Sunday 15th May – Ride Day 3:
The third day of ‘France en Velo’…
Another long day in the saddle taking in 125 miles, leaving the Loire and ending up in Lessac in the Charente department.
Almost 250 miles over the last two days, undoubtedly to quickly move us through the relatively non descript scenery although the small tranquil towns and villages we cycled through really broke up the ride as did the stops :
St Loup sur Thouet … a fabulous coffee stop on a village green.
Mentigoute : lunch at 65 miles in by the side of the road under a gazebo.
Chateau Larcher : drinks stop off the van accompanied by rumbles of thunder.
L’Isle Jourdain : a very welcome coffee at 110 miles.
A relatively late arrival at the hotel (7.15pm) as we had another couple of ‘mechanicals’ … Paul just before lunch and Clarky (another rim tape puncture) straight from the last cafe.
Very high temperatures again today, approaching 30C, but fortunately with significant cloud cover, which lead to thunder and a few downpours we got caught in after lunch – surprisingly welcome !
We didn’t know what to expect from the accommodation which was described as a ‘remote artists retreat’ but what a fabulous surprise.
Run by two Spaniards it’s a fantastic hidden gem and the food they served us was perfect … al fresco veggie lasagne (with pepper and roasted fresh capers which were to die for) and chocolate cake accompanied by organic wine 😊
Everyone’s exhausted now and ready for a more steady day tomorrow 🤞
A few of our partners also met up today in Highburton to lament our absence 🤔😊🎉
