Cycling Day 1

This was a big day. Set off about 10 am and it was loop ride starting at Amboise and finishing at the start. I had an electric bike which was a godsend. Fantastic as the electric motor will assist from a standing start but it really comets the fore uphills. Within an hour, I had worked it out. The trick is to manipulate the electrics and the gears so that there is a constant workload. I would not have kept up with the others without the electric motor. Going to have get one of them when I get back!

Even at 10 am, it was freezing. We resembled Scott’s arctic expedition! Harry gave Deb heaps as she insisted on not wearing the helmet claiming to be an expert experienced rider blah blah blah. At least in Europe, they do not insist on the helmet which is commonsense as it didn’t seem all that necessary riding at 20 km/hr.

We cycled to Chenconeaux and the main attraction there is the castle (chateau). It was like a disney fairy tale castle. Amazing manicured grounds. The self guide audio tour was very good and we all came away with a fairly good grasp of the castle’s history.

Although it was mostly flat, the inclines were often very long. By the end of the day, after 45 km, I was absolutely done in! Crashed in bed for an hour before dinner. Dinner was at the Michelin star restaurant at the Chateau de Pray (where we were staying). Fantastic meal, the whole 4 courses wth amuse bouche at the beginning. Even though I nearly nodded off, I enjoyed the meal immensely.

Off to bed for more of the same tomorrow.