Messages from the team - week 1 in Europe

July 11

We all arrived in Brussels safely after a long flight. Gretchen and Rocky almost stayed in Atlanta, but we had the flight held while they raced down the concourse. We met Bill and Celcia at the airport and had a lovely day in Brussels. Our hotel sits on the Grand Square with beautiful ornate historic buildngs and cathedrals. We roamed the square and ate Belgium waffles.

After arriving in the port city of Heist where we picked up the message from Leo, the local harbor master, Bill took the position of lead of mechanic and assembled the bikes in the parking lot. The ride through the Belgium was characterized by wide-open highways and narrow winding roads through small towns. Because of the unfamiliar territory and foreign language, a significant portion of day was spent trying not to get lost. A feat that we were fairly successful at doing. After 100km (60 miles) we forged our way to the French town of Lannoy and the Chateau de Courcelette. The Chateau is run by the husband and wife team of Katrina and Phillipe. Phillipe is the third generation to run the Chateau. We arrived late and no restaurants or stores were open; Katrina took care of us and made us a delicious multi-course dinner of pork, salami, bread, melon, pasta salad, cheese, wine and homemade ice cream. After our appetites were satisfied, we retired to our rooms to rest sore muscles for the 160km ride tomorrow. We hope the roads are straight, the wind behind our backs, and the road signs understandable.

The SLC2TORINO ride team, Bill, Celia, Sarah, Rocky, Gretchen and Shawn (cameraman).

July 12
Yesterday we rode from Lannoy to Sainte Prueve , France , a trip of 114 miles. We traveled through several quaint and picturesque towns and beautiful agricultural and forrested areas.  The people we have met have been cordial and interested in the purpose of our trip. Rocky

Report for Tues 7/12
We made the longest day of the trek today (190 kilometers). 12 hrs on the bike is harsh. Navigation is the biggest problem. Can't read the signs, the map or speak the language. Star is doing an awesome job by using a computer program that tells us where to turn (ie: go 1.5 K and turn onto N51). Then when you get there none of that info is on the sign. Bummer!  Try and ask for directions and "No english! " is the response. We are getting more acclimated each day.  Sara keeps reminding us that this is fun and her efforts of keeping our attitude light and happy are appreciated.  "Live Strong"

Report for Thurs 7/14
We arrived in Troyes (Twa') today. We are all pretty tired. Nice 4 Star hotel.  We are seeing some very remote places in France . We ride through villages and see beautiful homes and buildings and wonder where all of the people are. We met an American (Patrick) who explained that that is the great French miracle ... "Beautiful fields and nobody working."

 Chow!! Report for Friday 7/15
Rest day in Troyes.  Our chores included doing our laundry, stocking the Van with food, purchasing some needed bike parts and getting Star's front derailer fixed.  We finalized these chores by about 9 PM. Sara, Rocky and Gretchen had very entertaining time finding the supermarket and then tracing their steps back to the hotel. Rocky uses a technique of marking posts in the parking area with Van paint (Oops). Navigating in the larger cities is still a major obstacle. We then finally found a wireless connection in a hotel. We were able to catch up on our e-mails. Finally to bed at 12:30 AM.