Redon is kind of a depressed town with about 4,000 people. By contrast, Vannes is vibrant city with about 55,000 people that is hosting an event this weekend that probably draws 15,000 people. I guess we were lucky to find a place to stay.
The big ultramarathon event starts/ends about a block from our rented apartment so the atmosphere is festive. About 9,000 people compete in various length races this weekend and 2,000 run the ultramarathon of 175km (108 miles)! https://www.ultra-marin.fr/grand-raid-ultramarin. The last mile of our bike path was chocked with people.
The route to Vannes from Redon was 49 miles and had about 2,200 ft of elevation gain. We intersected the EuroVelo Route 45 about halfway along. That route is still being developed so some of the sections and signage were not up to normal standard, but still usable and interesting.
Our ride today was quite varied, from small roads through quiet farmland to dirt paths to bike paths entering the city.
It was fun to cycle past old stone farm buildings and through small towns as a contrast to the admittedly lovely consistency of the canal cycle routes. We humans are so hungry for change! We love something until we have to do it for more than an hour and then we want something different. ☺️
Once we arrived I rode to the nearest grocery store for provisions including some addictive Camembert, and a smoked chicken and some wine, milk and salad fixings. We’re staying home tonight and watching Netflix until we fall asleep, which will be quickly.
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