Dodged the rain once again

   Stayed in bed for an extra eleven minutes knowing that it was once again raining. With Peter on board, we have split the hotel bills making our lodging affordable in such places which allow for such luxury. We left Carentan at 10:25 with the skies threatening.  Fifty-one miles later we arrived in Tessey-sur-vire just as the skies opened up. This is the fourth time this has happened. You tell me what is going on!
    The ride along the euro trail 4 was like no other. Pastoral country following an old canal. Our path was no wider than six feet.  I could have photographed something every mile but I thought how I simply wanted to enjoy the ride.  Cows, pastures, beautiful old French house, an ancient canal all making for a ride hard to describe unless you were here. By the way, you can't get  to these back country bicycle trails by car.
      Along the way, my rear tire started to break away from the rim.  Rather than risk blursting the heavy duty inner tube, I stopped and replaced the tire. It is an ordeal, the bags must be taken off, the repair equipment hauled out from the bottom  of a large pannier, the bike turned upside down, the wheel removed and the new tire carefully replaced. Then for the reassembly.  Only through experience was I able to complete the job in thirty minutes.  Being on the road for six hours a day, there are always mechanical issues cropping up. Always my ears are tuned to my bikes operation.  Whether it be a squeaking chain starved for oil due to the rain or a replacement derailleur which is the wrong size or a click with every rotation of the pedals, there is something going on all the time.  I have on going conversations with my bike, the weather, the condition of the roads or a passing cars. Long distances bicycling is not for the weak at heart.  With adventure comes problems which need to be overcome, constantly.
   Alas, Peter and I found  a B&B just as the skies are opened up. Hot bath, a short walk to the market for wine and provisions brought our day to a mellow end. Another two days and we will be in Le Mont Saint Michel, the tourist trap that it is.