Our Velodyssée Adventure

  Packing Light? It appears that packing for this trip will be a much bigger challenge than riding the 600 miles.  We have not even embarked on the epic ride yet but already I am finding the need to use Lauran's handy "elation-trepidation" scale.     I am elated that everything I chose to bring fits into our allotted two panniers and a small daypack.  The panniers are weighing in at 10 lbs and 10.2 lbs (ELATION!).  I am worried that 23.9 lbs (pack with iPad, empty water bottle, passport, and deck of cards added 3.9 lbs) of extra weight on the bike will cause some huffing, puffing and slogging along the way AND that the contents will not be sufficient to last 5 weeks of varied temperatures, dress codes, activities, and other fashionista crises  (TREPIDATION 😬). Two Jumbo Ziplocks of clothing for 5 weeks! Someone in the group suggested we could purchase anything we didn't bring (😲 more weight?) and a friend suggested we pull a bike ...

 In addition to a monster spreadsheet mapping out the 800 mile route and the more than 35 nightly accommodations, the Peleton has geared up with the coolest jerseys designed by our beloved Nylette (Betsy's trail name reflecting the amount of nylon she'll be sporting for the ride). In addition, many of us acquired Ortlieb rear panniers in different colors to avoid confusion.   Here are Lance's panniers -- we are thrilled and amazed that he's managed to fit 90% of his stuff into 2 panniers.  That is an accomplishment given some of us will be traveling for almost 7 weeks.  

Because last year's BEBA (Betsy's Epic Bike Adventure) was so spectacular, many of us could not get enough.  This year we celebrate SEBA (Steph's Epic Bike Adventure) for an 800 mile tour along the Atlantic Coast of France.  We'll be pedaling along the " Velodyssée " route (also known as the French portion of Eurovelo #1 ).   Our daily mileage will be ~35 miles which is scaled back from a typical 50 miles/day to ensure there is no rushing our morning café au lait and allowing ample time for leisurely lunches and mid-afternoon breaks.  This trip is all about  joie de vivre ! The trip is organized into 4 stages and friends and family will be joining along the way: Stage 1:  Roscoff to Nantes Stage 2:  Nantes to La Rochelle Stage 3:  La Rochelle to Bordeaux Stage 4:  Bordeaux to Hendaye The big adventure begins September 1 when the riders meet up in Paris.  Stay tuned for more details as the trip unfolds.