Today was a bike day!
An earlyish start at 8:30. Our "bike boys" Cedric and Guilliam arrived with van and trailer full of bikes, and we all got fitted up.
Once we were clear of town and the construction area, the ride took us through small roads,and small villages, and soon into the vineyards. The roads were mainly flat with a few rolling hills. The pace was easy, and there were plenty of stops. One was in a vineyard, and we tasted some grapes while Cedric told us about the vines. Later in the morning we stopped at a winery in Rully for a wine tasting.My favourite was the Cremant de Bourgogne, a traditional method sparkling wine.Then back on the bikes, riding through small villages to our lunch stop at a small cafe. We had a small buffet of salads and meats for starter, a choice of coq au vin or steak with frites, then a cheese course, then dessert. Served with water, wine and coffee, all for 16 Euros!
It was not easy getting back on the bike after that, and some people elected to ride in the support van instead. Luckily for those of us that were riding, the next section was a beautiful easy ride along the canal. As Sarah said we "wooshed' along. It's hot this afternoon, up to 30! At least when you bike you make your own breeze. The last bit coming into Chalon with traffic wasn't as much fun, but Cedric and Sarah shepherded us through safely.
We were welcomed back to the Daniele with a french pina colada, which went down very smoothly after a 40 km ride!.
