May 26, 2022
To Magny
The day started with a hearty breakfast of our own making. Suzanne and I made the bakery run for baguettes and croissants while Rachael made coffee and took egg orders. Scrambled for everyone, to go with the strawberries and yogurt purchased yesterday. What a treat. Janos insisted on cleaning up, with a little help from Scott, and I retreated to my room for packing up.
I planned to leave for Magny at nine whereas the others were not departing for Vezeley until ten. We both had short distances today, but I’d promised to be in Magny in time for lunch, where a roasted chicken would be waiting for me. Packing went quickly and I was ready to depart about 8:40 - a little earlier than expected so I texted Rachael and knocked on Janos and Suzanne's door. Scott and Rachael came down to see me off but very unfortunately, my early departure caused me to miss saying good-bye Suzanne and Janos, whom Scott said had gone for a brief look-see into town. I could/should have waited, but I was anxious to get going as there were many ridges to cross before reaching Magny. I regret that my anxiety overtook me and left me without proper good-byes to two extraordinary cycling companions and friends.
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The day was cloudy and a bit cool as I headed west on quiet roads that wound up and over the ridges of the northern Morvan. It seemed strange to be riding without my CycleBlaze buddies but I soon got back into solo mode, consoling myself with thoughts of roast chicken. In spite of my anxiety, I made good time – there was only one climb steeper than 12% and I had several long stretches where I could fly atop small plateaus. Near the top of the last ridge, I paused for pictures and took a look back at the road I’d travelled. It was an inflection point in my Burgundy rendezvous, a transition between new and longtime friends. Though the day was chill and cloudy, I was feeling warm, sunny and very fortunate at having so many special people in my life.
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Not long after cresting the last ridge, I spotted the square steeple of Église Saint-Potentien in Châtel-Censoir and was soon back in familiar territory. Châtel-Censoir is the town closest to Magny with shops, a train station and a weekly market that was in full swing as I passed through. I crossed the Canal du Nivernais and the Yonne River and made the short climb into small hamlet of Magny where Christine greeted me with her winning smile and big hugs. I’d made it there with enough time for a quick shower before a quintessential French meal of roast chicken, pomme frittes and flambée bananas.
After lunch, I took a long nap, my body tired from the last three weeks of cycling. When I finally awoke, Christine and I enjoyed a long walk through the fields above her house, catching up on the six months that had lapsed since our trip to Baie de Somme last fall. I had a light dinner and headed upstairs for more sleep – I must be getting old!!
Today's ride: 18 miles (29 km)
Total: 1,196 miles (1,925 km)
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