Bike Trips

Biking in France is another thing I had planned ahead for. I even brought my helmet and when it seemed there would be no place for it in my very full and very heavy luggage, my Dad and I discussed the possibility of me wearing it for the entire trip to Paris. Despite all that effort, I haven’t done as much biking as I would’ve liked. First it was not having access to a bike, afterwards it was not having or taking the time to use it. But the biking I have done has been great.

Haunted Castle- The week before Halloween I went on my first biking excursion. It was 20 km each way to visit a little castle in Meung-sur-Loire. The pace was perfect- we kept a good speed but also stopped to enjoy the countryside around us. When we got to Meung-sur-Loire we went directly to the castle. The man selling tickets warned that the castle was “haunted” for the season and that there would be scary music, decorations and maybe people jumping out. He asked if that would be ok. Ok!? He had just made my day. I hate scary movies, but I love a good haunted house or forest. And to visit a “haunted castle”… it may not really be haunted, but it is a real castle. My Halloween was perfect.

The decorations were okay, the music and noises well-planned to give it a scary touch. I will admit disappointment at the fact that not once did anyone jump out at me, but the suspense was enough to make it exciting. Most rooms had motion-sensor lights that turned on as you entered. One room was delayed so it remained dark. I saw something moving in the darkness…only to find out it was my own reflection in the mirror when the lights finally came on. Also, the castle had dungeons so, in a word…Sweet.

The day after Halloween, Younousse and I went out biking again. What started as a simple ballad ended as a rain-soaked ride through the forest. At one point on the way back the wind and rain were so strong that I couldn’t keep my eyes open. We can back completely soaked and very happy.

Blois- When I was living in Rouen, I had done 66 km in a long idyllic day. So some of us in Orléans organized a 60 km to Blois. No big deal. Ha.

I thought I was going to die.

When I do bike trips, I like to make them long, well-paced affairs where you stop to take pictures and ride slowly to enjoy the countryside. The group of boys I was with was all about the speed, so I showed my lack of biking endurance rather quickly. In addition, we happened to be riding against very strong winds the whole way. I wanted to stop at Beaugency (maybe halfway) and take the train. I felt a little bit better when getting close to Blois and even the trail blazers were feeling the fatigue. They were a very sweet group of guys, I didn’t hear them complain once about my speed (or lack thereof), they waited for me and stretched toilet paper across the path for a race ribbon, and at one point I was literally pushed up a hill. I hated feeling like a baby and a wuss, but I appreciated their support and patience.

[Tired but content bike warriors]