"Okay, what are we going to do? What should we do wisely?" Even before Paris we had decided not to continue cycling to Tours. We have been cycling in the heat for about three weeks and some cooling is very welcome. There appears to be a cycling route from Paris to Dieppe and that seems to be a suitable alternative. While cycling, we notice that a large part of the paths are unpaved and that we have to walk up the mountains several times with the bike in a hand. As a result, we cover too short distances and do not encounter any overnight accommodation options. When Rutger and I are on a cycling trip ourselves, we see what presents itself, but with children we cannot take that risk.

How relaxed we cycled into the city, how chaotic  the way out is! We have decided to cycle part of the Paris-London route, but we first have to cross the city. We follow the main roads because there are usually cycle paths there. We just didn't take into account that there are many markets. Trucks with merchandise block the roads, people bargain in the middle of the street, oranges are thrown over the tables  and people grab whatever is on offer.

We get on our bikes with healthy excitement. After cycling for a few kilometers, we realize that we have taken a wrong turn. We end up on a busy two-lane road. This time the people are not honking in encouragement but in warning! Fortunately, we can cycle on an 'emergency lane'. I urge the children to continue pedaling until the next exit. We leave this busy road safely and relieved. I feel like my hands have gotten clammy. That's not a good start of the day!

We drive onto a viaduct and at the top we look south. Hey, is that Paris yet? Far in the distance we see a television tower and some apartment buildings. Everyone is really starting to get the itch now! We still have to be patient before we can cycle into Paris. After 4 cycling days, another rest day is planned and we still have many kilometers to cycle.

We already have a total of 535 kilometers on our counters! The tension is rising among the children. Paris comes into view and one question after another is asked. 'Mom, what do you want to see in Paris? Dad, have you ever been to Paris? Is the Eiffel Tower really as high as it seems? Which attractions do you want to go on? Can I buy a Donald Duck cap there? etc. That enthusiasm is nice, but the most important thing is that we can cycle into this metropolis safely and relaxed.

Great, we have a strong wind in our backs and we drive a long part along the Oise. A few times we get applause from people when we cycle by with our parade, which is always nice! This morning we booked a hotel in Compiegne because there are no campsites in the area. The hotel appears to be difficult to reach by bicycle. It is located at a highway exit and the road we have to take to reach the hotel is a 90  road! We ignore the rules, which our children have some difficulty with ("the police will come soon") and still drive part of the way on the road. When we arrive at the hotel, we have to take the bicycles into the rooms. It quickly becomes a mess with all our stuff, but it is nice to lie on a good mattress again and have our own shower!   Lekker we hebben een stevige wind in de rug en we rijden een lang deel langs de Oise.  We krijgen een paar keer applaus van mensen als we met onze stoet langs komen gefietst, dat is altijd leuk!

Before we leave for Noyon, we drive past the city's tourist office to get a stamp. The employees are impressed by our trip and they want us to take a picture for social media. We don't think that's a problem! Then we walk through a market for a while. There are plenty of things for sale, but the advantage (perhaps a disadvantage for others) of cycling is that you can't buy anything!

This morning we are warned by our neighbor at the campsite: "There is rain in the air and your tent is open". We try to pack everything as quickly as possible. Fortunately, there are only a few drops of rain and we can leave quietly for Saint Quentin. Last night I started experiencing a nagging feeling in my knee. I think I overloaded it a bit. I therefore decide to give some of my luggage to Rutger. Rutger now has a lot of weight to carry around. Fortunately it provides some relief.

Zo gaat ie goed, zo gaat ie beter, alweer een kilometer.....1,2,3,4,5,6,7..............Zo trappen we al zingend de heuvels op. Het is een erg warme dag en vooral Isis heeft daar veel last van. De omgeving is verdord en de dorpjes lijken uitgestorven. We komen door verschillende mijnbouwdorpjes waar verder weinig te beleven valt. Het nodigt ons niet echt uit om uitgebreid te pauzeren. 

Wat leuk, we worden uitgezwaaid door Nederlanders die tegenover ons op de camping staan. Ze vinden het super knap wat wij en vooral onze meiden doen. Daarom hebben ze ook nog gedoneerd waar we natuurlijk heel blij mee zijn!  Daarna kopen we een brood bij de supermarkt en kom ik erachter dat ik de camping nog helemaal niet betaald heb! Gelukkig zijn we nog niet ver weg en bij aankomst terug op de camping heeft de eigenaar ons nog niet gemist.  De kinderen krijgen nog drie pakken chocoladekoeken mee en un bonne journée! 

In Geraardsbergen hebben we bij de VVV een stempel gehaald voor ons Jacobsboekje.  Het VVV was niet zomaar een VVV. Er was namelijk  ook een Manneke Pis museum!  Meer dan 100 Manneke Pisses allemaal in verschillende outfits. Dat was grappig om eens te zien. Daarna hebben we een heerlijke Matten op.  Dit is een taartje uit de streek.