TREDION - 24-SEP

 

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. 

Since our route took us to greater downtown Tredion we made an immediate stop for a town sign photo. 

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. 

Map of the area which we normally ignore. 

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").

Love these cute signs. This one says "think about us, take it easy". Okay we will. 

How convenient to find a stone wall at just the right spot for our quick bread break. What a great tradition. 

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. 

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. 

My turn to get across. Is it safe? Yup.

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. 

We set our sights for Elven, our last chance for a much needed coffee break. 

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. 

TREDION - 23-SEP

 

Today we drove to the town of Malestroit, south along the river and canal from where we started on the two previous rides. Overall the canal is the canal, the river is the river, and the paved bike path much the same as before. Being a Saturday we expected to see more riders and walkers, but since it was still damp and in the low 40's at the start we had the place pretty much to ourselves.

Much to our good fortune it was market day in Malestroit. We started at the boulangerie to stock up on baguettes, morning pastries, evening pastries, and a reserve pizza for lunch if necessary. 

Strolling through the market we came upon a stand selling paella as well as other prepared foods. Picture perfect but we decided to pass on purchasing some for a future dinner. Did not want to be a party to defacing this piece of art. 

Even though it is now fall and the season of dying flowers the town was still in full bloom. 

Yep, we are here, and a short distance from the canal bike path. 

This was the marina for Le Boat, a canal boat rental company we considered for our tour of the Canal du Midi in the southwest corner of France. Cruising in one of these self drive barges appeared at first glance to be more appealing until we assessed the cramped quarters, limited on-board facilities, and painfully slow - the restricted speed is no wake or walking speed. Additionally, with so many boats going up and down river the passages through the locks can take a long time. 

Alan photo bombs Kim's photo. Nice going.

Even along the canal flowers are still in full bloom. 

Heading back to Malestroit for a much need rest and coffee stop. 

Wow! Could not have happened at a better time. Actually as we sat down the church bells announce Noon. Coffee is here so that is a start. 

But the Napolean was the main event. This one traveled well.

Kim enjoying the fruits of her riding labor. After riding with two jackets, a shirt, and leggings the parting clouds and warming sun were a welcome relief. 

The town square where we stopped for coffee. The church was the main attraction until the 12 noon bells began to ring. 

This town was a find and appreciate Emma's suggestion to put on "where to". She also recommended an island (Ile in French) we will visit on Monday.

Our fondness for Josselin is well known from our two previous rides. Not on our destination list today because another 25 Km out and back is over the limit. 

Another lock. Not sure how this photo made the cut.

This sign is a classic. It does not suggest that you wear your canoe on your head. Rather this is where you drag the thing out of the water for a portage past the lock. Locks are for boats, canoes are for carrying. There is a sister sign down a ways where it is safe to return your "boat" to the river. Much too ordinary for a photo. 

Okay, you are not going to believe this one. We are merrily heading down the path; Kim in front, me in back. This tree limb broke off just before we got to the point of impact. A few seconds earlier and it was a trip to the emergency room and a possible shortened bike trip. There was another couple on bikes approaching us in the opposite direction about the same distance as us. Would have been a stroke of lightening for the falling limb to take out two riders. He and I man handled the bough off the path. 

You guessed it, another lock. This will make more sense below when the canal profile is explained. 

Besides the normal looking Le Boat fleet and other more modern craft there was this relic sailing ship a very long way from the sea. 

The shape and color of vessels past. 

Take a deep breath. Here is the canal story. As mentioned in previous photos this is the canal from Nantes to Brest. It stretches for 360Km from the Loire river basin to a bay in Brest on the coast. We were wondering why the elevation of the section we rode went from 10' downstream to 100' upstream. Knowing how far we were from either end the endpoint elevation would have to be well below sea level. Hence the profile chart in this photo. I did not count the number of locks but each vertical line represents another one. Notice that the lines are shorter and longer with the top indicting the elevation. So traversing the entire canal raises and lowers the boat across two hills and down through the valley. So there you have it. 

Kim posing in front of a mural of her French ancestors. You can see the resemblance. 

In addition to a delightful ride Malestroit renewed our faith in the quality of the local pastries It was a great find. Dessert time is fast approaching. Sweet dreams.   

TREDION - 22-SEP

 After yesterday's washout we were determined to overcome adversity and attempt the ride again. Today's forecast was for clear skies and no rain for the duration. Seeing is believing!

We made a bee line for the river and the Velo 1 bike path towards Josselin. Even though it rained around 2 AM the pavement was reasonably dry. Off we went. 

"Think of our children". More sensible, don't hit the kids rather than don't drive into the river. 

A flock of birds. Probably taking a rest in the river while flying south for the winter. Smart!

After stopping for our daily bread in Val de Oust we crossed the bridge to get to the other side. We can identify with the proverbial chicken when pondering a crossing. 

Just a reminder that the river and associated canal goes from Nantes to Brest, or maybe the other way.

Flat hiker along the river. 

Ducks are opportunists - assuming any human along the path will be a feeding frenzy. Not so, Kim refused to share our recently acquired baguette. They paddled across from the other side but tough luck.  

The castle gate. 

Wow, such a friendly place. A local has come out to meet us. 

A plastic waitress with a plastic pizza. Kim will cozy up to anyone, even a statue. 
Sorry, looking for coffee stop so we will pass on the pizza.

Let's see if we can figure this out. Easier while walking our bikes than yesterday in the car. Pedestrian zone speed limit 20 Km/h (12 mph) That includes people which is a very brisk walking speed, average speed on bike, and crawl in the car. Not allow something which is the red circle with a line across. Some truck restriction but can't read the words, even in French. Cars can go up and bikes can go in the other direction. In case you are confused the light is green so you can go. Not sure what makes it turn red but guess there is another signal at the other end. 

Very British looking building here in France. 

Heading to Centre Ville, the center of town.

Voila! Better than a coffee stop is a Crepe restaurant. This area is known for its Crepes so when in Rome ...

Happy crepes makes for happy people. 

Alan selected the chocolate and toffee topping while Kim opted for an Apple ala mode and special sauce. 

So much better than crummy old pastries. 
BEFORE!!!

AFTER!!!

Yummy does not describe it. 

Looks like a field of "rape seed" in the foreground with village in the distance. Rape seed oil is another name for Canola oil - which actually refers to Canada oil. Who knew?

Gates are so old school. A house without a turret is hardly worth calling it a house.

Today was a resurrection ride which turned out to be beautiful and hopefully an indication of rides to come.