Cycling on abandoned train tracks, following rivers up and down the stream, going through rain and against the wind.
We left with two bikes to cycle around France.
I am not sure whether my luggage or the load of expectations where waghing heavier, as we set off for a trip with no end and no destination.
As I had weeks if not months to romanticize this trip. Which I did to its fullest.
But no matter what I knew the first week was going to be hard anyway. No need to measure the value of our decision to go on this trip on the first one. Even though it would be tempting, in the bad and the good moments.
We start cycling on Monday afternoon. Out of the village into the forest our destination isn’t clear.
In fact, we had no specific idea where to go, one week prior to our departure, so we decide to join the source of the Loire River. Following a river makes sense. But instead of the sea we want to reach the source, cycling against the stream, you could say.
The excitement level is very high. Until the first bags fall off just after we leave the tarmac road. Bumpy roads and mud. We are in April, and it was raining the whole last week.
But the enchanted forest around us makes it all worth. Birch forest followed by pine trees. Lush green, white flowers blooming on the wild cherry trees. Birds are singing and bumblebees fly around our heads.
Everything goes as expected. Little roads leading us through the spring landscape. Straight lines since we are following abandoned trainlines.
36 km later we find the cutest place to set up camp, next to a little stream under the trees, surrounded by green. I haven’t been that tired since I was a toddler. We fall asleep while the daylight is still up.
That’s it, that is going to be my life for a while now. Cycling, setting up camp and cycling again. Slow fashion is turning into slow life or slow travel?
In the following days we got surprised by a lot of rain.
Why does wet feel uncomfortable if water is life?
Why is drenched in rainwater making you uneasy when swimming in rivers feels great?
But no matter what questions you might ask or which mindset you try to put yourself into, it stays uncomfortable.
As long as I can get a croissant and a coffee in the morning, I am happy…
…and I am going to spare you an almost full week of rain and cycling against the wind complain.
There were moments of clearance.
Food.
Awesome camp spots.
Cute villages.
The lush green landscapes, with peacefully grazing sheep, rabbits building their homes along the street, buzzing bees checking out flower after flower, they all need the rain. Who am I to complain about?
We learn a bike, bags and camping gear are not enough, you must take the weather in consideration. Especially in April.
We also never even joined the Loire River, not even talking about the source of it. Why do I even try to make plans?
Luckily there are plenty of other rivers and roads to follow!
On this note, we finish our week in Vichy, middle of France, drinking Coffee and eating croissant, on our way to the train station…
Thank you all for stopping by, have a wonderful day!
Don't hesitate to tell me what you think about this post! Since it is the first time I write about my travels and not my slow fashion projects. I am happy to hear any thoughts of yours:)
All photos and words are mine, taken and written by me.
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I think the difference is that when you swim in the river you usually get to dry off, sitting in wet clothes, unless it's in the middle of summer is uncomfortable for sure.
Cycling is a great way to travel.
I went for 2 months walking in the mountains and I can tell you slow is the way to go.
Enjoy xxxxx
Yes I guess it is when you know there is no way to dry it gets really uncomfortable...
Walking would be my second choice! especially in the mountains:) (that sounds awesome)
Thank you, I will:)
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Mmmmm: this sounds and looks like such an epic journey, thank you for taking us with you dearest @kesityu.fashion ! I did some cycling-and-train across Europe before, and France was so gorgeous... I love long bike journeys. But do not love cycling in rain and wind. Hehe - romantic biking through bluebells, daffodils and sunshine is the best! But being fuelled by croissants and coffee, we can achieve great things, eh!
Much love in your beautiful trip!
I feel like discovering a country from a whole different angle (even though this isn't the first time I visit) or maybe it is because in that way I do see every angle of it:)
There is a lot of fuel indeed, and rain is never forever:)
April is usually a tricky month when it comes to weather.
Your journey seems so interesting despite the difficulties you are facing. Traveling by bike must be an awesome experience, never done that.
I hope the weather change to better, have fun and enjoy your journey😊
Thank you!!:)
Definitely worth a try:D
...and luckily April is almost finished, so it can only get better from now on!
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Thank you😊 thats very nice to read!!
Wow! That look like a great cycling adventure!
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Oh I didn't realize we have a cycling community, thats awesome:)
Thank you!!
Yes there is. I've been promoting it a bit more recently.
Welcome!
this is such a cool thing to do! Its so interesting!
Thank you! it is fun:)
Oh WOW! I'm going to enjoy reading how your travel goes. The rain, oh the rain and being damp with wet. It's the very thing that's been on my mind the last couple weeks, so interesting to see you talk about it.
I'd love to see your camping set up. I'm wondering how long you'll travel for. I'm hoping I'll learn some useful things for my own adventure.
We hate the rain until it gets to hot and then we can only wish for some clouds... every year the same😅
...took me a while now that I didnt pass by, but I'll get back into writing about it! How long, I dont know yet...🙃
What adventure that would be?
...and I am glad too hear that you enjoyed it💜(I was wondering if the traveling cycling was a bit too off track from my usual sewing...)
That's so typical of being human it seems, always the weather is a thing. 😂 It could be snow.....
I figure you're on a journey, you'll write when you can. 😁 How long to you get to be on this adventure, months?
Traveling cycling is so cool, totally not off from your usual sewing. I'm really interested to see and well, it is also of help to me with some things I have in mind.
Months for sure, I dont really have an idea how many... I'll see:)
💜
What do you have in mind?
Months! I love it! That's so wonderful for you.
Short description is my bicycle + me + what I need + the rest of my life - whatever happens between now and then = I don't know exactly 😂
That sounds very exciting and is pretty much what I am off to😂
That's hilarious! I've got to go over my bike this week, make sure it's all working well and get out training on it.