Departure. Robin, John, Larry, Michael (left to right) are loaded and ready to ride after 9 am. The three San Louis Obispo (SLO) riders needed extra time to determine what they could carry and then store the remainder at this hotel. They will return by train to depart from Bordeaux.
Perfect Cycling Lane. After navigating heavy incoming traffic and numerous traffic circles, we followed a pre-set route developed on Ride with GPS and loaded on my Garmin. After passing through St. Jean on the D106, we rode southwest on this quiet lane.
Hummmmmm. While remaining quiet, the surface changed to packed, dust and sand. After two miles and guided by a paper map, we diverted north, back to the D106, a four-lane, divided road with a bike lane. Robin on his new Bike Friday nears the end of the sand.
John leads on a typical road as we near the Atlantic Coast and Cape Ferrat.
Michael and Collette. Our stop at a supermarche seeking an electrical Euro-to-US-two-prong plug turned into lunch. As we ate, Collette, having completed her shopping, wanted to talk. Michael has the best French and offered a partial translation. She discussed her accomplished professional children, climate change, and the upcoming craft beer festival.
Low tide on Arcachon Bay.
Approaching Cape Ferrat and the ferry to d'Arcachon.
Reservation Confession. I managed to waste two frustrating hours vainly searching for our lodging after 50 miles of nearly perfect cycling. My truncated explanation is not an excuse.
Given our initial group of 5 riders, I initially reserved a place that could accommodate 4 men and 1 woman. When Sandi dropped out, I changed the reservation to a conventional, easy-to-find hotel. Upon arrival in Port d'Arcachon, we followed the set route, ending at a hotel. To confirm the name, I opened my iPhone calendar, clicked on the reservation, and found we were at the wrong place, but it was nearby. We rode to the correct address finding an immense complex of mid-rise apartments of 3- to 6-stories and a map in the lobby showing Buildings E - N. I called the property number, and got detailed instructions regarding entry locations and codes. Numerous good samaritans attempted to help us, especially Jean Luke, who got on his bike and rode about with us. Numerous encounters later, we found the flat. Jean #2 arrived with his Dog of the Day, we signed on to the web with my AirBook, and discovered my mistake. Our initial stop was the correct hotel. We returned, checked in, showered, and arrived at the Wine Nut for dinner at 9 pm. Sheesh.
Felt like and idiot, showing what can go wrong might well happen. I realize that Google searches your mail messages and inserts events in my Calendar. This cancelled reservation was re-inserted after being deleted, and I clicked on the wrong one. Now to figure out how to disable that setting.
Jean Luke, first of many helpful heroes.
Jean, owner of the flat, with his Dog of the Day.
Sea Bounty. Eat local whenever possible. Delicious.
Michael swore it was the best hamburger he has ever eaten.
John chose the same shellfish special.
Yes, Robin's vegetable terrine is not shown. Served first, it was half missing by the time I remembered to take a photo.
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