Today was our first official day of the 2nd annual french tandem tour. Getting out of the hotel with a long bike and baggage is always tricky and today was no different. Then we had to navigate city rush hour traffic with our long and wide vehicle and we’re out of practice. But we managed it without any accidents and found the Canal du Midi, our course for the day. This is a canal that was dug in the 17th century connecting the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, starting in Toulouse and joining the Garonne River, to simplify the transportation of goods. The canal has many locks also which today are used by tourists boats. The path beside the canal is also well used by cyclists and walkers. It is lined with plane trees thus is nicely shaded. There were many people and boats along it today so an interesting place to cycle. We rode along it most of the 68 kms today before finding the road into the city of Castelnaudry. Unfortunately we had our 2nd flat tire of the trip just as we entered the city but luckily it was a front tire, much easier (for George) to change.
This city is known as the birthplace of the dish cassoulet, a bean and duck casserole, which George is anxious to try but I may pass on. Meat dishes here can be a bit risky.
We had an enjoyable first day. See our canal photos below.
The now familiar shoulder shot while cycling along the canal.
Snack break.
There were a lot of boats using the canal system, some without much width to spare.
Getting floated to the next level.
The Cassoulet came and went; great energy for the next day's ride.
geeteetravels 
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