So long, and so soon

Well, we have quite literally cycled across France. 8 days ago, dipping our feet in the Mediterranean and today jumping into Lac Leman (Geneva) at the end of another 80 mile ride.

Without question this has been the hardest riding I have ever done. Becky has amazed just by finishing no matter how big the mountain or how long she has to finish it. Mark at 70 years young doing something that many people can't no matter what age, and, of course, for keeping the once in a life time cycling vacation going for multiple years!

The day started with the Colombiere followed by 4 more mountains to climb. It was a smoking hot day, and so nice to ride one more time with this group of friends. We made the day of another country side shop owner by stopping in for cafe and cokes, and had some amazingly fun descents down the mountains today. By far, it was the day of best drivers and roads. At the end of the day, I also won the best cyclist tan-lines of the group ... behold the photo of my legs!

David, one of our guides, surprised us with some champagne (not technically since it comes from a different region, but sparkling wine doesn't have the same ring to it), as well as awarding our medals after dinner for completing the full route. David has truly become a friend over the years, and Ruari, our other guide was wonderful as well. One day, we can share California roads with them.

Kari also gave Mark a beautiful silver necklace for his birthday at dinner. Just a wonderful group of people, and while Nice seems like so long ago, I can't believe we are saying goodbye tomorrow morning.

Love to all at home. I can't wait to be back with you!

Glue!

We had a super long day today, and with one of the fun facts about yesterday being my rear tire was completely shredded on some rocks and potholes, I'm up after midnight gluing a replacement on.

Some quick update now that the app is working. The lady with fire-engine red hair was a sweet old lady who served us coffee and cokes at a little unnamed cafe along a country road. She claimed Lance Armstrong had been by a few years ago for lunch and coffee on a ride to Nice, and showed us her scrap book, bringing out walnuts, and generally loving that a bunch of cyclists came by her place. She also had a crazy miniature swing, and cats and chickens living in complete harmony.

We circled lake Annecy today, and are at the base of the Colombiere, a ridiculously famous climb for the Tour and one we did in a prior year (as well as stay in Annecy).

We are in the Savoie region now, which I love more than any other area in France. The hills are stunning, the towns all have the Sound of Music quaintness, and cycling is king.

We are however in the middle of European holiday season, so I must say that I'm much less impressed with the drivers this year.

We had a great, but very long day. David took us to an impromptu coffee stop that he knows that served up some amazing treats, and we rolled by the St. Bernard Chateau (where the dogs come from).

Last day is tomorrow with the ride into Geneva (or just outside of), pack the bags, say farewells, and back to loved ones.

Miss and love everyone at home.