Cycling on abandoned train tracks, following rivers up and down the stream, going through rain and against the wind.
We left with two bikes to cycle around France.
I am not sure whether my luggage or the load of expectations where waghing heavier, as we set off for a trip with no end and no destination.
As I had weeks if not months to romanticize this trip. Which I did to its fullest.
But no matter what I knew the first week was going to be hard anyway. No need to measure the value of our decision to go on this trip on the first one. Even though it would be tempting, in the bad and the good moments.
We start cycling on Monday afternoon. Out of the village into the forest our destination isn’t clear.
In fact, we had no specific idea where to go, one week prior to our departure, so we decide to join the source of the Loire River. Following a river makes sense. But instead of the sea we want to reach the source, cycling against the stream, you could say.
The excitement level is very high. Until the first bags fall off just after we leave the tarmac road. Bumpy roads and mud. We are in April, and it was raining the whole last week.
But the enchanted forest around us makes it all worth. Birch forest followed by pine trees. Lush green, white flowers blooming on the wild cherry trees. Birds are singing and bumblebees fly around our heads.
Everything goes as expected. Little roads leading us through the spring landscape. Straight lines since we are following abandoned trainlines.
36 km later we find the cutest place to set up camp, next to a little stream under the trees, surrounded by green. I haven’t been that tired since I was a toddler. We fall asleep while the daylight is still up.
That’s it, that is going to be my life for a while now. Cycling, setting up camp and cycling again. Slow fashion is turning into slow life or slow travel?
In the following days we got surprised by a lot of rain.
Why does wet feel uncomfortable if water is life?
Why is drenched in rainwater making you uneasy when swimming in rivers feels great?
But no matter what questions you might ask or which mindset you try to put yourself into, it stays uncomfortable.
As long as I can get a croissant and a coffee in the morning, I am happy…
…and I am going to spare you an almost full week of rain and cycling against the wind complain.
There were moments of clearance.
Food.
Awesome camp spots.
Cute villages.
The lush green landscapes, with peacefully grazing sheep, rabbits building their homes along the street, buzzing bees checking out flower after flower, they all need the rain. Who am I to complain about?
We learn a bike, bags and camping gear are not enough, you must take the weather in consideration. Especially in April.
We also never even joined the Loire River, not even talking about the source of it. Why do I even try to make plans?
Luckily there are plenty of other rivers and roads to follow!
On this note, we finish our week in Vichy, middle of France, drinking Coffee and eating croissant, on our way to the train station…
Thank you all for stopping by, have a wonderful day!
Don't hesitate to tell me what you think about this post! Since it is the first time I write about my travels and not my slow fashion projects. I am happy to hear any thoughts of yours:)
All photos and words are mine, taken and written by me.