My French Adventure

[Helene2013]

You're too funny. haha

Keep us posted!

[lauraelmore1033]

That's really saying something!

[Crankin]

So, yesterday, we walked all through the Tulieres Gardens, saw the Arc du Triomphe, and looked in lots of shops. Went out to a great restaurant. Managed to have copious amounts of wine at both lunch and dinner, as well as walk 5 miles.
Today we went to a small museum of Impressionist art and then walked along the Seine to the Eiffel Tower. On the way back, stopped and had a drink. Another 4 miles of walking. After a short rest, had lunch at almost 4 PM and walked a bit more. Going out with friends later.
Will definitely have to cut down on the wine once the cycling starts.

[Catrin]

Such a wonderful beginning to your trip!

[Crankin]

Our dinner last night was really fun. I felt bad for their 10 yr. old son, who came. He speaks no English, but he was well behaved. Today we did not eat the hotel breakfast and went to a cafe instead. Had a cheese omelette and half of a raisin pastry; it is now 4 PM and I am still full! Took the train to Versailles, but when we got there, the line to the palace was about a 2 hr wait. We just couldn't do that, so we had coffee, went to a farmer's market, where DH had a hand made belt made, and then to the Versailles Gardens. It was beautiful and we sat for at least an hour. Both of us have sore legs from walking and don't want to think about cycling tomorrow!
Going to rest and have a light snack/early dinner, as we have an early train tomorrow.

[cosc]

I'm enjoying reading about your France escapades. Handmade belt sounds like a useful remembrance. Waiting in line isn't always worth it with so much to see on a limited time frame.
I hope your cycling time is challenging and super fun.

[Crankin]

So, the train trip to A if on was flawless and we noted several other riders on the train. After eating in the station, we spied the van and our guides. There were actually 2 trips leaving, the other one being the luxury version of our trip. Anyway, one of our guides was our guide on our trip with Trek 10 years ago! The other one is French and new to the company.
12 people in our group are together. They are from Tulsa; they seem ok, but I don't like it when this dynamic is set up. There's a father and son from the Boston area, a couple from Chicago, and a guy whose done this trip 3 times...
Today's ride was 15 miles with 1k of climbing. It was hot and hard with the gearing I have. But, I did it. Tomorrow we are doing the hard option, as I don't think we are doing Mt Ventoux on Tuesday. Most people say they are, and they don't ride half as much as me. But, they "train" more, maybe. Dinner was good, the hotel is nice, but the shower sucks and a few other things don't work. But I am here for the riding.