Arras Ride 2

Today was grey and gloomy but warm enough to warrant a ride. Our planned route started at the house and meandered through the local countryside. This area has more hills than yesterday's ride nearer the coast. Climbs are gradual and short and wind up and around on "paved" farm roads. 

Our first stop was a medium sized town ... 

At the end of a gentle hill ...

Ending at a most important destination ...

This quaint facade belies the delights inside

We decided to forgo our usual late morning coffee/pastry stop and buy a bread and have our lunch sandwiches along the road.  

Kim entertaining the sales clerk with her non-existent French.

Ready to head back down the hill and continue on our route.

 As the skies got darker we started to rethink our plans and decided to head home after only ten miles. Our GPS showed us the most direct route. 

As we "pressed the pedal to the metal"

Towns flew by ...

But the sky got lighter so we started to rethink our rethinking.

However since we were already heading home we decided to make another stop

And revisit the town 

For a more serious purchase.

Voila - score one for Kim. 

Getting back to our town just ahead of the rain drops. 

Smart move in aborting the ride. 

Through the gates and into our lodgings. Not a bad place to hold up for a week. 

But the pièce de résistance is the "castle" where our hosts live. More to come after our tour on Monday. 

Once inside we decided to forgo a more formal lunch (salami sandwiches) and settle for fresh bread, butter, and hot coffee. 

After our late afternoon "petit repas" we cancelled our dinner plans ... 

And headed to the main event.