Our Velodyssée Adventure

Our new riders were starting to catch on quickly.  Whatever is the published mileage tack on another 5-10 miles and you'll be spot on!  Today's ride would be a little bit longer than planned. We started out with a tasty breakfast prepared by Chambre d'Hôte host Vincent. Franck was a natural barista whipping up coffees for all our crew. We loaded up the sag wagon and Brigitte got underway as our driver for the day. It was another fine path along the Vélodysée as we passed lakes and canals along the way. This morning we were in search of the elusive morning café break which did not happen as it was Sunday and our timing was off.  But we pedaled through several small quaint towns. Just before lunch we paused to debate the merits of a 4 km detour to visit a world unesco bell tower.  Given the pending 91+ heat, the vote was to pedal on.  Before we got underway an older gentleman warned us to be c...

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 techie...

After scoping out the route (or lack there of!), the decision was  made to take the train from Bordeaux to Arcachon.  Thanks to Franck and Brigitte, they drove their van from Chambery and it would serve as our Sag Wagon for the remaining stage of the trip. Six of us cycled from the airbnb to the train station.  What should have been a 20 minute ride became a 40 minute journey. Rather than having a designated Briefer for the day, everyone was weighing in on the ideal route which took longer than expected.    We met Franck and Brigitte at the train station and then Lance and John's bikes were loaded into the van and they joined Franck for the drive to Arcachon.  The rest of the gang quickly headed into the station to find the specific quai to board the train. Being the first time taking bikes on the train, it was a bit nerve-racking particularly when we saw plenty of other people with bikes which made us wonder if there would be sufficient space. Fortunately ...

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...

  Today’s ride was the last on the tour for Cindy, Pete, and Betsy 😢.  844 miles for Pete and Betsy, 218 miles for Cindy. Hooray!  Another VERY straight and mostly flat road.  We had trouble finding services, the towns were small, and somewhat deserted. No chance of a good cup of café crème.  Energy waned as we searched for a place to take a break. Around lunchtime we came to a crossroads and decided to search the town of Salaunes for a bite to eat.  Surprise! The lovely Le Farfadet Restaurant was located in the middle of town and had seating for 7 under its large shade trees!  We had a delicious meal complete with dessert and café! Our last stretch into Bordeaux was well marked but more traffic and increasing temperature slowed our progress (or perhaps it was the big meal!). Bordeaux finally greeted us with its fine bike trails and grand buildings.  We met for a delicious Italian dinner where we met up with Stephanie’s cousins Brigitte and Franc...