We Just Keep Riding...Most of the Time

June 21st - June 25th

The heatwave arrived here in Burgundy so we took a couple of days off the bikes.  Market day to stock up on supplies and the a drive to Bescancon to tour the Citadel.  We have ridden through Besancon many times and the Citadel on the hill is such a magnificent structure it finally called our names.  You can walk around the walls and/or tour several different museums.  We chose a small section of the grounds and walls as well as a tour of the Resistance Museum today.  Built by Vauban in 1674, the Citadel has been used as a barracks, a cadet training center, a prison and a military penitentiary over the years.  During World War II 100 Resistance prisoners were executed here.

Vauban was the designer of the Citadel

Statue giving witness to the executed

Jay's view from the top

Karla's view a little lower down

Several years ago we met the owners of a great little bistro along the bike trail and we have visited there ever since.  Last year however it was closed so we were happy to see it had reopened.  We drove to Baumes les Dames and rode back toward Besancon and the Bistro du Barrage hoping to see the lovely couple who run the place.  Instead a new person, Eugene, greeted us and explained he was running the Bistro for his friend who was the man we had met. Eugene doesn't think he will be back next year because the business is so sporadic and weather dependent. It's so sad to see things change sometimes. 😟 The ride was beautiful as usual and after 48km I was ready to get off the bike and enjoy a delicious dinner at one of our favorite local bistros.

The friendly Eugene

Something fun along the trail

Our fine feathered friends

View from our picnic table

Jay washing his hands at a trailside fountain

🩷Looking at this gorgeous building while having dinner

Tuna tartare and Salad Bourguignon

We had a couple of snags on our 40km ride from Verdun-sur-le-Doubs so I didn't manage any photos but just have to mention that Jay's motor quit and I somehow managed to ride through a pile of dog poop.   Jay discovered that some wires had become unplugged but he was able to reconnect them so was off and running again.  After many wipes, sticks and water I was able to get my tire and bike clean but I was not happy with that dog owner!