Postcard from Angers

At this stage of an extended ride, the so called "free days" take on a degree of extra importance. It is normal for participants to start to feel the cumulative effects of their exertions over the previous weeks. I have to admit that I am starting to feel a little "leg weary". While I can still ride comfortably, I am finding that every time I have to walk upstairs it feels like gravity has somehow grown stronger.
For that reason, my aspirations for the time spent in Angers were quite modest. First I visited the nearby Laverie to catch up with my laundry, then walked to the Chateau of Angers to explore the immense structure. Guess what I found there ? Stairs. Steep, narrow and very dark stairs. The last time we were in Angers Carol Yates broke her leg, and I had no plans to emulate her achievement. For that reason, every time I faced the challenge of climbing a steep stone staircase, I hobbled up it like a 75 year old man. Come to think of it, I AM a 75 year old man, so maybe it is not so surprising.
I did manage to climb to the highest turret of the chateau and take some time admiring the view down over the Maine River. The river in the picture is not the Loire, but it does flow into the Loire a short distance downstream from the city.
Tomorrow, we get back on the bikes for the next leg (or is it pedal) of the ride to Montjean Sur Loire.Read more