What an absolutely awesome day we had!! We met Backroads at the train station this morning (we did make it to the correct train station) and bussed from there to a small town called Crissay-sur-Manse, where we had a wonderful lunch sitting out among the vineyards. After lunch, we got our bikes outfitted and our helmets fitted and one of our guides helped us put our pedals on our bikes (it looks like we're the only ones who brought our own pedals). After loading up on some snack food (as if we really needed it), we were on our way for our first 17 mile warmup ride. The countryside is beautiful - vineyards and sunflower fields - and the terrain is gently rolling hills, very similar to what we've been riding at home.
There are 25 people in our tour group and we have 2 guides, a young Frenchman (Alex) and a young, newly married Englishman (Matt). Most of the couples seem to be in the 40 - 60 age group from all over the US (and one ex-pat couple currently living in Geneva). We've already met some very nice people. No one seems to be hard core riders and everyone's riding at a pretty leisurely pace.
Our lodging for the night, the Chateau de Marcay, is absolutely over-the-top! Our bedroom here is larger than our bedroom at home and could easily fit 4 of the hotel rooms we've been staying in within its walls. Dinner tonight was a 5-course, 3 hour affair and absolutely delicious. (If they keep feeding us this way, we'll be eating way more calories than what we'll be burning on our rides.)
Take a look at the pictures I've posted. You'll see that Rich is still smiling. No sore bum yet!
Take a look at the pictures I've posted. You'll see that Rich is still smiling. No sore bum yet!
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