(the final descent at the end of the week)
(One of the many Hotel De Ville along the way . . . essentially the city hall, which I'm sure many a traveller have found out the hard way while looking for a place to stay for the night)
(charging up the Columbiere) 
(B, Mark, and Simon)
(Always a nice dinner, good conversation, good food and wine, and anticipation for the next day's adventure)
(They love their cows in this part of the Alpes - no cheese without them, after all)
(Brrrrrrr)
(At 11% after a good 10k of climbing already, you've got to take a nice deep breath to get ready for what is coming . . . except someone just painted the 1 in front.)
(Bundling up for a wet ride)
(Tunnels. 12% downhill. Fun)
(Come on, how can you pass this photo up?)
(The clearest water I've ever seen in Annecy. Apparently they filter the storm water so it doesn't cloud the Lake)
(Christopher - a future pro cyclist or world leader - needed a nap in the van along the way)
Everyone poses in front of Mount Blanc - what a view!
(Grahm and Ilke)
(Kari)
(A little Coke at the top, and a quick kiss before heading down)
(Christopher on top of the world)
(Diane killing it up the Isran)
(Just a typical lunch along the way - with Simon and David trying to one-up each other during the week, we ended with apple champagne and strawberry tarts!)
(Annie got on the bike a few times and showed us how to go fast!)
(The gang)
(Kari couldn't find a good line coming down the Forclaz on the first day. No harm, though)
(Always a well earned drink at the end of the day. Usually a tasty local, this one from Annecy)Well, thanks to Mark, we were able to have another amazing vacation full of fun and memories that will be with us for years and years. Being able to ride through country-side that exists only in this spot on Earth is truly a gift, and we are all in debt beyond words to Mark for making it happen. Just a plane flight home is left and we get to see Sydney and do a lot of laundry.
Ahhhh...what a wonderful tour through the beautiful countryside. The pictures are again gorgeous and it is fun to see all the members of your group. So glad that you all stayed upright on the bikes and we will be happy to see you home tomorrow! Little Sydney is giddy with excitement to see everyone!
ReplyDeleteLove you all,
Mom
Okay, as much as I love the beautiful scenery and lush landscapes, my favorite pics in this group are the bear with the polka dot shirt and the kitty riding the bike! I agree with you that Mark is definitely the man - to plan and indulge you with such an amazing trip is beyond words. So glad you have all had an opportunity to enjoy it all. I know both Grammy Mary and Miss Syd will be thrilled to see all of you return home safely!! Thanks again for taking the time to share your splendid adventure with us.
ReplyDeleteLove, Grace
thank you for sharing these photos Peter, what an amazing journey with your friends and family. Nothing can beat those kinds of memories. Not to mention the sheer strength and stamina you possess to undertake such an adventure. Impressed with you!
ReplyDeleteJulie Meyer
Aunt Lynn and I were just thinking: "I wonder how Mark and the kids did on their bike trip?" And then I remembered the Rumbles blog. The pictures say it all. It looks like everyone had a wonderful time and finished in one piece. Awesome pictures and our compliments to the official photographer.
ReplyDeleteUncle Joe & Aunt Lynn