July/August 2010
France, and Switzerland. Initially, Garry was returning to France to meet up with Katrin, the Swiss cyclist he had met on his previous trip. They were going to finish cycling the Loire Valley. Garry had met Katrin while she was cycling Eurovelo Route 6, and after discovering that they got on really well, decided to ride together. Unfortunately, after four days of cycling, Katrin had run out of time and had to return home to Switzerland. But before parting, they agreed to finish cycling Eurovelo 6 to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins together.
It had only been a few weeks, but they were already going to meet up and finish their cycle ride. They agreed that they would meet in Paris, the place they had parted.
Garry caught the Eurostar from St Pancras London to Gare du Nord Paris. With Katrin catching the TGV to Gare de Lyon Paris. Once reunited they jumped on another train to Orleans, to resume their ride.
Back on the Loire Valley
They spent a couple of days in Orleans, before continuing their cycle ride of the Loire valley. Five days later they reached Saint-Brevin-les-Pins on the Atlantic coast. The end or start of EuroVelo 6 depending on your direction!
After reaching Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, they headed in a northerly direction following the Atlantic coast. They reached Vannes before cutting inland, towards Saint-Malo in Brittany. Saint-Malo came and went, with Katrin and Garry once again following the coastline. After making it to Le Havre, they jumped on a ferry to England.
Off to Switzerland
Garry and Katrin spent a few days in England playing the tourist, before deciding to cycle to Katrin’s home in Switzerland. Once they had caught the ferry back to Le Havre, they set about cycling through France and onto Switzerland. On-route, they explored many cities and towns.
In Switzerland, they arrived at Katrin’s home town of Sarnen and ended their cycle ride. Garry spent another week exploring Switzerland by car, with Katrin as his tour guide. Before he knew it, it was time for Garry to say farewell to Katrin and head back home to England. This time by plane, he didn’t have enough time to cycle home!
Total miles covered in France and Switzerland 1574.