To Luxeuilles-Bains, France

Today we rode 72 miles from Chaumont to Luxeuilles-Bains. Most of the riding was through farmland with some slightly rolling hills.

We left Chaumont just after 7 AM, so the temperatures were pleasant as we rolled out. I took this photo after dinner last night from just outside our hotel in Chaumont.

After a 2.5 km descent from Chaumont, we followed a canal for the next 8 km.

While it is a bit hard to see, here the canal is using an aqueduct to cross the small river below coming from the left.

At the 10 km mark, we left the canal for farmland.

Like yesterday, we passed occasional fields of sunflowers.

Every 5 km or so, we would enter a small village with its prominently located church.

Most of today’s riding was on fast speed roads with virtually no shoulder. 90 km/h is just over 55 mph. However, there is a huge difference between riding a road like this here in France and in the US. Here the drivers are very attentive to cyclists. Time and time again, if there was a car coming from the other direction, the car or truck behind me would slow down to whatever speed I was going and wait until it was clear to pass. Going uphill, I might be going only 6 mph, but they would wait patiently behind me to pass safely.

Here is one last town and church photo from today’s ride. Tomorrow we ride 61 miles to Munster.