Voila, Les Velos Sont La

This was to be our final day in Joigny, and we had so much time and so little to do with it. Tomorrow, we start the real business of what we had come so far to this country to do. In the meantime, this would be our last chance to rest and relax. So that is exactly what I did.
I thought I would begin by following the left bank downstream. The first 500 m or so followed a nice walking path, however it disappeared into the forest at that poinbt and I could proceed no further. I then walked back into the town, across the bridge (there is only one) and explored the right bank upstream. The more I discover in this town, the more I like it. Along the right bank there was a lovely walking track with parks and children's playgrounds alongside. I even found a nice little food caravan that cooked me a nice ham and cheese toasty (aka Croque Traditional) for lunch.
All this walking had somehow made me feel a little sleepy, so it was back to the hotel for a little afternoon siesta. I had already set my alarm to remind me that we were due to have our bike fittings and orientation with the man from Randovelo. Later in the afternoon we noticed the large Randovelo van in the carpark and knew that we would seen get to see the bikes that would be our constant companions for the next 5 weeks.
When Nicholas introduced himself and started unloading the bikes, we quickly decided that we like them. They are quality bikes, made by the French company with the (very French) name of "Moustache". The bikes were all step through design and had large comfort tyres which would be ideal for touring. They were also equipped with German Bosch motors (somewhat surprising considering that the French and Germans have a rather chequered history.
After some time adjusting and test riding the bikes we gave them our formal seal of approval and eagerly started looking forward to really get to know when we began the ride tomorrow.
We had heard that Heather and Greg from Group 2 had arrived in Joigny this afternoon and arranged to have dinner with them at the Chez Italien restaurant. It was a great chance to swap stories and share some laughs before we separate. We will not see them again until we reach Nevers in nine day's time.Read more