Vèlo Notes

You know, after biking the Camino Frances and Camino del Norte over a decade ago, I thought my days of long bike tours were behind me. But life is funny like that—you just never know how things will turn out. Sometimes, something from our past keeps tapping us on the shoulder, reminding us it’s still there.

As we get older, we all go through phases where we feel stuck or a bit down. Then, out of the blue, something stirs inside us, and we find ourselves ready to jump back in. And you know what? That’s a good thing. There's really nothing to lose if it means moving toward something better.

Maybe it's those old memories and beautiful scenes that start bubbling back up, showing us that the good times aren’t really gone. They’re still with us, urging us to keep going. They remind us that our journey isn’t over yet—it’s just waiting for us to pick up where we left off.

Biking is a transformation for me. I don’t know why. It must be the accumulation of Tour de France, La Vuelta, and Giro that inspire me to go out there and experience something. Maybe those inspiring sceneries in the countryside that I got to go out there and truly experience it. Perhaps it’s the realization that time is slipping away, and that age and fitness are becoming critical factors in making things happen. Time is running out, and delaying only leads to complacency. It feels like it’s now or never.

While biking and travel have always been central to my life, the focus now is on taking action—there’s no more holding back. I’ve realized that I have to take the initiative and not wait for someone else to start things for me. With that mindset, I’ve chosen the Loire River as my starting point

I spent two nights in Nantes, France, which gave me some time to gather my thoughts and get everything in order. Honestly, I could have stayed longer, but I knew it was time to get moving. And let me tell you, the joy I felt when I hit the bike path along the Loire River was incredible. At one point, I just had to stop and take it all in—the river, the lush greenery—it was so peaceful. So, I found a spot, sat down, and just watched the world go by.

While I was sitting there, a man came along, also on his bike, which was loaded with all his personal things. He stopped, pulled out a guitar, and started playing in the corner. It was one of those moments that makes you realize the beauty of the journey.

And with that, my new bike tour has officially begun

I was drawn to the beauty of the countryside. Cycling paths often wind through lush forests, alongside clear streams, and across gentle hills. The scent of wildflowers, the sound of birdsong, and the sight of visitors canoeing and picnickers finding the right spot to enjoy the countryside. The well-maintained trails, sometimes lined with ancient trees, provide a shady, cool respite on warm days.

Then, taking the Loire River leads you to visit cities such as Angers, Saumur, Tours, and Orleans, and Nevers. I never got to know these cities and that will be the reason to come back here again and there will be changes to be made to appreciate and get to know the place better.

Then, running every scenic paths that come every stage. How lucky the people who live here! It is just like a dream that you are put into it — A paradise.

While waiting for my sister Tess and her friends, I decided to camp outside Beaune. On the way to the campground, I noticed a book on the road, I stopped and went back to grab it and while skimming through it, a car stopped by and a lady rolled down her window, and said — ‘that’s your good luck!’ Ohmm, I would not leave my luck here, I would take it with me and put a weight in my journey. Would France be the next thing? Common! Don’t get ahead of yourself! In the camp kicking back after a shower, I turned pages to get familiar with the terms and perhaps my introduction of a French language.

Meeting my sister Tess, Sylvia, and Victoria in Beaune. I’m lucky to be here. Indeed, a luxurious dinner with professional young waiters. That’s the difference here, they take waiting tables professionally. Perhaps it was a bit of exaggeration, but I love it that I made an impression to a Brigitte, a French friend in Barcelona. Anyway, seeing my traveling buddies in another country reminded me of the memories of traveling together — Our travel together is a lasting imprint — the Caminos and the e-bike tour in Girona.

In terms of what’s my favorite place. I love everything about the Loire Valley, Burgundy, and Rhone Valley region. There are so many places in mind to revisit and explore deeper in the French countryside. It can be Chêcy, Chomartin, Tupit-t-Semons, and the big cities on Loire Valley.

I wish I could go on and on. I would sum up that I would continue on my bike touring just like this man who I met in Valence. My respects and admiration to all the cyclist out there.

Summing Up

Alés to Le Puy-en- Velay

Valence