Saint-Méen-le-Grand

Well, I lasted, oh, 3 miles or so before I got tired of the trail. It was heavily damaged due to flooding (have I mentioned the rain?). My tires were spinning out. I was getting nowhere fast. Back to the country roads for me. I arrived at my destination quite late. I walked into the only open bar and, as always, the small crowd of people interrogated me in the friendliest way possible. "You're riding HOW MUCH? BY YOURSELF?!"

This ain't my first rodeo, and I've learned that when people offer you a spare bed or couch, you should probably say yes. Especially if they have a dog that likes to play soccer.

My gracious host took me in at 11pm, brought me coffee and a croissant in the morning, and sent me on my way.

Bike trips have a way of connecting people in ways that are rare in day to day life. You leave with an everlasting impression of kindness and hospitality, and usually without any way to ever thank, much less see, them again.Read more