AACHEN PARIS BIKE ADVENTURE: DAY 3 <- clicken Sie here ...

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In the morning we cross the French border and instantly the bikepaths along the canal worsen from the nicely paved roads we had throughout Belgium to rough grassy trails, sometimes even nothing at all. We are riding through wetlands, and heat, flies, and the bumpy trail are becoming unbearable. Again it's me demanding a change, Marion thinks everything is just swell.

We move away from the canal to ride on country roads, making sure we keep the canal in sight to give us direction. The roads turn out to be a welcome change, much easier to make distance, and a nice variation to the dull, straight canal route. We pass quaint little villages patched into the undulating countryside.

In the afternoon we allow ouselves a chilled beer at an old pub in a village we pass. The place is filled with locals engaging in a card game tournament. All the old folks living in the village seem to be here participating. We enjoy watching these simple people so delightfully engaged in their game. The locals leave us alone for most part, but as we leave curiosity gets the best of them. They strike up a conversation, asking us about our bikes, where we are from, and where we are headed. They call our endevor to Paris "courageous", which makes us a little bit proud. Spirits are high as we estimate only 200 km left for Paris, two days of riding.

To spice things up I suggest we make a barbeque for the night. Mario agrees and we set up a fire and barbeque a steak, first hot food during our trip. What a delicious exception to our dreary meals! So far we´ve been eating baguettes and Salami and maybe a can of cold Ravioli morning and night. This primitive lifestyle is saving us money, but it also sours the experiece a bit. Our barbeque did not cost much more, but was such a satisfying change. I make a mental note to be more creative about the food from now on.

Now I just want a shower to feel alright, but you can´t have it all. Poison for the night: Vodka and orange juice.

tags: adventure, bicyle, aachen, paris