We
usually take our bicycle trips in Europe in the late Spring so that we
can enjoy the hot summers of Ontario. But, just for a change, and to
experience the bounty of the farms and vineyards of France in September,
we have
planned a fall bike trip from Bordeaux to Toulouse prior to an extended
stay in our favourite village in the Luberon - Saignon.
That means leaving our beloved rural home in Ontario while the vegetable garden is still producing and the flowers are blooming profusely.
But
the hills and vineyards of France beckon so we have packed up for a
month on our bikes from Bordeaux to Toulouse followed by several more
months in a provencal village.
That means
a lot of stuff to organize and pack and the question always is..."Do I
really need this?" How little can we get away with? One big duffle bag
for each of us, holds our belongings for the village and two small bike panniers carry all we need for the bike trip.
But
we do have sexy new bike bags on wheels that Minas is excited about.
Now he doesn't have to spend hours dismantling the entire bike in Canada
only to resurrect it when we get to our destination.
So we board the plane on September 6th for Bordeaux and make our way east and south to finish in Toulouse on October 2nd.
I
look forward to the harvest season in midwestern France: to the small
villages uncluttered by tourists, to the warm September days and the
refreshingly cool evenings, and to working the body on the bike.
You will hear from us next when we are on the road.
Cheers
Catherine and Minas
