It was shorts weather again today and thinking it was a gentle climb away from last night's accommodation, we were surprised to find a very steep hill almost immediately after we left.
Mike made it to the top of the hill, I could only manage about half way before having to dismount and push my bike. I was passed by a couple of youngish male cyclists who seemed to find some humour in my plight....Mike came to my rescue and took over the bike pushing.
The view of the vineyards and town below was awesome and after a breather we continued on.
Of course, what goes up must come down and the ride down the hill, along the tree lined path to the river was a fitting reward for that nasty climb!
It was most pleasant riding alongside the river, meeting up at one point with a French couple who live in the U.K. and chatting with them for ten or so minutes.
On reaching Chalonnes-sur-Loire, we stopped at a creperie for crepes and coffee, then visited a nearby supermarket for a few supplies for tonight's dinner before heading off again towards Lire.
Stopping at Montjean
to see the disused lime kilns
we got talking to two French couples cycling in the opposite direction. The ladies both spoke a little English so together with our fractured French, we were able to have an interesting conversation and
were very impressed when one of the men recognised our Australian Flag.
Passing a couple of towns on the other side of the river, we reached Lire just as raindrops began falling on our heads. Fortunately, the heavy stuff didn't start until we were safely under cover of our B&B. We've been travelling through farming country for much of the day and are in a rural area here, it's very peaceful so we're expecting to have a quiet night.
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