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 rout...
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 ...
So many people to thank for making SEBA (Steph's Epic Bike Adventure) come true! Thanks to Franck and Brigitte who joined Stage 4 from Bordeaux to Hendaye. In particular, Franck for gifting me the Routard La Velodyssee guide two years ago that set the wheels in motion! This guide was super helpful in the planning stage. Also many thanks for taking time off work and from your day-to-day commitments to join us for a week. And for trading off as 'sag wagon' drivers so the rest of us could ride. It was special having both Franck and Brigitte along! Thanks to Lance my dear husband for supporting my epic adventure and being willing to travel for 6+ weeks on the seat of a bike. An an extra thanks for containing all the complaints about hills and other challenges! May you too have caught the bike touring bug. Thanks for Lauran and John for joining in on the full 4 stages of the ride! And a special thanks to Lauran for...
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