It was a bit of a muddle of a start trying to exit La Fleche, what with one way systems and stuff but we were pretty soon on our way. It was a big group to start and as I was cycling along I spotted, in the woods to my left, a wild boar, I shot over the road with scant care for traffic (there was none, but it makes me sound brave and reckless!) but by the time I had my camera out and on Monsieur Sanglier et famille had run off into the woods. I am delighted to have seen these creatures in the wild at last but just a shame I didn't get a photo to prove it.
The cycling continued and Sue and me ended up cycling with the Australian posse and Ron, Dave and Bob. It was a flowing undulating ride today so was perfect for a group of 11 to roll along.
As we cycled further south you could see the landscape subtly changing...a little less Buckinghamshire and a little more France. The villages became more French, the smells more French, more orchards bursting full of apples for Calvados and cidre...and more sunflowers.
We stopped for a picnic lunch by the Loire, Nigel and Isabelle our support crew excelled with some delicious foods out for us.
We headed off from lunch with another 40 miles of undulation to go, it was a great ride...one or two bits of scenery to stop for and take photos, but as we approached Loches the town scenery took over with an imposing medieval chateaux overlooking the town.
The Hotel du France was found, bikes stashed and beer ordered...a fairly fast cycling day in great company, I enjoyed it a lot Ron, Dave, Bob, Tony, Jack, Peter, Jeff, John and of course Sue.
I had a lovely wander round the town to see the chateau and then a very nice dinner with the Australians.
https://www.strava.com/activities/360332195
Miles - 80
Ascent - 800m
Rode with - Tony, Jack, Jeff, John, Peter, Bob, Dave, Ron and Sue
Cols - none today
Weather - Cloudy in the morning but warm, rising to 35 degrees and sunny :-)
Extra interesting bits - Wild boar in the woods!!
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