Day 4 – Loches to Crozant - 72 miles

We left Loche to travel along fast smooth roads, riding in a tight peloton (literally a 'ball' or tight group).

Rod was cycling behind me when I suddenly heard what sounded like the shot of a rifle. His three week old front tyre had blown. The beading on the edge had ruptured from the rubber edging, allowing the inner tube to bulge through and burst dramatically.

Nigel, one of our three guides, was taking up the rear of the group to help with such events.

He was amazingly adept, initially trying some spare inner tube to prevent the bulge. In the end, gaffer tape worked as a temporary fix.

A problem with a rattling bottle in its bike cage.

A resourceful application of kitchen towelling prevented the rattle but made access to liquid difficult on the move.

The 'brew stop' selection.

Ready to go! 

San

Phillip and Isabelle (our French guide)

 Fabulous picnic lunches - much preferred by us compared to  sit down restaurant meals

Very fine french patisserie

Lunch stop at Meobecq. Fortunately, fine weather up to now.

View from Argenton Sur Creuse

A lookout to Le Creuse below.

Fran and Chris are travelling in tandem - fabulous downhill speed!

We meandered through narrow gorges, across numerous bridges, with three steep climbs towards the end of journey.

We finally arrived in Crozant and the ruins.

Overlooking a lake.

Kathy recounted a terrible mishap in the bushes, a story unsuitable for this blog.

However, life was now much improved, sitting on a fine terrace.

Pete

Rachel

Debbie

View from our room.

Excellent veggie option in the Hotel du Lac, Crozant.

Roadkill

Two hedgehogs

(Two live darker brown foxes crossed nearby)

Map

Note 3 climbs at end