Seyssel to Aix la Bains
30 Miles, Ascending 1200 ft, Descending 1100 ft

It’s a good thing I’m built more like a Sherpa than Shakira, for today’s bicycle challenge involved getting over this:

All stairs, no ramps, and a cycling partner for whom stairs, particularly in a downward direction, are not her strong suit. There were a few tense moments with Gertie before I acquiesced that indeed, that was the route that had to be taken and it was going to be up to little old me to get those bicycles up and over. Good thing I had Mont Blanc as a training ground.

Now I always maintain that on any long holiday, you win some and you lose some. Today doesn’t count as a complete loser, given the sunny skies and our safe arrival at tonight’s destination, but it wasn’t the best of the best either. Our in-city hotel is clean but, well, a bit on the dumpy side, and the town is, well, a bit on the dumpy side too. Determined to get ourselves down to the lakeside for a look-see, we took the most direct and scenic route we could find:

We did ultimately make it to the lake, skirting the fenced-off areas and the multitude of car parks. That being said, we’re not completely clear on why this town bills itself as the Rivieria of the Alps, unless the Riviera is also littered with fences and car parks.

On the positive side, we found “big” beers to ease the pain of a so-so day and somehow we were able to navigate the McDonald’s menu not just electronically but in ALL FRENCH. Yes, the pictures of the burgers and fries helped, but still, we even managed to pay at the kiosk. Small victory, perhaps, but every little bit helps on days like these.