Wow, that flew by!
When you’re planning a two-week tour, it feels like an eternity. During those first few brutal days, you honestly wonder how you’re going to survive to the finish line. But then, magic happens. You find your rhythm, make incredible friends, and feel yourself getting stronger every single day. Before you know it, you're sleeping like a log, waking up eager for the next stretch of road, and then—bam!—just like that, the final day is here.
Today's ride was a perfect ending ride. It was not too long (50.9 miles) and not much climbing (1,263 up and 1,438 down). Except for a bump at the 16 to 20 mile mark, it was mostly downhill. With a bunch of newly trained riders, we pretty much was a high speed train heading to the Mediterranean Sea. Our destination, Sète a lovely beach side community.
We did manage on last coffee stop on the way and the timing was such that almost all of the riders converged on a single shop at almost the same time. I'm sure that the owner had a very good day.
Damien picked a wonderful, shaded spot in the woods for lunch, just within earshot of the Mediterranean Sea. We were treated to a delicious spread, topped off with lemon meringue pie for dessert. As we pushed off for the final handful of miles into Sète, I suddenly felt like I’d been transported back to the Jersey Shore—specifically Point Pleasant. The asphalt bike path was lined with wooden sand dune fencing to hold back the shifting sands, with the Mediterranean shimmering just beyond. To our left were trailers, campers, and even a roadside amusement park. The only thing missing was an old-school wooden boardwalk.
This evening, we gathered for our farewell dinner to celebrate another incredibly successful ride. Generous thanks and gifts were exchanged, and there was no shortage of hugs alongside excited chatter about future tours.
Tomorrow, our little peloton disbands. Some are heading off to reclaim vehicles or catch flights home, while others—myself included—are staying a day or two to explore this beautiful coastal city and other European stops.
All in all, it was an unforgettable journey. Now, it's time to rest up, regroup, and start dreaming about where the next road will take us.
Happy Biking
Brian Cox
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