I woke up to the sound of rain. I got up as laying in bed wasn't comfortable. I checked on my bike, which was locked to a chair outside in the courtyard, to make sure it wasn't getting too wet. The courtyard was where the hotel served breakfast and several of the tables had smokers at them. I retreated back into my room and ate an apple and banana.
I waited around a bit to see if the rain would stop but it wasn't to be. So, I put on my rain gear and went out. I bought a pain au chocolate at the first boulangerie I saw (just across the street) and was off into the market.
There were stalls up and down the main street and on virtuallly all the other walkways and alleys. Many of them were selling foods, while others sold all kinds of items, from kitchen gadgets, hats, shirts, CDs, books, etc. Last time I was in Sarlat, I bought a bottle of nice wine. I didn't see anyone selling wine this time, but I did buy all kinds of fruits and vegetables, olives and some very nice feta cheese. I also got some eggs, bread, and sweets. It rained hard the whole time but everyone seemed prepared for it with tarps, umbrellas, and lots of plastic sheets. This picture, taken much later, gives you some idea of the stalls on the large pedestrian walkway that makes up the main street of the old town.
I walked around for about 2 hours, occasionally ducking into a shop to get out of the rain. I returned to the TI to get more information about the bike path out of town, find an internet cafe, and a bike shop where I could get my SPD pedals repaired or replaced.
I returned to my room and had a fabulous salad for lunch. It was still raining and the bike store wouldn't be open for a couple more hours. I took a bit of a nap.
By the time I woke up, the rain had stopped and it was time to deal with my pedals. I took them off and went on my way. The bike store was about two miles away, on the other side of Sarlat.
There wasn't much charm once you exit the old town. There is the usual assortment of cafes, hotels, restaurants, tabac stands and not much else. The further I got from the tourist area, the more the configuration of the shops changed into the normal stores of everyday commerce. The bike store sold both bicycles and motorbikes and had a large repair bay. I stood around while the clerk negotiated a sale of, what I think, was a nice looking motorbike. I watched a woman counted out 1200 Euros. This transaction took about 20 minutes.
When it was my turn, I used my best French, the old pedals, and lots of pointing to identify the problem. The clerk brought out a new set and then showed me that repairing the existing one would cost more than a new set. They weren't all that expensive, 30 Euros, and I bought them. The clerk was nice enough to grease them for me, as well.
I now had a dilemma. What to do with the old pedal that still worked? I could carry it, but it was heavy and I couldn't imagine every needing it again. I offered it to the store clerk and he took it and threw it away. Problem solved.
A few doors down from the bike store was an internet cafe and I spent an hour there reading and sending email. Being a Saturday, the owner had his young son with him. The little kid had a toy car that he was pushing all around the cafe making roaring car sounds. It was a bit bothersome but pretty cute, nonetheless.
The storm had passed and the sun was out so it was time to take a few photos. Just to note the contrast of "old" Sarlet to "regular" Sarlat, here is the main road into town (that I had ridden the day before).
I walked back to the old town and took these shots. Here is a plaza just off the main pedestrian walkway
This is a look along the side of the town's old church.
Here are two typical alleyways in the old town.
There were some grand houses.
There is a bit of a square in front of the town hall. This is the view down the square.
I spent some time nursing a cider at an outdoor cafe. The thing I like most about this (out of focus) photo is the reflection of the guy who took the picture in the bar's mirror behind me.
Not only is this another typcial alley view, it is the way I walked up to my hotel. I used these stairs several times while I was in Sarlat.
Here is the pretty little walkway in front of the hotel.
I returned to my room and read a while. Eventually, I ate dinner, as it started to rain again. I checked over the maps to see if I could finish the trip or if I'd have to take a train to Avignon. After checking the distances involved, I realized I could make it all the way to Avignon but it would mean no more rest days. I felt better knowing I could make it all the way on my bike but was a bit worried that I could actually do all the riding involved. I went to sleep after watching another soccer match.