Dizy Ride 6

Some times the best planning delivers the worst outcomes. Today's ride was planned in advance of our departure. It was designed to include a long stretch along the Marne canal. The past several rides proved that canal rides are flat, scenic, smooth, and a delight. 

We drove to the starting point about 40 KM south east of Dizy to the town of Chepy (pronounced she-pee).

We started riding south along a quiet road then jogged across the bridge to start the canal segment. The first 1/4 mile was paved (Whoopie) but turned to dirt in a heart beat. We decided to keep going figuring how bad could it be. BAD. 

The ground was wet so slip sliding down the path we went. Since we were already committed we decided to continue until the next crossing. We traversed to the road and continued south. 

In Couvrot we decided to give the canal another chance. Worse move. This time my wheels slid into a puddle and my bike was immediately encased in mud. We bailed at the next crossing. Getting the mud from my brakes and wheels was a slimy mess. Fortunately my chain, cassette, and cranks escaped that fate. We backtracked to the road and swore off unpaved canal paths for the remainder of the trip. 

The second route planning mistake was skirting around a fairly large industrial city. Our goal was to cross over to the east and head for the hills. Unfortunately, the only roads in that direction were major roadways. We considered walking the bike to safety but finally mounted up and road the shoulder-less lane as close to the edge as practical. An unbroken line of tractor trailer trucks whizzed by rattling our nerves and pounding my ear drums. Rather than negotiate the round-a-bout we walked across the roadway when a safe gap opened up. We finally made it to our target secondary road but needed some time to settle down - great time for a coffee break. About a mile up the road in Vitry-en-Perthois we found the ideal spot. 

A left over Napoleon was still a delight. 

There are times when one map is enough, but today two barely made the grade. Having abandoned our planned route meant plotting a new course that will take us along paved secondary roads. Frequent map checks insured a pleasant ride for the remaining 30+ miles. 

Kim takes photos of anything associated with Champagne.

She also takes pictures of weird stuff. 

Can you guess what this is? I can't.

We hit one "B" town after another. 

No road construction will deter us, especially if it means climbing an extra hill. We rode on through and waved to the workers eating their lunch. 

Another ornamental round-a-bout.

The routing had lots of ups and downs. Not too steep and not too long. Just the right amount.

My bike needed a rest so I decided to join in.

This panorama shot gives a good perspective of the expansive fields. Some were cultivated while others were plowed smooth. 

The landscape is dotted with wind turbines. 

Notice that they are not turning so I guess there will be no TV watching tonight. 

This tractor "photo bombed" my shot. 

Not much to see but fields, blue skies, and a quiet road. My kind of riding. 

This was a long ride on a very long day so a bite or two of lunch will get us through. 

Kim could not resist capturing this town's hommage to cycling.

A happy ending to a long and trying day!