 15 k just avoiding a nasty pile up when hitting a patch of gravel under a bridge.

Reaching the campsite after another full day was created with relief and a Leffe. Chris needed a full rub down with Dom’s massage ball. Looking at his photo here I’m not sure if he is enjoying it or in Pain or both!

Nigel then prepared a Jamie Oliver 5 ingredients special where 1 ingredient was replaced and the other was omitted. It still tasted great with Monica’s coleslaw though.

Whilst I would not normally bring up things outside the trip I cannot finish the blog today without expressing my shock and sadness at the death of Martin “Chin” Chinnery who I heard passed away suddenly yesterday Having known Chin for almost 30 years he was to me Sevenoaks and District Motor Club. We all raised a glass to you this evening my good man.