Cycling 2750km from Belgium to Spain (Ep. 5)

Our journey unfolds with the hauntingly soothing call of a tawny owl, echoing through the tall trees above our tent—a sound that’s more a lullaby than a warning. But the day brings its own challenges: Wim’s pannier rack loses a bolt, sparking an impromptu mission to repair it.

Under the warm embrace of a flawless blue sky, we pedal through idyllic French countryside, eventually finding help at an unexpected car repair shop. Success comes with a smile from a kind mechanic, reminding us of the small joys of human connection.

A brief encounter in town leaves us deeply moved. A man on crutches admires our bikes and shares a heartbreaking story of loss, his parting words—“Faites une prière pour moi”—lingering with us as we ride into the enchanting Forêt Domaniale de Compiègne.

Lunch at a crossroads leads to a surprise detour: a charming retro ice cream truck and, beyond it, the breathtaking Château de Chantilly. This masterpiece of French aristocracy, with its graceful towers and serene ponds, casts its timeless spell, even as we admire it from outside the grand gates.

As night falls, the forest offers a secluded camping spot—but not without its own tension. A warning from a follower about the area’s reputation for crime prompts us to move deeper into the woods, seeking safety among the shadows.

—

Music:

– Short Warm Piano Prelude – Intro – Ending for Film and Video by JuliusH
https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-short-warm-piano-prelude-intro-ending-for-film-and-video-182969/

– Haunted Night Short 2 by Hot_Dope
https://pixabay.com/music/mystery-haunted-night-short-2-253275/

– Cinematic Piano Epic Strings by Sonican
https://pixabay.com/music/main-title-cinematic-piano-epic-strings-259801/

– Sport Rock Energy by Vivaleum
https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-rock-energy-186787/

– Chill rnb music background videos work music coffee shops 221108 by smeraldelion
https://pixabay.com/music/rnb-chill-rnb-music-background-videos-work-music-coffee-shops-221108-267416/

– Chapter Two (ft. Carrie) by Leonell Cassio
https://pixabay.com/music/future-bass-leonell-cassio-chapter-two-ft-carrie-114909/

– Classical Music Loop – Royal Hearts by MusicinMedia
https://pixabay.com/music/classical-string-quartet-classical-music-loop-royal-hearts-265751/

– Tears of the grave [Emotional ad libs] by Oqu
https://pixabay.com/music/pop-tears-of-the-grave-emotional-ad-libs-267183/

Effects:
– Video by Fundacja Dla Biebrzy from Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/videos/owl-bird-wings-feathers-forest-56136/