Today our group was smaller than usual because it was going to be a long day so 6 stayed on board. We also split with 3 people taking a shorter route to St Jean aux Bois while the rest of us did an extra 10 kms to see the Chateau de Pierrefonds.
It was beautiful riding through the forest south of Compiegne on paved bike tracks. With a top temperature of 27 degrees predicted, we also appreciated the coolness. The Chateau was impressive – Walt Disney but real was Fred’s comment and he was right.
We didn’t have time to explore inside but it was certainly worth the extra 10 kms. After we joined up with the other group we had our first real hill of the day – a long, steady winding climb that we thought would never end. By now the temperature was into the high 20s and we were feeling it after 9 days of cycling. The good thing about climbs like this is the anticipated descent, and it was great. Unfortunately we took the wrong road for the Roman ruins which meant either missing them or climbing back up the hill. Needless to say we pressed on. Lunch was in a park as none of these villages had bars or cafes.
By now it was HOT and the search for a bar was on, success eventually in the village of Verberie. We purchased more water and Fred told us it was 10-15 kms to the barge.
We were stopping every 5kms in the heat and it seemed to always be 10-15 kms! We eventually arrived back at the boat at 4.30 after 68kms. A shower never felt so good.
Route of today’s ride – Compiegne to Creil – 68 kms