Day 11 saw us back in the country and mostly following the Seine river but eventually heading off to the Loing River which is part of an ancient canal system linking the Seine to the Loire via the River Loing and Braire .

Lovely riding along side the canals , varied scenery and lots to see along the way

We arrived at Montargis after about an 80 km day after an early visit off piste to visit Fontainebleau, a spectacular old castle that was on Barbs must see list . Stopped for obligatory patisserie before we hit the trail proper .

After leaving Montargis we spent some relaxed time exploring the old town which was very interesting .

Was a simply lovely day in the bike as we headed to the Braire , our first encounter with the Loire . The path runs along ancient tow paths on the Loing River , dotted with many locks .

Barbs been getting much stronger as she’s settled into the routine of consistent kms per day . She’s starting to get pretty frisky and n off the bike . She has started to develop a positive relationship with her cycle , affectionately calling it her “ silver stead “ and in terms of endearment describing just how great her ride is and how quick she is able to ride. Yes it’s true , she is getting much faster and has l

ittle problem on the hills where my mate BOB slows me down majorly. While BOB a great mate on the flat and downhills , he’s a real bugger going up gradients , just hates it !

Arrived at the Loire river after the first 610 km of our adventure . A great campsite and we set up the full Monty , including the tarp/ fly . Forecast thunder storms arrived soon after and we are thankful to be safe and dry.