Post Five

Our group is finally assembled in Annecy. The last three arrived this afternoon. Tired, yet excited to be in France and start riding. 

Before they arrived, the seven of us got a taste of the Alps, or maybe just the pre-Alps. We stated with a ride around Lake Annecy with a little detour to climb the Col de Bluffy. It was a nice, gentle climb with a great decent back to the lake. We continued around the south end of the lake, and started the journey back north toward Annecy. About half way back, the group split and, with the help of our new best Italian friend, Margret, a few of us decided to do the climb up to La Chapelle Saint Murice. Again, not a hard climb, but long and with an amazing 12km decent back to the western side of Lake Annecy.

About 4:00 we are all back at the hotel. We were finally all together and ready for the next adventure – dinner! After the customary AHH at the hotel, we either walked or took a taxi into Annecy for a great opening dinner. The only glitch was that our waiter didn’t speak any English. After numerous attempts to order wine, drink and food, the restaurant sent over a different waiter. Much better. More than two bottles of Cotes du Rhone appeared on the table, followed by a great dinner.

Tomorrow is our last day “on our own” before the official biking tour begins. The decision in the morning will be, “where do we go today?”