June 10 Lyon to Le Balme De Grottes

PAUL

Our first day in the saddle, 33*C, it was hot..

We set off at 9.30 after eggs and toast for breakfast. To get from one side of the city to the other there is a new road tunnel. One side for cars and the other side for buses, pedestrians and cyclists. Half way through the tunnel the lights dimmed and a laser show commenced which reflected drawings of local children. Very nice.

The Via Rhona (is being developed to link Geneve to Marsaille by velo) cycle way took us along then Rhone river for about 30 km, this was mostly flat. We rejoined the road and stopped for lunch at Jon,  an outer outer suburb of the city of Lyon.

We then continued on through numerous country towns. I knew that this part of the trip would be most testing as it is not a 'cycling route' so there is no concern on my part. My panniers are weighted considerably.  And I have noticed! Didn't take a lot of photos today and I lament the decision whilst climbing a rise not to stop and photograph the building which may have been damaged during one of the wars. But I am sure there will be others. 

We completed 5% of our trip today 19 parts to go and 33 days to ride. We will upload our gps rides when we get to place with a computer. Today's pitching (tent site) only has PAYG internet, the pool is not ready to use and no clothes lines. The men's showers are closed so we used the femmes. 12 € all good. 

LACHLAN

After starting the trip at around 9 in the morning and arriving at our destination at 4 in the afternoon. We rode 74km and we were both knackered by the end of it. We arrived at a restaurant where we accidentally ordered a 3 course meal but we had to turn down dessert because of the lovely breakfast dad made. I am currently a bit scared of what may turn out of the trip but it should be an experience we will talk about for the rest of our lives.

Once we arrived at our destination I took my shoes of to get into the currently closed pool. Let me tell you, I looked like a Brazilian from the ankles up to my waist but my feet were as white as Swiss snow. After having a shower in the females shower my legs were back to their normal pasty selves.

And that's about it. I have been poisoned by a plant with thorns (only a few small lumps) and have been cut a few times by god knows what! I currently have no idea on where we are and what our directional heading is.

Your welcome,

Lachlan

Paul P.S we are near a town called Grotte De La Balme (spelling?) we will be continuing on the Via Rhona because we found a map. 

Via Rhona cycle way.

The Rhone river. At a hydro-electric power plant near Lyon 600,000L of water passes through per second. 

The Scott's have arrived. A load of washing and drying on or near the bikes. 2100hrs nearly and a couple drops of rain. New tent 10 mins to erect. Man/boy power

Lachlan had been told a million times not to exaggerate. :)