It's a Fairytale!

Once upon a time there were two Aussie cyclists who, after slaying the fire breathing dragon of cycling to Helsinki from Lille, were back on their bikes in France.  They doddled around marvelling at the abundant beauty and deliciousness, laying their handsome heads down in pretty villages and towns as they wandered.  They had little chats as they pedalled, chats about how magical this land is, how amazing they are for being in such a magical land, and wondering how many more wondrous adventures and good things to eat lay ahead.  Last time, we left them leaving magical Mulhouse on Saturday, this is the next chapter in their story...

The two aussie cyclists jumped on their trusty steeds, after an in-room petit dejeuner, early on Saturday for one of the greatest days cycling...55km of glorious flat bike paths along canals...just gaily cycling past locks, fellow wanderers, swans, and stopping at a little cycling cafe right on the canal for a local delicacy (YUM YUM) and coffee.

They finally arrived at their humble home for the evening, in the magical town of Montbéliard.  As they rode in they were greeted by this fantastical Chateau.

Then they had a deeply satisfying lunch in the local square...UNBELIEVABLY GOOD...they gobbled it all up...

Found their cute little hotel...

Then explored the town over the next two days, as one of the Aussies had a bit of a sore tummy, so they stayed an extra day in the magical world of Montbéliard

They marvelled at the storks on the roof opposite their window on Monday morning as they were leaving.

And then they were off, in the rain, for a gentle 35km to a tiny little village called Pompiere sur Doubs (Doubs is the river they've been following).  The first stop was a warm hot chocolate and refreshments.

The local fairies had even left cycling tools and a pump along the route for anyone who needed them.

The water was glassy, and the path calm.

The Aussies seemed happy.

And when they found their new resting place, showered, and went for a promenade to explore the local village.

They slept soundly in their humble abode, arose the next morning for their repast...

Then continued on their merry way...

Even Phil the Drone was able to be set free...

After doing a good deed for a fellow wanderer, a Canadian called Patrick whose steed had gone lame (flat tyre on his e-bike), they continued to lunch, a casual spot on the side of the canal for servicing hungry travellers...

The offerings were simple and sumptuous - the local morbier cheese oozing out of the fine sandwich...

And as the sun comes out, our two heroes ride the final picturesque kilometres...

...into the citadel town of Besançon...

Where wonders were seen...(the astronomical clock)

Delights tasted...

And the local colour appreciated.

And as they enjoy their day of rest today, who knows where their trusty steeds will take them next?!