So after an adventurous travel day on Day 1 of the Chasing-Yellow venture where my luggage almost didn't make the trip due to my bike case & bag not making the plane from London (they were finally delivered 7 hrs after my arrival), the excitement meter regained its altitude upon the arrival of the Thomson Bike Tours vans as they pulled up to the hotel this morning; after preliminary greetings were exchanged between the Crew & the 24 participants, we headed off to the Alpine arena of Albertville (about a 90 min drive) to begin our ride experience. It's obvious Thomson has been doing this line of business quite well as we were checked into our hotel rooms and presented a thorough orientation meeting within 45 min of our arrival followed by a traditional Alpine lunch of green beans & beets drizzled in vinaigrette dressing, shredded zucchini spaghetti, dried ham slices & black olives, and ham & cheese quiche. After lunch, the mechanics went right to work prepping the bikes for all the riders; as I had brought my own bike, I had to accomplish the reassembly myself, which is no big deal since I've done it plenty times before; to my horror, though, I discovered the right brake shifter lever had been damaged during shipment requiring a greater level of mechanic expertise. Sadly, the Thomson mechanics were not able to repair the shifter for my much anticipated first afternoon ride, but were able to prepare for me at no cost one of their spare Bianchi Sempre Pro road bikes made available to their clients--needless to say, I was very thankful...
My inaugural French Alps ride was...well, fantastic! Completing a 48 kilometer(27 mile) loop north of the Albertville Olympic Park (home of the 1992 Winter Games), the group climbed the 907 meter (2730ft) Col D' Taime mountain (5.5% avg gradient) & descended back into Albertville with the afternoon summer rains sprinkling upon us as if shedding cumulus tears of joy & blessing, a wonderful welcome to this much anticipated week of riding, making new friendships, and watching the Tour. Following dinner (pasta w/marinara, beef skirt steak, roasted tomatoes & green beans--the French love 'em, I suppose), the lead mechanic told me they would drive to a nearby town with a well-known bike shop to obtain the replacement part for my shifter---I think I picked a GREAT tour group for this trip, what'd you think?
As I turn off the lights on Day 2 of the Chasing Yellow adventure, the skies outside our hotel are filled with fireworks of celebration as today is Bastille Day, the French equivalent of our American 4th of July; but for me tonight, they celebrate the many family & friends who have supported & encouraged me on this adventure---much love for all of you...Viva La France, Viva Le Tour!
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