I don’t mind getting up at 6 if it’s because I’m on a ferry that’s coming in to port. Some precise repacking of our panniers (still getting used to this as I’m new to bike-packing) and we were ready to go. Both very excited at finally starting our first day of cycling. St Malo to Mont St Michel today, not much climbing, shouldn’t be too difficult.
A few miles later we bumped into a small classic car gathering in a car park. Who knew there was ever such a thing as a convertible Ford Capri? And they’d had the good sense to have one in a lovely 1980s shade of metallic brown.
Kept getting caught up in a large Porsche rally that seemed to keep circling around us all morning as we rode.
Picnic lunch in a place with a B in its name, overlooking the sea. Jambon beurre for me (my absolute fave) and a salmon wrap for Jax. It looked quite paltry compared to the amazing French picnique pour deux on the table beside us: shell-on prawns, oysters, mussels, du vin, quiche, cakes and a blue gingham tablecloth.
Longish cycle along dedicated cycle route next to the sea and then through countryside. Seemed to go on for ages, probably because we’d stopped for lunch after only 15 miles so had some way left to go! Passed a tractor show (yay again!) and headed north to a view of Mont St Michel which is way more spectacular than I had expected.
A quick stop for a celebratory beer and crêpe and then booked into our first campsite. Put up the new lightweight tent for the first time; very impressed with it. New inflatable mattress for me too which seems very comfy.
Pizzas for dinner. Delicious but far too big. Now feeling enormous and very tired. I reckon we’ll be asleep by 9.30!
Miles cycled: 42
Total miles: 42
Good things today:
- Pain au choc
- Sea views
- Meeting new people
- Classic cars
- Jambon beurre
- Tractor show
- Sunshine
- Crêpes
- Wine
- New tent
Pink still the theme en France. Although all those windmills you’d think you were in Holland.
Is there even room for two in that tent? Very cosy!