Ile de Re

After getting onto my rented yellow bike I am at something of a loss. While role playing games at school had included a suggested itinerary I can not remember much apart from the hotel de ville and I feel this would be a waste of my new found vehicular freedom. I can remember mention of the Ile de Re though and so I glance at my map and set off.

TRAVELLERS TIPS:

1. Don't just glance at the map. Look closely at the scale.

2. Wear proper clothing. Jeans may usually look cooler than cycling shorts but chafing never has and never will be fashionable. Hiking boots may well be an anagram of biking hoots but this gives the wrong impression about their suitability for cycling.

3. Don't use the Autoroute.

4. Don't stop to photograph everything. Not the impressive flocks of wildfowl, the oyster farms, ruined churches, kite surfers, graffiti strewn suberbs or even a beautiful sunset lighting the ile de Re bridge.

5. Take plenty of water and food other than delicious french chocolate with orangey bits.

6. Use a bike with gears. Though the yellow bikes are very symbolic, they are not designed for long distance riding outside the city.

7. Remember to cycle on the right. Children are positively encouraged to pitch themselves headlong into the La Rochelle traffic system yet are not allowed conkers.

8. However lovely they are it is important that you don't stop to talk with sprightly, old ladies called Christine who are having their houses rennovated in the traditional style. It matters not that she is knowledgable about Russia and speaks fondly of the 60's while wearing colourful clothes under a dark coat and mourns the decline of conviviality in Western Europe, you must just ask directions and move on before your legs get stiff.

9. Remember that the tail wind that was making it so easy to cycle out will be a bugger coming back.

10. Check what time the rental point closes. If you get this wrong you will have to spend another night in La Rochelle but if you find a good restaurant (Le Lopain Kesse) and a lovely couple to talk to (Agnes and Phillipe) then this may not be all that bad.