Cycling trip day 9
Finally, a day completely without rain! Even got some sun after getting closer to Nancy.
One thing I've learnt during this trip is to not try and wash too much laundry at hotels if you only have 12 hours or so for them to dry. It's just not going to happen. This time I only washed the stuff I was going to wear today and even they didn't get completey dry. With the help of the hair drier got them good enough to wear, since the weather was dry they soon fully dried up on the road.
I was met with a pleasant unplanned surprise leaving Épinal. The route to Nancy was pure cycle path, running in between the La Moselle river and Canal des Vosges. These two crossed a few times, with the canal going over the river on a bridge. Wild! Rivers on top of rivers, because why not. The ride was stunningly beautiful the whole way, with the beautiful canal on one side and La Moselle often visible on the othe, lush trees, bushes and flowers all around.
Almost drove over a snake! Coming around a corner it was possibly crossing the cycle way and just managed to miss it with my front tire. I hit the brakes after passing it and saw it slither into the safety of the bushes.
Lots of other bikepackers also going in both directions. I'm still not quite used to the fact that especially with other bikepackers, you're supposed to greet them when passing. Well, near Épinal everyone was bonjouring me as well. I was probably seen as a countryside idiot getting closer to Nancy and still bonjouring other cyclists.
At beautiful Nancy I spent a bit of time admiring the big central park (Parc'de la Pépinière), then settling on a terrace for some good local IPA. Today I was meeting my friend Victor here for a drinks, a meal and some rest at his place. Fancy to be able to sleep as long as one wants next morning! 💚
Distance cycled: 81.85 (today), 538.59km (total)
