Day 8: Charolles to Mâcon

Kenneth:

First, pictures from the beginning of the trip are on Facebook! The best pictures are on my camera, but all of the iPhone ones are up.

We had a few options for the route from Charolles to Mâcon. Perhaps the most tempting was to find the nearest farmer and see how far he would drive us, and more than a few times along the hilly route we chose, that seemed like the best choice. You see, we chose to take the 'route touristique,' which apparently is French for ever so many hills. (Alex: Route of DEATH) Still, the payoff from these giant, half-hour long climbs was a view from the top of the world, and we were reminded why we chose the route. Small town after small town passed, each more nestled in the valleys and hillsides.

The trip ended with a downhill ride into the Saone river valley, a descent that lasted at least 20 minutes. After that whole day of climbing, there was nothing better than watching the hills disappear behind us as we came down into Mâcon.

The campsite for tonight was everything we could ask for after a grueling day, complete with a lake. Jumping in and lying on my back, trying to begin the task of repairing my biker's tan, was better than sleep.

Biker's Tan Status: Scary.

Alex:

The toughest day of biking with the biggest payoff. We were in fairytale France today, with vineyards, brownstone castles, and little mountain villages--each more precariously perched on the hills than the last.

We finished the day pleasantly with the longest downhill of both of our lives.

 Part of the way down, we stopped at an inn for water. I stumbled through the door, looking every bit the haggard vagabond (I'm growing a beard) to interrupt what seems to have been (up until then, at least) a lively kids' birthday party. 

After ruining the party, we made it to Crèches-sur-Saone in no time. The campground we're staying at is next to a lake, so we were able to go swimming until 7 pm.

Tomorrow, we ride to Lyon at sunrise. 

Beard Status: slightly scruffy.