Feeling a Little Like a Refugee

I'm sitting on the curb outside the train station in Grenoble, France.  I'm surrounded by a small mountain of bags and suitcases. We have 1 bike box (approx. 4' x5' x 1'), 2 medium sized suitcases, one enormous suitcase, and 3 smaller bags. 

The Fiat customer service representative set us up with a taxi from Le Bourg d' Oisan to Grenoble. We are abandoning the RV in the field, downsizing to a very small rental car (Citroen) with a hatchback. We gave away food in our frig to the Norwegian's staying nearby, but still had to throw a lot away.  :( 

The taxi cost the Fiat folks a pretty Euro-- over 120 Euro.  We tipped for our ridiculous number of bags. His English was better than our French (naturally), and he was extremely helpful.  We weren't given instructions on where to leave the keys-- every time we would call we would be on hold for 10-15 min.  We couldn't hang on because our phone is prepaid and running out of minutes. Our taxi driver called on his phone and helped explain it all for us so that everyone knows where the keys are at in the back of the RV. We locked the doors to the cabin and found a good spot in the "storage area." 

Our trip certainly ended on a different note than we expected, but we feel pretty darn grateful that the RV died in a safe area. I missed the Alp d'Huez action, but my honey got to see it and that really makes me happy. He is a cyclist and going there is like a pilgrimage. I'm a cycling fan, while I love the Tour de France, in the scheme of things his participation of yesterday's stage trumped mine by a long shot.  I figure, we'll do this again and I'll have my chance. If not, I can enjoy it on TV like I aways do.  

Random Thoughts

I was completely blown away at the train station in Grenoble to see a  giant publicity poster advertising the upcoming film based on the sci fi classic novel, Ender's Game ("La Strategie Ender"). I'm excited by this movie!  I'm not the biggest sci-fi fan, but I loved this book.  I'm hoping that they do it justice, Ben Kingsley, Harrison Ford,and Viola Davis are headlining this film with relative newcomerAsa Butterfield starring as Ender.  Abigail Breslin also stars.  

Tomorrow should be interesting-- we are driving to Paris tonight. We should arrive between 11pm-12am. We'll get a good night's sleep and have much of the day to explore Paris!  I'm excited to see it sans jetlag.  :)

Sunday we head home and boy will we sleep fabulously on our own bed.  I wish I could remember if I changed the sheets before we left.  I love fresh sheets after a trip (especially camping).

Alp d'Huez or Bust?

  Well, it appears that our luck has turned; the RV has broken down. First, the good news, we are parked in a safe locale and are okay no dramatic breakdown. It did however change our plans for the day.  

As previously discussed, Alp d'Huez is the pinnacle of the Tour de France - in every tour featuring this epic climb, great physical feats and attacks happen.  It is where hearts are broken and heroes are made. It is the quintessential hill climb that separates the champion from everyone else. It has broken many men. 

Back to the RV, we tried calling for service this morning but the office doesn't open until 9AM-- I had a ticket to ride shuttle bus/gondola to the top with Mark and Todd was going to ride his bike up this beast of a mountain. Sharon  has severe fear of cliffs and this just wouldn't work for her so she was going to head into town for a viewing there. In order for Todd to get up there before the roads are closed he needed to leave by 8:30;  I essentially had to push him out the door to climb the epic mountain that he's dreamed of for so long. 

My hubby is such a good guy, he said he would stay and take care of the RV so that I could go, but I just couldn't let him do that-- this is the Alp d'Huez! He's been dreaming of this for so long. 

Baking in the sun, Borat, and new friends

July 16- outside Gap France

We stayed at Camping Napoleon

We have electricity and wifi (pronounced wee-fee by the darling girl who helped us...

Today was awesome! We went out to the road at 2 pm to await the beginning of the caravan and of course the tour riders themselves. It was flat out hot like a summer day in the broccoli fields at Shelburne Farms. To those not from Dayton, Oregon just imagine the hottest day you can remember with no shade at all. 

My sister-in-law, Sharon, and I brought quite a bit out with us. We brought beach chairs, a giant bottle of water, a small bottle of wine, 1 kindle, 1 iPad, my handy dandy Tour de France spritzer/fan, sunscreen, a camera, a cell phone to use as another camera, a lightweight long-sleeved shirtfront for each of us. We brought our American flag, naturally.

The flag brought a visitor to our little spot along the hill, his name is Jerry and he and his wife live not more than 3 miles from us! Small world to be sure.

The caravan came around to throw their treats and goodies to us and advertise their products around 3pm. We chatted with so many people from all over the world! Sharon and I never cracked open our e-readers we were just enjoying the fun and spectacle of the race activities.

Things got even more interesting; we had a surprise visitor, Borat, was in attendance and nearly got arrested by the Gendarmies (police). I will definitely post a pic of him- totally hilarious! He had a body suit that made it appear that he was built- complete with 9-pack of abs, he was wearing a green thong singlet, and a Borat mask. He was waving flags and was accompanied inexplicably by a clowns. Anything goes in Le Tour!

Will insert a pic soon

The excitement really built up when six helicopters flew overhead; we knew that the riders would soon be ascending to our spot.  The energy was over the top - kids were screaming, banging thunder sticks and pan lids, the first rider came and people were running beside him yelling "Allez, Allez!" One very tiny little girl was so excited she started running and was lucky a young guy grabbed her under the arms and pulled her to safety.  She was right in the path of the cyclist.  

The cyclists rode by fairly quickly. It was thrilling truly to see it all up close. 

Mark & Sharon have arrived! 7/14

Mark and Sharon have arrived!  We are no longer a traveling duo, now it is double the fun.  Mark and Sharon arrived in Malaucene' last night around 9pm, we supped at a cute cafe on the street.  Pizza was the main course, Todd and I had enjoyed a salad earlier while waiting. One thing that we've noticed is that the French restauranteurs are not in a hurry to turn over your table. You have to practically bed for the check, and always have to request another drink.  I'm thinking that they don't want to intrude-- but, I really like a couple of drinks with dinner.  Also, they don't have a space for tipping. Mark says it's because they don't tip.  We always tip anyway. 

Today we journeyed down to Malaucene' last night to enjoy a little coffee (Sharon) and take in the scenery. It was crazy busy! It resembles an old time festival-- for my Oregon friends kind of like Turkey Rama in McMinnville. It is fun, festive, and there are all kinds of booths to buy goods. 

This afternoon - in maybe an hour we will see the caravan pass by and they will be throwing more goodies to us on the side of the road. The riders will be making the climb to Mont Ventoux in another 3 hours probably. So, we still have some waiting to do. 

In the meantime, I'll read, blog some more.  I've been catching up on my book review blog. I have two more books to write up. Mark is chasing away jet lag-- catching some zzzz's in the shade on a sleeping bag. Sharon is reading, and Todd is on the mountaintop awaiting all the action.  He should be there by now. He left a 2.5 hours ago.  It is almost 12 miles long with a 10% grade much of the time. He will return tuckered out. 

This area is so beautiful, the deeply forrested area is just stunning. So many old, old buildings that are so charming. Yesterday we found a little chapel from the 1314 - the Pope at the time was Clement V.  Amazing!

Will insert pic of chapel

Later: 

Soooooo, here's what you missed! If I didn't mention it before, when we get together with Mark and Sharon inevitably we laugh, a lot.  Yesterday was simply hilarious; I can't do it justice, but I'll give you a small taste. 

As mentioned earlier, we were working up a little excitement and anticipation of the cyclists rolling by on their way up the "geant of the Provence." Mark had walked down to town to watch them come through and Todd left in the morning to see the mountaintop finish. Well, we were expecting the caravan to come by at 2:40 and the riders around 4:30.  Imagine our surprise when Mark came walking up. We thought it odd.  It still didn't occur to me that anything was really wrong-- Todd had researched the routes and we had seen signs referring to the Tour, and ASSUMED we were on the route.  Ruh, roh. 

We were still excited and ready to cheer, we had cold water to give riders and a spritzer to spray them. At one point, I remember wondering why the trucks were parked on the road, but I just never considered that Todd had it wrong. He had prepped a notebook with all the routes and maps. It was inconceivable. Sharon wondered why we were alone on the road. I suggested that it was because everyone was on the mountaintop- Mont Ventoux is an epic, classic finish for the Tour. We sat and chatted until Mark came upon us and took pictures.  He explained that we missed it!  It went through on the other road through town. Mark had no way of reaching us nor did Todd-- they had the phones and Todd had no service. He had tried to come down to let us know but the road had been closed.  lol It was pretty funny.  Todd wondered why I didn't suspect that we were on the wrong road when the caravan didn't come by-- well, we had reasoned that away too.  We figured that perhaps they didn't have the caravan every stage.  I just told him that it should make him feel good that I trust him so implicitly.  As for Sharon and I we just howled with laughter!  I can now say I've seen all parts of a stage. There were all kinds of trucks that brings the caravan vehicles to the staging area.  It is amazing to see what is entailed in the production of such an event as the Tour de France. 

All was not lost, I did get an unexpected treat, on my way to the shower our former camp neighbors (the Germans) were set up in the area of the showers and have a tv with a satellite dish.  I got to see Christopher Froome power his way up the final moments of the climb to the top of Mont Ventoux.  Sweet!  Froome is a BEAST.  Quintana gave a good fight all day but just couldn't withstand the attack. 

Pic

Montpellier's traffic, Target Lady Internationale, Music, and Our Awesome Camping Spot on Mt. Ventoux

Traffic in Montpellier - giving LA a run for the money

Epic engineering FAIL in Monpellier.  You have to drive through the city center to get to the main freeway and there are 4 lanes converging into two. It took about 30 min. to get through the light. The toll road that we've been trying to get to is nearly stopped.  Ugh.  We are hoping that it is due to a toll booth (grab a ticket and pay later when you exit). It looks U-G-L-Y.  

This is sure making us want to get to the Alps as we know that once there we can park and not have to go anywhere.  Mark and Sharon arrive tomorrow night so we'll have a car then to get around. We'll be parking the RV on the mountains for best access for Le Tour stage viewing.  

We just saw the funniest thing- a guy on a motorcycle just zipped by and he had two tires around his waist.  It was like he went and bought new tires and figured out the only way to get them home.  LOL  He looked a little like the Michellin man.  

Now it appears that there is an accident-- there was one crazy guys who zipped in front of some cars and shot across the lanes to the shoulder and drove down the shoulder before cutting off some more cars. He was like the worst driver that you might see at LAX times ten.  

Random Thoughts:

Todd's not loving my music.  He will be more than ready when Mark and Sharon arrive so he doesn't have to listen to it anymore. LOL I just don't see what the problem is at all, he would probably say it's Rascal Flatts, Reba McIntyre, Keith Urban, and Kenny Chesney.  Poor guy is trapped listening to a little bit of country- he doesn't seem to mind all the music I have from the 70s and 80s though. 

I just remembered that I promised to tell you all about the Target Lady Internationale experience. Some of you may know this already, but I guarantee that if I wear a red shirt when I go to Target I will be approached at least one time to assist people in finding something.  I'm happy to help, but I'm not an employee.  So today, it appears that I have this same vibe here in France. I was sitting on the cute bench pictured in the previous photo post just enjoying the beauty of the rolling hills with the blaring noise of the cicadas (at least I think that is what they are---so loud!), when this little car pulled over and this cute little old lady starts with "Pardon moi..." blah blah blah in French. I caught the word "Chateau" and thought perhaps it was the vineyard/winery I had taken pictures of and showed it to her.  But alas, it was not what she was looking for today. We smiled and said our goodbyes.

We just rolled into the best spot for camping this weekend. It is a campground with running water, showers, and toilets (that's toilette for you French lovers).  We passed through Malaucene' (our original destination) and stumbled onto the campground. We had essentially resigned ourselves to a site on the side of the road.  Yay us- bonus, it was just 10.40 Euro.  That's 1/3 of what we've been paying. 

Photos first, blog later

Friends, the photo moratorium was lifted briefly (as we enjoyed the free wifi at McDonald's and an iced tea) here are a few photos that go with the post to come.  The next post will be text only and I'll upload that on the road.  Savor these photos... it might be awhile.
I hope you're enjoying the blog-- it has been fun to write and share.

xo
Joy & Todd

Girona or Viva la France?

Road to Girona Today is brought to you by the letter "i" - as in I killed Todd's keyboard and inadvertently knocked the letter "i" piece off. For one day the "i" was simply missing, luckily I was able to find it. But now it is simply going rogue; it doesn't want to stay in place nice and straight. It's driving my hubby crazy! We are headed to Girona where many top U.S. cyclists live and train for the grand tours in Europe.

We are hoping to find a good campground that is less Disneyland playground and more picturesque. Hopefully the weather will improve, it is looking exceedingly threatening. We have had some thunder, and the sky is gray. The area we just drove through had some lightning happening too. Todd brought rain gear and will ride anyway I'm sure. :)

 One more day and we're headed back to Le Tour and France. The Alps!!!! We are so excited about getting back to the Tour. The most exciting stages are coming this weekend with Mont Ventoux and later next week Alp d'Huez. The tour will likely be decided on Alp d'Huez, the riders will be riding up both sides of it (first time ever, and that my friends will be akin to torture for mere mortals. My hubby is on Strava to track his training rides and they assess the data received (energy generated, heart rate, etc.) and assign a "Suffer Score" and doing both sides of Alp d'Huez will put the Suffer Score off the charts. The suffering will be long and hard, the climbs are 8.4% grade for 12 km. (more than 6 miles) and 8.1% grade for 8 km (about 5 miles). That is some serious hill climbing.

 Well, it is raining in earnest now. The blue skies have made way for this storm. The thunderheads are huge, we've had several close flashes of lightning as well. It looks to be a good sized storm. No blue sky anywhere, just gray like when kids mix all the colors of play-doh together.

 More later... 

Let's call this blog post, Girona rained out, on to Montpellier, France!

Viva la France. Todd and I are both pretty easy going and flexible. Change of plans is not a big deal. Onward- a point of gratitude, the rain has cleaned our windshield. Yay! The last service station didn't have a single squeegee available.

 We have been laughing a lot this afternoon; it began with a place called La Jonquera. Since I butcher all languages, it became junk... I'll leave those of you with dirty minds to figure it out.

 Random thoughts:

We have met so many nice people- Wiebe and Nicole from the Netherlands at the campground in Vilanova il Getru, Spain. It was very interesting talking to them, Wiebe was a professional cyclist and rode in Europe although not in Le Tour. He gave Todd a good workout. Previously he was a police officer. He shared that the police in the Netherlands keep teir police staffing down; they would be sent to break up a conflict with 50 people with just 2 officers. They would have to just talk to solve the conflict. He said it got rather intense.

 He also gave us all kinds of info about things we were curious about. For example, we kept seeing signs with a red stripe going through a city name. We weren't quite sure what it meant, he explained that it meant we were leaving that town. They have these signs all over Europe-- pretty smart. Where we have signs with text, they just use the slash symbol to say the same thing. Also, all the little villages and towns have drinking water spigots for public use. Not all areas have good drinking water, the communities provide it.

 I'm out of time-- more later...