Day 1 - We made it

I guess I can say today was a success - we all made it here, with all our luggage, and got a ride in before dinner. 9 hr flight to Amsterdam, 2 hr layover, 1.5 hr flight to Geneva, 1 hr wait for the Express bus, and a 2 hr bus ride that was seriously NOT the express route.

We followed the Google directions to the hotel, dragging our luggage down the crowded streets of Annecy, and walked a fair distance more than was needed, but we found the Hotel Splendid, and the gang downstairs working on the bikes and chomping at the bit. I doubt it's an exaggeration to say they gave us about 2.5 minutes to check in, unpack, change clothes and get ready for the ride. Of course we made it. And maybe they gave us 5 minutes, but it was worth it - spectacular views!

Annecy is quite beautiful - picture Lake Tahoe surrounded by Leavenworth. High cliffs, clear water, and Tyrolean architecture. We had numerous close calls on the ride trying to get pictures, and one dropped electronic device that somehow survived the bounce at 15mph.

This was our warm up ride. Try the new rental bikes, check our adjustments, warm up the travel-stiff legs. That lasted for about 10 miles. Then Dana and Shawn turned up the heat, Mark pushed with them, and I threw a chain. Right at the start of the only hill of the day. Bad luck, and hopefully I got mine out of the way today. Everyone rode well, and we did pretty good as a group who've never ridden together before for the most part.

We ended the ride back at the hotel, with some slight rain. Bob decided he wanted to go see the church on the hill, so Mark, Bill, and I went along, and rode up to the church. Then it started to rain. The kind where you're standing under a 5 gallon bucket. 3 shortcuts didn't work. Made it back in time for a shower and dinner.

More to come, but we're done. Too may awake hours, and a few glasses of wine makes Dave and Mark go bye-bye. Till tomorrow.... Dave

Here are some pictures that Dana took today during the ride and around town.

The info below is from the Garmin watch I wear - it has the route, the speed, altitude, etc....