Finally on my way. Great bike path to start. Pedestrians on one side tarmac on my side.

The higgenbaum book route is unnecessary now. There is a well marked and fine surfaced road all the way to ancenis. No need for his complicated rooting.

The challenge: into a strong headwind running right along the Loire. Thirty years ago when QB and I did this route we went into the wind the whole way. I remember it. The usual direction is off the Atlantic. It is why I went for Nantes. Not this week. The forecast for the next five days: strong headwinds. Never met a cyclist who likes them.

Stopped in Oudon to see the château with the octagonal tower.

In ancenis, really outside, found a bike shop to adjust my derailleur. The TSA took my bike out of its case,returning it not perfectly. Too hard to do without a stand. Added some distance and a small mountain.

Excellent two star hotel. Friendly, speaks good English but has agreed to put up with my french. Very good A/C fine shower,a restaurant, free WiFi,grand lit.

A lesson reminded. Check the gps routing to a hotel. Went an extra 15 km on hilly terrain as gps wanted to avoid 2 km on a higher speed road. Was a very interesting if a bit tiring detour.

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