Day 13, Puyravault to La Rochelle and on to Île de Ré: 50 miles (for some)

 

After a bountiful breakfast including local honey and special regional brioche we loaded up and headed out. Today we had a big adventure before even arriving at the EV 1 trail.  The route seemed fairly direct but we decided to ask our host for a route to avoid traffic (bad idea).  We ended up winding our way over stone canal bridges across farm fields and rutted paths.  



In the midst of all the route changes and group consultations, the Vaden’s were thinking about turning in their bikes and making a train connection 😬.  Eventually we found the Velodyssée only to be detoured around trail construction 😫.  We all rejoiced when we finally saw La Rochelle on the sign post.  

The rest of the ride was mostly along the canal on rough gravel and at a constant uphill grade.  Upon arriving in La Rochelle, there was much discussion and indecision regarding the best plan of action. Eventually we ended up at an outdoor cafe for lunch and evacuation!  A gas leak conveniently occurred after we had finished but before dessert 😢.  Surely Lauran was thrilled to experience more drama!  




We were all sad to say goodbye to the Vadens.  They had been so willing to engage in the adventure and attempt new things. Ann bravely mastered the e-bike and Peter led the group into  La Rochelle.  They put up with the route changes, communal sleep arrangements and longer than expected days in the saddle.  We will miss them!



We did welcome new rider Cindy Sinchak who was so enthusiastic to start that she flew to Paris, trained to La Rochelle, rented a bike, changed to bike clothes and rode in a gale force wind across the Île de Ré bridge without sleep OR a cup of café!





Did I mention the gale-force winds across the bridge?  Head winds that made walking faster than riding!

We were rewarded with a lovely tour of the island through the quaint village of St. Marie en Ré on the way to a wonderful beach home in Commune Bois de Gros

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