I hadn't even gone a mile before I got to the first "route barrée" sign either, so it's been another one of those days too. I think there were four divisions, two that I knew about and two that I didn't. All required some weaving around the houses to get me back on track.
I'm sorry, I didn't take many pictures in the rain, I just don't like my phone getting that wet. The exception had to be when I got to the DIY chain ferry across L'Authion river/canal. I'd heard about it, but to be honest I'd put it to the back of my mind in the "I'll deal with it later" cubbyhole. Well, I had to deal with it today. Typically the thing was on the other side of the river, so I had to pull it over so I could use it. Then I was concerned I'd slip in to the river getting on, or that I'd drift off down the river like Corporal Jones in the Dad's Army film. Fortunately, nothing like that happened and after a lot of heaving on the chain I was on the other side. The only casualty was my cape, which got muddy. The pouring rain soon washed that off.
I rode through the old Angers slate quarry, which looked like it could have been worth more time, but again, not in the rain. I made my way through the city and headed off up the path by the river Mayenne, which I'm sure would be delightful on a sunny day, but the path had turned in to a muddy quagmire through which my tyres squirmed their way.
About 2pm, the rain stopped and I was near Montreuil-Juigné by this time, so I took a few photos when I could. The river Mayenne is obviously navigable as there are plenty of locks and attractive lock buildings. I don't know if they are Mills too. The odd château kept materialising too.
On one of the diversions it became obvious that something was very wrong with my brakes, as the back one was making a horrible grinding noise and the front one wasn't working very well at all. At one point I went straight past a turn, because there was no chance of me stopping! I investigated and the grit and water of the paths had totally worn down my brake blocks, so they needed replacing urgently. I did wonder if they'd make it to the UK, but there was no way. My odometer was approaching the 75 miles mark as I pulled in to Château-Gontier, so I searched for local bike shops and picked one nearby. I didn't hold out much hope, but Espace Cycles 53 came up trumps, I bought two pairs and sat outside the shop in the sun and fitted them. I even oiled the chain. After that was done it was time to look for somewhere to stay, to have a shower and wash of the grit and grime.
A bit of quick arithmetic says I'm 145 miles from the port and I have two days to do it in, so I should be fine. I just hope it doesn't rain too much!
#abitofabikeride
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