We are in Asnans-Beauvoisin, about four miles south of Chaussin. We are staying with a French family that is hosting us through the Warmshowers website, which all three of us belong to. But first, how did we get here?
Well, we rose early and were out of our accommodations by 9:00, headed for breakfast. After checking out several possibilities, we ended up at Le Rabelais, where we had lunch yesterday. It was "OK," so we followed up at Paul for some additional sweets.
Eating at Paul was an improvement over Le Rabelais, as the street activity near the market was much more interesting. In fact, right across the street were two live chickens in a cage, being used by the proprietor of what seemed to be a new business promoting free-range chickens, eggs, and cheese. It was very amusing to watch.
And right next to the bikes was this guy with the live chickens selling fresh eggs and other dairy products.
So after our second breakfast, we mounted our bikes, loaded our course, and took off. With only one last stop. To check air pressure at the bike store located right on our route out of town. Cycles HB21 was run by a very friendly fellow who also gave us, besides air, some pointers on our course out of town. Apparently there would be some natural surfaces (read unpaved) for part of the way, which concerned Jerry but not so much Happy and me. We had seen it all during our East Coast tour. But we agreed to decide once we laid eyes on the actual trail. We had even identified a parallel (although busy) road we could use if need be. So again, off we went.
After a stop at the bike shop on our way out of town, we were back on the Canal du Bourgogne.
But that nicely paved trail eventually gave way to an unpaved, natural surface. Here is a somewhat unintentional action shot that captured all three of us in a selfie.
So after MP 9 or so, Jerry suggested we try D968. We were far enough out of Dijon that maybe traffic would be less intense and the road bikeable. Well, yes and no, depending on your tolerance levels. We did follow it to the next village, hoping to also find something for lunch, but had no luck in that department. While Jerry and Happy were looking for a place to eat, I skipped over to the canal to see if trail conditions had improved. "Marginally so" was the best I could report. Next stop? The supermarché in the next town where we could get lunch a la carte!
Our picnic in the woods, lunch courtesy of ATAC in Aiserey.
That turned out OK. We were full and ready to knock out the last 29 miles. Happy and I wanted to return to the canal, and Jerry wanted to continue on D968, so we compromised. We would go our separate ways and converge in Saint-Jean-de-Losne. Being experienced touring cyclists, we proceeded without fear!
The towpath after lunch was not so bad and better than the earlier sections. Jerry decided to ride D968, which Happy and I decided would be too busy for our tastes!
Happy and I had a good ride. Jerry did too, just more hectic. We arrived at about the same time and met at the bridge over the Saône. At the small snack shop near there, we had refreshments and talked to the shop owner, who mentioned we had just missed the Tour de France. Of course, that was our plan. We were not looking for crowds.
At this point, we were making good time and were on track to be at our Warmshowers host at the agreed-to hour. So rather than taking the dreaded D968 into Chaussin, we stuck to our original course and headed down the Saône. Excellent decision!
We followed a nice bike trail down the Saône River to . . .
After about five more miles of canal riding, we went cross-country with intermittent rain starting up. It never came down too heavy but never really let up either. The rain here seems strange in that regard. But such is touring!
After a short distance, we left the canal and headed cross-country for Chaussin. The weather also turned a bit with threatening clouds and some light, but intermittent, rain.
After a quick stop at the supermarché for the promised fresh fruit and beer, we continued the last four miles to our Warmshowers host family. Just a little more rain!
Using Warmshowers, we typically find it difficult to find someone generous enough to host three touring cyclists, yet Aurelie responded immediately to our request and with great enthusiasm. She and her husband, Yan, and their two wonderful children, Leila and Line, were very welcoming and immediately made us feel at home. They have a wonderful life in the country and fed us with a home-grown meal and then gave us a tour of the gardens and mini-farm. I would highly recommend you contact Aurelie through Warmshowers if you are in the area. She and her family are engaging and friendly and truly represent the Warmshowers experience!
Our hosts for the evening, Aurelie and Yan, with their two daughters, Leila (in front) and Lina.
