Day 25 - 35 mi: Bayonne to Hendaye

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 turning that it made it difficult for our sag driver, Franck (big thanks Franck!) to regroup with us.  After several attempts, he made the right decision to carry on to Hendaye to enjoy the afternoon on the beach.

As we approached the adorable village of Bidart, it led us to the best boulangerie along the route!

As we discovered new treats like the Beret Basque and the Gateau Basque, we surfed Airbnb for possible options for a return trip to the area.  What a special spot!  And did we mention that the almond croissants were out of this world?

The colors of the Basque country were on full display as Espelette peppers hung from facades and La Pelote courts were found in hidden corners.

Then we returned to the trail to tackle the hills once again.  John recorded a 21% grade on one of the hills.  We took the hill in succession allowing enough space in between riders just in case someone had to put the "pieds à terre".  Lance and Brigitte zoomed ahead on their e-bikes.

Fortunately steep hills are often accompanied by spectacular views.  We stumbled upon a small chapel perched on a promontory that unveiled a view of the harbor of Saint Jean de Luz and the Pyrenees mountains in the background.   

The team celebrated as our final destination, Hendaye, was insight!  However, the last 4 km would be on the road with cars and plenty of hills.  Several riders sped on and missed the Hendaye sign.  Only Steph stopped for a selfie.  

The speedsters were waiting ahead.

Once we arrived at our hotel, Lauran, Lucas, Nic and Steph decided to ride on to the Spanish border to make it official!  

Just as we approached the border, we were detained ... not by a customs agent ... but by a friendly survey conductor who was eager to get our impressions of the Velodyssee trail.  

Forty questions later, we made it to the border -- it was time to celebrate once we found a sign in Spanish.

Wow what an epic adventure the Velodyssee was!  All in close to 1,000 miles (although it was expected to be only 800).  It was a fabulous way to explore France and to spend time with family and friends.  More on that in the next post!