Last weekend was the last couple of rain-free days we would get before cold, dark autumn would creep in on our neck of the woods, so my friend and I set off on a little cycling adventure. Friend rides his bike everyday but had never really cycled for leisure/tourism, while I had never wild camped (always paid for designated campgrounds), so this was a first for us both.
The route : 124km from Nemours (1h train ride from Paris) to Montargis (pic 2) then finished at Orléans with its stunning cathedral and swimming spots along the Loire river.
It's a canal cycle path, some asphalt, some fine gravel, nothing too rough as we ride what we have (70s/80s road frames, panniers, 25mm tyres). Flat all the way, great weather, not breathtaking views but some wildlife sightings (lots of wading birds), perfect conditions to give my friend the cycle touring bug!
We made a couple detours for points of interest, ate tons of bread, cheese and snacks, slept off the road next to a forest, drank camp stove instant coffee while the sun dried the dew off our tent, and arrived in Orléans just in time for lunch on Sunday. Train ride back to Paris with the bikes.
Those weekend trips are good because they scratch the itch but leave you wanting more. We kept talking about the longer routes we wanted to ride.
by centhrante