Posts

Day 25 - 35 mi: Bayonne to Hendaye

Image
Perhaps my procrastination in posting the last riding day was an attempt to extend the trip...not wanting it to end.  But if it was going to end, this last day was a great way to do it!   The views were spectacular.  But also this segment was the only segment rated "expert".  That was due in part to the amount of road riding through busy Biarritz and the last 4km into Hendaye as well as the numerous steep hills.  The trepidation meter was peaking! As we left Bayonne the route quickly turned south along the coast unveiling gorgeous views. The views were so distracting that they led Lauran, John and Lance down the wrong path to the watersedge which meant a big climb back to EV#1. We agreed to stay close and ride together on the last day...then promptly got lost again as we cycled through glitzy Biarritz. Lauran and Steph got off track but quickly found a steep hill to rejoin the route.  The route was twisting and turni
Post a Comment
Read more

Day 24 - 28 mi: Vieux Boucau to Bayonne

Image
Today tested the rain dodger theory and so far all went well.   The forecast was for rain and despite the gloomy sky, we set off at our usual 9am start.   To be honest, we were somewhat relieved to have cloudy skies as it kept the temperature in check.   We left Vieux Boucau and followed the coast to other seaside towns like Hossegor and Capbreton. Nic kept a mini baguette in reserve just in case. As expected the marinas were filled with boats many of which were sailboats. As we got closer to Bayonne we dreaded the impending hill which never appeared.  It turned out there was not one on the EV#1 route -- it was on the shortcut we opted not to take! For the first time on this trip we got to our destination with plenty of time to enjoy a full course meal, shop and visit the town.  The hotel recommended an excellent basque restaurant a few minutes away.  You can see from the before and after pictures that
Post a Comment
Read more

Day 23 - 28 mi: Saint Julien to Vieux Boucau

Image
Trail magic in action!  This morning, to get a headsatart on the expected 93  degree day, we opted to leave before breakfast and grab coffee and croissants along the way.  That meant pedaling in 59 degrees which was frigid!   John found a route that took us 3.9 miles to Lit-et-Mixte then magically put us onto an unexpected trail that would lead us back to the EV#1.  What a great trail!  It was smooth, wide and it took us through pine forests.  It was a magical moment! Before rejoining the EV#1, we took a quick detour to Cap Homy to see the sea and the surfers.  In the distance we caught our first glimpse of the Pyrennes and the Spanish border.  It was a reminder that our 5+ weeks of biking would be coming to an end a few days ahead.   Today Brigitte rode with us while Franck volunteered for Sag duty.  We all loved the trail -- comme on dit en français...c'est top! Given the relatively short distance, we decided to press on rather than
Post a Comment
Read more