France 2019: Dizy Ride 4

Our first "drive to start" ride. Pretty drive through the countryside, but hopefully prettier ride.

We love canals. Unfortunately we were just crossing this one.

But always pretty to look at.

Entering this town whose name means too $%#^&^

hilly for biking.

Just in case you forgot where you were they had this friendly reminder.

The down hills were chilly with temperatures in the mid-forties (without wind chill) but too much clothes for the up hills.

Shedding a layer. Will tough out the fast downhills.

A very narrow one lane road divided into two with a line down the middle. Barely wide enough for one car, no less two cars passing in opposite directions at French driving speeds.

Some of the two way roads we hit later in the day were narrower then our bike paths back home.

Happened upon this Basque memorial and had no idea what it was doing here. Although we didn't stop to check it out we guessed that some Basque soldiers fought and died here. It is a long way from Basque country and was surprised that Spain actually fought in WWI. Spain sat out WWII (smart move) after fighting their own bloody civil war.

Had to compare the road sign and map to make sure we were heading in the right direction.

We were hoping for a coffee stop in this town...

But came upon this memorial and cemetery across the road. Decided to tour first, then coffee later.

Dedicated to The 38th Infantry Division - a French division and the places they fought.

As we travel through the French countryside we will encounter numerous WWI battle fields.

The bloodiest/deadliest battle for the German Empire in WW1 was the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest in history. With an estimated 465,000–600,000 casualties for the Germans, 165,000 killed and missing. The combined allied casualties is estimated to be at 600,000.

A church commemorating those who died and are buried here.

Chemin des Dames translates to Lady's Path but sure it has another meaning. Along this part of the route is a blue stripe showing tourists the way to these sites.

Each grave has a cross and bush. Over 5000 in this small cemetery alone. We will not get to Flander's Field on this trip but imagine it looks the same.

Each marker has the Soldier's name and date they died. Amazing that they were able to keep all the body parts together.

We came for the Bar but only after touring the cemetery.

An English sign on the wall of French bar advertising 25 cent hot dogs. Bet there is a good story behind this one.

Time for coffee, patisserie, and talk about the casualties of war.

This was a genuine "biker bar" with the walls plastered with similar photos. Guess every country in the western world has some. We have frequented some of Colorado's best.

These bikers are past their prime but have not outgrown their lust for beer. It was well before noon and they were already downing a few. Every bar we enter has a similar crew - starting well before noon.

On our way to Shangra La.

Down a hill and around the bend was this town nestled on the valley floor. Only way out is the climb on the other side, but worth the view.

Almost every town has a war memorial. This one was to the soldiers who died in WWI. Considering the millions who died you would expect to see one of these around every corner.

Canal tunnels are not unique to France but some of the longest ones are here. Did not see the other end so its total length is unknown. Would be fun to travel along one some day.

We took the road less traveled - and it made all the difference.

Sometimes it is good to take the "long cut" rather than the "short cut". No traffic, no people, and beautiful scenery.

This was an Italian Military Cemetery.

So the question we asked was which side did the Italians fight for. Turns out that although they were part of the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary they joined forces with the Allies after negotiating for some territory concessions if they were on the winning side. So fickle those Italians.

We are sure we will see many more cemeteries along our travels.

Kim stopped to remove her jacket and noticed this standing in the field. No idea what it is/was but assume it is associated with all the other WWI objects that dominate this area.

Gaston Chiquet

After a wonderful day of biking what better way to end a perfect day than Champagne tasting from a local (less then 200 yards from our front door) vintner.

Our tasting guide was born and bred in this area and speaks perfect French and near perfect English. She shared the history of the winery and provided some of the Champagne area's local color.

She confirmed that the name of the area preceded the beverage by more than 1000 years.

They are a "large" small producer with 200,000 bottles per year. 1600+ cases per year is quite small by American standards.