Day 20 - 38 mi: Arcachon to Parentis-en-Born

After indoctrination our new riders via the shakedown ride, Stage 4 officially began as we.made our was south.  Once again we relied on John to navigate back to the EV#1 route.  

Meanwhile Franck graciously signed up for Sag Wagon duty amd he went off in search of picnic goodies.

The first stopping point was at Dune de Pilat which is the largest sand dune in Europe.  It is a geologic formation that began only.200 years.ago.  Brigitte and Lance kindly watched the bikes while the rest of us climbed the dune for a stellar view of Arcachon Bay

Then we had fun running down the dune!

The rest of the day gave way to a variety of vistas.  First, we pedaled thru the burned forests from the 2022 forest fire that claimed thousands of acres and numerous structures.

Once passed the fire zone, we dipped back into the tree shaded path.

Now that we were joined by 30-something, Red Bull consuming techies, our paced quicken significantly.  We managed to average 13.8 mph in the afternoon -- well above our average over the last 3 weeks.  Being able to load our gear into the sag wagon definitely helped!

The trail was lovely -- it meandered along several lakes as passed the sweet town of Biscarosse.  

In the late afternoon we checked into our Chambre d'Hote which turned out to be an ideal stop.  Our host Vincent was charming and accommodating-- he made us feel very at home in his quaintly designed farmhouse.  Too bad Besty and Pete were not with us as they would have this place!

There were horses in the front yard.

And a patient yet persistent adorable husky who was thirsting over the merguez sausages that Lauran and sous chef Nic prepared.

The chambre d'hôte had a peaceful Zen-like feel to it (despite the biting flies!).

All around a great way to start Stage 4!