France 2019: Dizy Ride 5

It is often said that the most difficult thing to predict is the future. Nowhere is that more true than the weather. After yesterday's washout we were expecting a repeat based on early morning shower predictions. We were pleasantly surprised that the ground was dry when we awoke and the revised forecast was cloudy to partly cloudy and no rain.

We set out on our 40+ mile ride along the canal. Being flat it was a good warm up, although the chilly weather required tights, light jacket, and full gloves. The V52 veloroute was rather busy with walkers and other cyclists, which is expected on a Sunday morning. About 1/4 way into the ride we headed south and into the hills which warmed us up during the climbs.

Unfortunately as we rode south the sky got darker and it began to sprinkle. So much for fickle weather forecasting. Expecting the rain to intensify we decided to reverse course and head north into less cloudy skies. Don't know if we would have encountered a full-on shower, but riding in the rain makes for an unpleasant day.

One of the many bikes adorned with flowers in the French countryside. This one is just down the road from our house.

Whoops!

We road the canal trail only to find out we were on the wrong side.

Used the lock gate path to cross the canal and avoid backtracking to the last bridge. Tight fit but we made it.

Another obstruction but we were skinny enough to get through and pass the bikes over.

Bridges are a better way to get to the other side.

Heading south on this tree lined road.

Lovely place to stop along our uphill climb. As we proceeded south the drizzle was more constant. Time to abort.

A church in Châtillon-sur-Marne that was bombed then rebuilt after WWI and cemetery for several thousand fallen soldiers.

For some reason a few of the grave markers do not have a cross. No indication why but probably because they were not Christian, or religion was unknown.

Wandering on a secondary road led us to this Trout restaurant on a pond filled with trout (good guess). Some people were actually fishing in the area containing the smaller ones. A second pond had lots of larger ones waiting to grace a dinner plate; not by choice.

This place was a great find that Eagle Eye Kim spotted while cruising downhill.

Of course two cafe grande (feminine form of grand which sounds the same) was on the menu. We asked for some eau chaude (hot water) to make a perfect cup of coffee. The hazelnut pastry was again from our favorite patisserie in Ay.

Cruising back on the canal trail we passed this stern wheel tourist boat.

We watched the gates open on this lock but the oncoming boat was too far away to wait for it to pass.

There are various trail markers but following the grapes keeps you focused.

One of the sculptures that adorns the shoreline.

This depicts the turning of the champagne bottles. The slight rotation (about 45 degrees) helps move the sediment (dead yeast remains) to the neck for later removal. Formally done by hand there are robots that do this automatically on a daily basis.

Back to Ay to search for a lunch spot. Unfortunately it is Sunday and past 2 PM so nothing is open, not even the Pizza and Crepes Restaurant. Oh well, buy a bread and bike home for lunch. Maybe another day.