What a View !

One of the unique features of our Ghostriders European Cycling Adventures is the broad diversity of hotels we get to stay in. Since we are mostly travelling away from the standard "tourist track", we are usually staying in modest sized, boutique hotels. While these might lack some of the conveniences of the huge chain hotels (such as lifts, air conditioning, windows, etc) they more than make up for with tons of local charm and character. It is a bit like Forest Gump and his famous box of chocolates - we also never know what to expect until we walk in the front door.

Last night we stayed in the quaint little town of Charitie Sur Loire. Our home for the night was the "Mille et Un Feuilles" Hotel. The name literally means a thousand and one books and the entire hotel has been decked out in a literary theme, complete with books in every room and large pictures of famous authors on every wall. I was pleased to find that my room had a large window that I could open wide to let in fresh air. I was not so thrilled when I had to manhandle my luggage up two flights of stairs around an almost vertical spiral staircase. The room was certainly adequate and the bed clean and comfortable. It was only in the morning that things took a downward spiral.
When we last stayed here 7 years ago, we voted it the very worst breakfast of the entire trip. That was because there basically wasn't any, breakfast that is. Seven years later, thing had not changed.
Rather than provide the standard breakfast buffet, this owner insists on issuing each piece of food personally, even down to individual slices of ham! The glasses for the morning orange juice were the size of small egg cups, and the baguettes and croissants had been so frugally issued that some missed out altogether. And there was certainly no asking for seconds. I felt like I had to full in a requisition form to request one pat of butter. It would be safe to say that, if you want to enjoy your breakfast, avoid this place at all costs.
Our ride today was probably the shortest of the entire trip. With only 29 km to cover, we knew we were in for a real doddle of a ride. I did, however try to warn the group that they were in for a challenge later in the day. Since we had such a relaxed time schedule, I gave David the job of being the chief coffee shop scout. About 14 km into the ride his fastidious research suggested that we should cross the river and ride into the town of Pouilly Sur Loire. It turned out to be an inspired suggestion.
We discovered a delightful little boulangerie with a great array of delicious cakes AND a working coffee machine. As we sat and enjoyed our morning tea, we also witnessed the uniquely French tradition of the entire town lining up to buy their morning baguettes. We could not help but feel a little guilty for causing them to have to wait while we were being served. I know how quickly these baguettes go stale, and I hope that the delay did not ruin their daily bread sensation.
The town also had something else that is quite rare in these parts - modern, clean toilets. That is an increasingly vital need for a group of riders in their 60s and 70s.
After resuming the main ride, I pointed out the mountain in the distance. "That is where we are riding to", I explained. "It's really steep, but these ebikes will make it a breeze", I added.
When we did this ride 7 years ago, ebikes were unheard of, so we had to battle up the slope using brute force. This time we all had electric motors to give us that little extra impetus we needed. The first part of the climb took us to the cemetery. I explained that most of the residents there were likely cyclists who tried to climb the mountain with ebikes. A second push on the bikes took us to our hotel - the brand new Le Panoramic Hotel. It proudly boasted 4 stars and it deserved every one. Not only were the rooms amazing, the place even had a high speed lift. Best of all, the views from the windows our rooms was absolutely breathtaking. (See some of the attached pictures).
I suspect that some are a little sad that tomorrow is not a rest day, so that we could have two nights here. Unfortunately, we have a schedule to keep, and so we must push on.Read more