The day began with a relaxing breakfast in executive settings - fruit, yogurt, eggs, OJ, and lots of bread and croissants. We decided to get plenty of fuel as we would head down the autobahn straight to Cannes - the beach was our destination. We had wheels turning by 11.15 and made our way out of Lyon which proved to be a beautiful city in the daylight. Not sure I can say the same about the drivers as several including a bus decide to ignore us and we held our own. As we left the city we were greeted by a huge bouquet of flowers on one of the overpasses, we passed the Port of Lyon along with a large section of refineries - a quick stop for gas and we were ready to roll. The temperature was climbing and we knew we were further south and it was only going to get warmer.
As we left Lyon, we encountered multiple vineyards just as we had when we entered the town from the north and now they greeted us on the south of town - the Le Rhone' was our companion for many km as we cruised down the A7. The traffic was heavier than we had encountered previously and we managed it rather well - the autobahn drivers were much better and nicer than the city drivers as they all used turn signals and respected each other with the right of way - this made navigating traffic much easier. As we rolled down the road we took turns leading the pack with the birthday boy getting his turn and he took full advantage opening it up just a tad. The further south of Lyon we got the more the traffic became vacation oriented and I must admit some folks packed everything except the kitchen sink - fortunately everything stayed put - good packing. As the temperature climbed so did our excitement for the beach.
It always surprise me what I see when riding down the road and today was no different. Shortly after leaving Lyon, I noticed a fortress high on the cliffs to my left - it seemed to have been build into a wall of a larger encampment, next where the two fighter jets that crossed our path and a church sitting high on a cliff on the right of the A7 - it was visible from several km away and proved spectacular up close - while I attempted pictures common sense got the better of me. As we went along, the vegetation changed as did the houses to reflect a more arid environment - it was getting warmer. We were getting separated and ran in groups of two or three with different folks leading and we always managed to find ourselves and reunite into our rolling snake down the road. A new twist on this part of the journey was that we were on a toll road and when all had dutifully collected our ticket and it now came time to pay - as we rolled into the toll plaza, I placed my ticket into the machine and was charged E23.50. I learned at the next stop the others had only paid E14.00 and I had likely paid the car rate - I guess I need to travel lighter. I must admit, I enjoyed the toll plaza experience for all followed the rules and where polite letting others into their lanes. Next up was gas and some liquids - riding in the heat takes it out of you and it was 27C. Following a delightful snack of rhubarb cake, sandwiches, fruit and lots of water - my riding jacker came off, following Stuart and Jim's lead - it was just too hot.
The ride became every more exciting, as the anticipation grew of seeing the Mediterranean, plus the road was a joy to ride with long sweeping curves some a km long and then back the other way - this is what riding was meant to be like. The scenery was equally interesting with smells of flowers and the trees that flourished in the environment. I came upon a field of sunflowers who looked in dire need of water - while they had plenty of sun - too much of a good thing was hurting them - guess the same is true for people. Then before we knew it we saw the water and realized we had made our destination and rode for the hotel. Cannes is a delightful city - mixing old and new wonderfully and the old city reminded my of New Orleans. The old part of the city was a collection of steep hills, tight turns and narrow streets - we slowly wound our way to the hotel which was another find by our accommodation guru JJ. Bikes safely put away, we put on shorts/bathing suits and made a bee-line for the beach. Robbert was prepared with a towel and bag the rest just were happy to see the water - so off we went. Along the way we stopped for some fresh fruit - a peach, tangerine, hree apricots plus 1,5 liters of water all for E1.79 - best deal of the trip - so far!
A short bus ride and walk and we were at the beach. Along the way we passed the Cannes Film Festival hall and a casino - not to mention several yachts/boats large enough for a small army - it was incredible. As Robbert observed, Cannes is a very international city and you could hear several languages being spoken and everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves. The beach was still crowed at 19.00 and we were not the only ones ready to get in the water - thanks to some versatile underwear, I was swimming within 5 minutes. JJ was kinda enough to watch our stuff, while the rest of us went for a swim.
The water was wonderful and Stuart celebrated his birthday with a splash in the water and a view of all Cannes has to offer - we all felt fortunate to be here and appreciated our journey so far. The conversation turned to how we could stay longer and we decided to shelve that decision till after dinner. As we walked along the streets of Cannes, I realized what a good group we had and this trip we will all remember and likely not be our last ride together. We headed of to find some food and decided to follow the recommendation of the hostess from the hotel - a brief 3 km and we were on our way.
Along our walk, Superman Jim, need to use the facilities in the worst way - deciding he could no longer wait, he walked into the local police station to ask to use their restroom - we waited outside wondering what to do if he did not return - Superman did not disappoint and was back in 10 minutes having answered questions from the local police after pleading his case - he is not a man who you say no to :-).
We found the restaurant and had a wonderful meal - thanks to JJ's knowledge of French, we actually knew what we were ordering. We celebrated Stuart's birthday, told stories and enjoyed the company of good friends - the food was wonderful and we ate for three hours - when in France - do like the French. The desert was as good as it looks and along with coffee ended the meal. A brief walk back to the hotel which was all uphill left us with good exercise and the opportunity to enjoy the night air. It was midnight and shorts and a t-shirt were all that was needed - wonderful!
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Night is here and the window is open - the city is quiet - tomorrow is a new day with a new journey!
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