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Preparations & Champagne!

We are here in the wonderful Champagne region with our friends who make champagne - and we've been drinking and eating as if we live in a classic gourmet French film.  We are surrounded by vines, and incredible food and drink and the warmest hospitality.

We were met yesterday at the local TGV station by these wonderful friends, who fed us and plied us with great champagne and wine, we sat down to a gourmet lunch followed by a cheese platter to die for, then a dessert made from the first of their summer strawberry crop (photos to follow).  After two hours of splendid feasting, it was time to get serious and start getting our shit together.  

Off we went to the workshop and Mike put together the bikes.  Well done Mikey. Then we wandered down to the cellar for a tour of the new construction going on there, and of course drank more champagne.  Then dinner.  And more champagne.  It's a tough gig.

And yet, with all this deliciousness and incredible views of vines, I'm nervous today.  We are heading off tomorrow with the bikes and it's a bit overwhelming, which I didn't really expect.  Two years ago when we did the 3 week trip, I didn't have this nervousness, sure I was nervously excited, but this feels bigger, and different.  We have just now booked our train from Reims to Lille - we're taking the slow trains so it will take us all day - then we will ride to a small town for the night, to hopefully get to Bruges the following day.  Our panniers are packed and ready to go, and no doubt there will be more champagne at dinner (which will help!), but my tummy has butterflies and I feel emotional.  Can I do it? Will I do it?  Can I sit with all the uncertainty and chaos that this type of trip brings?  The chaos that seemed so exciting and adventurous a couple of months ago is now staring me in the face on the ground, with its hands on its hips and a look in its eyes asking me the big question - CAN YOU BRING IT? Can I bring it?  Am I a chicken? Or will I embrace it once I'm on the road?  Or will it be somewhere in between?  Mike is totally all in, so I'll pull some bravery from him tomorrow morning at 7.30am when we hit the road.  So sportsfans, there you have it, a bit of truth from the land of Champagne, stay tuned to see what emerges.

Bring on the pics...

The nerves begin...



Beauty abounds inside and out... (it helps)






And the food... (it helps)








Comments

  1. MeeshMay 20, 2025 at 12:23 AM

    Peony roses! I aspire to grow them! How beautiful - it looks amazing there - that's a bit rough to leave the flowing champagne, gorgeous food and hit the bikes and camping... My guess is once the numb bum breaks - you'll find your stride and LOVE the adventure. I am cheering you on from here xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  2. CeliaMay 20, 2025 at 1:15 AM

    What gorgeous photos! Best of luck with the start of the ride - remember a ship is safest in port but that's not what it's meant for - or something.... Your grand adventure begins! xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wolfgang PMay 20, 2025 at 2:42 PM

    You are no chicken. You are white fang!

    ReplyDelete
  4. VirgMay 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM

    The food ! The use of the word pannier ! You’ll be brill as always xx

    ReplyDelete

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