Day 5 biking in the countryside

We headed off to explore some of the bike routes outside the city today. They’re lovely - expansive and well maintained. There are parks everywhere, work out stations for adults, playgrounds for kids, basketball courts, even a huge patch of sand with volleyball nets. Loved the aesthetic ping pong tables set up along the paths - lots being used. People here seem active and super fit.

Our bike route took us south east of Bordeaux along the Garonne River, then through lovely forests - so peaceful. We got as far as Sadirac, about 20 K, then turned back. 2:40 we paused for lunch at an old converted train station - problem being, they stop serving lunch at 2:30pm. So crazy . . . . we’ve been caught like this before so should have known. Fortunately, they agreed to bring us either an omelette or Caesar salad. We ordered both and they were delish .

Heading back into to town we searched out Basilique St Michele and it’s adjoining Flèche (arrow). It was crowded with people, plus lots of artists painting murals on the barricade around La Flèche as it’s being renovated.

We also checked out Gare St. Jean, where we arrived, and Marche des Capucins, where we’ll go Sunday.

All in all a great day - went about 50 K by the time we got home.

Oh, an email from TBM said they won’t reimburse our 140 Euros for 2-4 weeks. Lesson learned - do not use the kiosks when renting city bikes in France. We also had a problem when we were in Nice . . . . should have learned . . .Read more