It's three weeks since we returned from France. After spending last week decorating our bedroom, we decided it was time for a night away in Marge. We've had some bad news to cope with over the last couple of weeks and decided Marge was just the tonic we needed to perk us up, so we headed back to Devizes, a couple of hours drive from us. A Chinese takeaway and some cycling were our treat.
This morning the weather dry and bright, we saddled up and cycled out on our Brompton bicycles alongside the kennet and avon canal. A sharp, clear blue autumnal sky lit the carpet of gold under our wheels. Canal boats basked in the morning light and a family of swans glided by. It was a perfect autumn day. We have not cycled since returning from our cycling trip to Switzerland, so today we would find out if we had retained the fitness level we achieved whilst cycling the euro velo 6. Our ride took us downhill past the Caen locks flight, 29 locks which rise over 237 feet with a 1 in 44 gradient. A gentle yawning wind blew leaves from the trees as we passed under them. The fine weather had brought people out, boaters and walkers alike.
After an hour and a half cycling over a rough path on a small wheeled bicycle we sat by a lock to eat lunch. We felt we could cycle further, but that would have to wait until another day. There was the small matter of cycling up the 1 in 44 gradient alongside the locks. See you at the top! First one there buys the ice creams at the cafe. We're pleased to say we are still fit. We both made it and yes, the ice-cream was delish. Back at Marge the car park suddenly became a hive of activity as two canal boats arrived on low loaders. We watched as they were craned into the water, swiftly and efficiently.
O.K. Marge. Home now. Hopefully if the weather holds, we'll manage another night out in you soon.
For our grandson Elliot coming this weekend for a Halloween party!
