Cycling Europe: France, Chatou to Rouen

My latest bicycle touring update: cycling in France, Chatou to Rouen. 85 miles. It was a cold and wet start to the day. But after an hour or two, the rain stopped, although you could still feel it in the air.

Every time I cycle out of Paris, I get lost and go a different way. Okay, I know that I’d cycled the bulk of it yesterday, but Chatou is still considered a suburb of Paris. So last night, I spent a bit of time working out my route for today. And as I cycled on this morning, I began to recognise different places, a sure sign that I was heading in the right direction. I even recognised a bench in a bus shelter. I remembered sheltering there from the rain last year.

Do Concentrate

As I cycled on, not paying any attention, I suddenly realised I was heading in the completely wrong direction! Don’t ask me how it happened. I was just in my, own little world! It took me a while before I could work out where I was. But once I had, I found my way to the main D14 to Rouen. So at least I was now going the right way. I thought I’d stay on the D14 for a few miles, then drop down to the Seine and find the route I usually take. The D14 isn’t exactly a pleasant road to cycle on. It’s a single carriageway full of lorries that thunder past with inches to spare.

It started to rain again, so I decided to stay on the main road. That way, I wouldn’t have to worry about looking at road signs and checking to ensure I was going the right way. I could just keep my head down and peddle. I didn’t even stop for a break! All I wanted to do was get to Rouen so I could stop.

Tour Information

It’s been years since I took this ride, but the memories (and the data) are all archived:

• Photos: See my photos on Flickr
• The route: Malaga to Monaco and beyond
• Videos: Check out my YouTube videos
• Tour page: Ride overview

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If you want to find out if I’m away touring at the moment and check my location, visit the Where’s Garry page.