Riding to Rest

To Sete, France -- 38.5 miles, 11.2 mph, 825 ft

Meg here blogging today.  Our Budget Ibis Hotel worked well for us last night, and we got a good start this morning, taking advantage of the hotel breakfast.  The very nice manager there asked us a few questions and even offered us a place to stay if we made it to Chaminox, France.  We’ve heard beautiful things about Chaminox, but it's not on the way to Italy, so I’m not sure we’ll be able to take advantage of his kind offer.  The manager was an ultra runner, so he was no stranger to challenges.  Just prior to heading out, I noticed that my front rack was only partially attached.  After all the jiggling and jostling that had occurred the day before, I truly had a screw come loose. (I think Dean and the kids might wholeheartedly agree.)  Luckily, Dean had a few extras, and we were on our way with only a slight delay – 10:15 a.m.

Our ride from Narbonne was another nice one.  We had a little of this and a little of that for our roads.  Most of it was paved, or there was a decent bike path that followed the main roads.  When we did have occasional pathways,  it was through beautiful countryside or following a canal.  

For lunch, we were able to pull off by a big shady tree next to a vineyard and have bread, cheese and fruit.  A truck and tractor came by as we ate and gave us a thumbs up.  Not sure we’d feel so welcome if we tried that in a California vineyard.  

Dex and I noticed that any time we hit a town, we’d be routed through what seemed the center, only to come out at the other end by a very short but steep hill.  (Dean doesn’t remember it that way, hmmm.)

We arrived at Le Castellas Campground around 4pm and were happy to see that it was very near the water and it also had a great kids section again.  

Dean and I appreciate the family-centric design of the campgrounds.  Kylie and Dex were changed and to the pool quicker than Dean and I could put up the tent. 

For dinner, we toasted our first full week of riding that took us 225 miles from Barcelona.  The pizza was nearly perfect, and I was very much appreciative of the icy, adult beverage -- the blanche sangria!