One week, 60 km a day, between 5 eight kilos weight, 238 locks, ten hours by car to reach the starting point. These figures, Once relocated, mean a bike trip with the house piggybacked by Brittany. The goal was to cover on two wheels the distance between cities Nantes and Brest to the side of a waterway of 364 km. The channel was constructed for over 40 years in the nineteenth century-for Spanish labor, told us- Brest after being blocked by the English fleet. But, as in almost all trips, at least in good, the goal has nothing to do with the objective.
In the middle of August, with summer disrupted for reasons that are irrelevant and encouragement even more Asunder, this immersion in cycling without training sounded as adequate as any other option that would allow me to feel the air on your face, move, put me on route to somewhere once, Oh my God, whatever it was. The added attraction that cover the entire surface was flat also weighed when deciding, but he did not believe it at all until I saw it with my own eyes. When you get to the first lock and stop the car from which you come from Madrid Curd crossing a rain, comforting you two facts: it does not rain and, in fact, Here the earth is flat. At least, why you have to shoot you.
As in almost all trips, at least in good, the goal has nothing to do with the objective
The concept of uniqueness of a trip of these characteristics you evaporate as you get up. You come across all kinds of travelers who have had the same idea as you, So you start to think it's not so far-fetched. Whole families with children, couples, groups of friends and many older people with an ease that seems to have been doing this forever. And surely be well.
The travel plan is to roll parallel to the dotted channel locks to reach the people that interrupt the path and give a respite to the cyclist and his back suffered. Each lock has its home in a family dwelling from April to October, the months in which inland navigation is permitted. Quiet hours in the saddle, While traveling together, They go far and wonders how life will be "airlock". A simple life, apparently without major concerns rather than be kind enough to point to serve helps pleasure boats decanted by the channel.
Quiet hours in the saddle, While traveling together, go far
Could I do something like? Even temporarily, I try to imagine this kind of spiritual retreat. Gives some envy see families of lock-keepers; some with children, others formed by retired couples, and even a guy who was reading just sitting at a table in a kind of totally alien sentry box to cyclists who passed him before the nose. That was the guy I found most inspiring. Professional, excluded. And with peace and wanted me at my best moments ...
All staging of this summer route straight out of the French film "The fortune of living". One that speaks of freedom and friendship of four friends who live in the marshes, along the river blonde, not far from where this journey takes. The environment is like, It breathes the same placidity, the scenery you and gives you moments comforts you'll save for when you return to Madrid and you feel tempted to forget that there are other realities, not too far, just a few hours drive.
Could I do something like? Even temporarily, I try to imagine how airlock in this sort of spiritual retreat
As mentioned in the film, Also on the route from Nantes to Brest you're faced with fishermen squatting on the riverbank or accommodated on chairs taking a nap. A grandfather with his grandson, teaching the art of fishing and patience. The quiet waiting, lashings. Or two siblings sharing bait and beers, perhaps it is catching up on what is happening in their lives, in the routine demonized no one to stand up and be counted and, especially, is heard ...
Thoughts are flying alone as you're covering stages of the journey. Each new scene you discover from the bike leads to imagine other lives, other paths are possible. A nearby abbey joined the way a monk with his hands in his pockets and looking down, deep in thought. It intersects with picnic tables with noisy families sharing snack and talk and do not seem to distract him from his musings.
Each new scene you discover from the bike leads to imagine other lives, other paths are possible
When evening falls, If you have arrived in time, Look for accommodation on the go at one of the many hotels you find locations; Nort-sur-Erdre, Redon, Peillac, Malestroit, Josselin, By Rohan Pontivy. Each has a special charm in them is common note the friendliness of the locals, accustomed to travelers on two wheels that give indications and willingly, even, They offer their homes or gardens so they can camp. There is something for every taste and every budget and many of the campsites that frame the canal are a beauty hard to imagine elsewhere.
The medieval town Josselin evokes a tale setting with its stone and wood buildings and an imposing castle which is still owned by the Dukes of Rohan, founders of the town in 1008. From the hotel "Le 14 St. Michel”, the most special in which we sleep all week, you can see the Basilica of Notre-Dame du Roncier.
When evening falls, If you have arrived in time, Look for accommodations on the fly
Listen to the sound of bells from one of the rooms of this magical confortabilísimas noble house 120 years old is an experience that leaves a residue of serenity and makes you want to stay a few days enjoying a stately architecture and cozy. In building their owners also live, Vivianne and Patrice, that after becoming his heirs changed life and restaurateurs were. Breakfast in the room lined with books and with a delicate and precious porcelain infuses you courage, Smile like Vivianne, which he is interested in the origins and professions who sits at his desk.
The end of the trip is a return to the top. Touch collect the car left parked in Nantes and take way home with the hope that still lasts a while the feeling of flow, of getting caught with an eye on the horizon covering stages, one after the other, with properly secured attention to the present moment without anticipating the next landscape that will bring the path. As in life, the wind will sometimes be in favor and others, against, but you have to keep rolling. There is no other. And the journey is always worth it.
