Steady Pedals

Today was a day of action in France, where the left wing “ yellow vests” are promising protests, blockades and insurrection. We awoke with trepidation, wondering what action if any Mark the site manager might take. Being sneaky we had our hi- viz jackets ready to blend in and slip through any protests. Probably more of a worry though was how wet we were going to get packing up. Heavy rain was forecast and appeared during the night, so when we had a dry spell first thing in the morning, we rapidly packed up and took our breakfast under the municipal campsite’s shelter.

Breakfast done, we headed off past Combourg’s impressive chateau and started to make our way South towards the coast. As we are now back in the North the hills are now more frequent and tougher.

We had hoped for a coffee stop about 16km into the ride, at one of the few large villages on the route. Typically though, today was closing day in the village, as the boulangerie was well and truly shuttered.

We continued onwards to Pontorson, where we would later return for the night. Happily we arrived at lunchtime, so we were forced to have some traditional galettes. It was market day in the town, so pretty busy.

Lunch done it was South to the coast.

We briefly left Brittany to enter into Lower Normandy and visit the island of Mont-St Michael. The island and river mouth are in Normandy, while the bay is Brittany, so both areas tourist boards can lay claim to it. The island is visible from quite some distance, towering over the flat bay area.

You are not allowed to cycle within the walled town itself. We didn’t feel safe leaving all our bags on the bikes, so apart from a brief look we didn’t walk around the island.

Then all we had to do was ride back to Pontorson, against a stiff breeze and with driving rain. With a while before we could check in, be retired to a bar to keep out of the rain. One more day of cycling to go !