Today is Sunday which takes a bit more planning since those businesses not totally closed are only open until noon or one. The ride will take us south from Tredion for about 34 miles with gentle ups and downs but over 2000 feet of ascent.
We were all loaded up and ready to go around 9 when we ventured outside to very gray overcast and light sprinkles. We are "rain shy" after our first day in Josselin so we headed back in to develop a Plan "B" for the day. After pondering our options (which were very limited) we decided to head out and take our chances. Not a bad choice since the rain had stopped and only sprinkled for the first few minutes of the ride.
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| Since our route took us to greater downtown Tredion we made an immediate stop for a town sign photo. |
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| Since our route offered limited options we also made a quick stop at the intown boulangerie for our bread break baguette. Handle with care. These mid-morning refueling stops are now essential for every ride. |
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| Map of the area which we normally ignore. |
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| We passed this chateau on our way out and plan to tour on our riding off day tomorrow. Taking a tour in French is still worth getting to walk around the inside and create our own stories (ala the play "Lettice and Lovage"). |
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| Love these cute signs. This one says "think about us, take it easy". Okay we will. |
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| How convenient to find a stone wall at just the right spot for our quick bread break. What a great tradition. |
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| This town was at the southernmost point and about half way through the ride. Unfortunately not an open cafe anywhere in sight. Bummer. Will try the next town and hope for the best. |
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| Kim was speeding ahead on the downhill to the crossing and made it before the gate descended. I skidded to a stop before the tracks, grabbed my camera, and took this shot just as the train came rumbling through. Great timing since it was here and gone in seconds. |
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| My turn to get across. Is it safe? Yup. |
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| The highest point of the ride was only 500' MSL but high enough to get a great view of the valley below. Ascending over 2000' within 34 miles means a lot of short ups and downs, but fortunately no grades in the double digit insane range. |
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| We set our sights for Elven, our last chance for a much needed coffee break. |
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| Just 7 KM to go. Hope we get there in time. As it turned out we pulled up to the Tabac a few minutes before 1 and Kim muscled her way in and got our coffee before the doors were shut for the day. Sunday closings are very civilized which sets the pace for a relaxing life style. |
With our sustaining pastry fully ingested and washed down with a double espresso we finished the last five miles in style along a circuitous route on lovely tree lined back roads. Good way to finish a tiring but beautiful day of riding.
