The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Fall Colors along the Loire

September 28th to October 11th

Ride Coordinator: Jane Holahan
Report by: Mary Walker

We just finished the Fall Colors along the Loire with Jane Holahan, September 28-October 11. What a trip!
The itinerary included castles and chateaus galore. Our first night was spent in Chateau de Beaulieu which knocked our socks off, so beautiful. The meal served just set the pace for meals to come that were so tasty and presented so well you didn’t want to disturb your plate. The accommodations throughout the trip were so nice. The meals, almost always fish, were some of the best I’ve had.
We were so lucky with a smart, funny and relaxed group that the trip couldn’t have been better. Jane had an assistant, Malik, whom she has worked with for years. He lives locally and was huge helping us with bags, translation and information about local points of interest.
Jane, who has lived in France and knows the area as well as her home town, was a gem. She set up a jam tasting one night in Chinon with a family she knew who started a lovely business making drop dead jams. We went on a lovely sunset, sparkling wine boat cruise. We explored mushroom caves and visited countless castles, cathedrals and chateaus and an Abby. We loved the scenery as we biked as well as the fun activities off the bikes.
We lucked out mostly with the weather but it rained a few times making for some challenges. Jane bent over backwards to make sure everyone was safe and happy.
Our trip took us from Joue-Les-Tours west to La Baule.
We had 2 stops where we stayed at the same hotel 2 nights. This was a real break, giving you laundry time and an options for on and off the bike.
There were 8 amazing dinners included and always a wonderful breakfast with more choices than you could imagine. No shortage of bread or cheese!
We tasted some wonderful wines and Jane provided wines and snacks with evening route meetings.
Every night or morning we had a meeting about our route besides the detailed maps we were given.
I can’t imagine anything that could have made this trip grander, I feel lucky that we went.