Play Day in Bordeaux

Due to circumstances related to the bike rentals, our close knit group of riders had to split up for the overnight accommodations.  Besty, Pete and Cindy stayed at StayCity about a mile across town while the Stage 4 riders picked an airbnb that was conveniently located right above a bike shop where Lucas and Nic had rented their bikes.  The owner of the bike shop owned the airbnb so she let us store our 4 other bikes in her shop.

The airbnb also was located right above Casey's Irish Pub which was broadcasting the big rugby matches so this meant there was lots of nightlife going  on late into the evening.  Bordeaux was booming -- restaurants were packed and the pedestrian streets teaming with people.  

Brigitte and Steph ran out for the morning croissant run and we enjoyed a tasty breakfast in the apartment.

Betsy, Pete and Cindy spent the morning sorting out laundry and Cindy's bike rental return.  John, Lance, Steph, Brigitte and Franck went on a long blister inducing walk across the river and up the right bank but managed to see a lot including Saint Andre's cathedral which housed a stunning organ and stained glass.  

We even spotted a grotesquely large cruise ship docked along the quai. It dwarfed the nearby 18th century buildings.  

There even is a relatively new bridge designed to lift the interior span straight up so massive vessels can pass under the bridge.

Franck and Brigitte continued on to visit the immersive Dali exhibit that is timed to Pink Floyd music.  John peeled off to regroup with Lauran, Betsy, Pete and Cindy for lunch while Steph and Lance caught up with family friends Chantal and Yves.

Lauran and Steph spent the afternoon at the laundry but quickly discovered that, in between cycles, it was an ideal opportunity to drop by the fromagerie to select unique cheeses for the fete to take place in the evening.

Everyone gathered at the airbnb for a tapas styled dinner while awaiting  the arrival of Nic and Lucas who had flown in from Seattle to join Stage 4.

We celebrated Betsy and Pete who joined the first 3 stages starting in Morlaix and Cindy who joined Stage 3 from Ile de Ré to Bordeaux.  It was bittersweet to bid then farewell as they were ideal travel companions!  But it was time to welcome our Stage 4 riders...Brigitte, Franck, Nic and Lucas.  It was only fitting that the transition would occur over yet another fabulous dinner spread!

 

Lucas and Nic arrived at the train station shortly after 8pm and then hopped on City rental bikes to make the 20 minute trek to the apartment.  They were famished abd happy to gobble up the remaining charcuterie, cheeses and desserts!