| Thursday, June 20, 2013 -- Chambord to Cour Cheverny -- Biking Day 2 |

We left the sunshine of Chambord about 4:30, heading south on a forest trail followed by storm clouds. After about 45 minutes, a downpour started and we sought shelter under trees. Soon, the mosquitoes had us on the move again.

We pedaled about 10 km to the town of Bracieux just as the next downpour hit. We parked the bikes under some temporary awnings set up in the village square where the town choir and band were getting ready to perform. Val corralled the kids and doled out snacks while Julie and I went into a small hotel to ask direction on how to find le piste á velo (bike trail) route to the town of Cour Cheverny, where we had reservations for the next two nights. Fortunately, the hotel proprietor was very helpful and gave us an excellent bike map of the area while we dripped in the lobby.

We hopped on the bikes again for the final 13 km into Cour-Cheverny. The sun was setting as we rolled into town. Val once again corralled the kids into an Italian restaurant for pizza while rest of us took the panniers and gear in search of two differnt B&Bs. The BS and F families found their B&B close by. The LK family was staying a bit further out in the country. Julie went looking for it but ultimately had to call the owner to come help her find the way. In her search, she got out on the highway at dusk and had a couple of close encounters with large trucks. From that point foward, whe was so thankful that her husband Robin had made her wear the flourescent yellow construction vest. We rendezvoused back at the Italian restaurant for pizza and beer and then headed back to our respective B&Bs.

Total distance for the day was 50 km (31 mi).