Day 18 Bourg-En-Bresse -St Etienne

We decided to stay another night at Bourg-En-Bresse, and treat ourselves to a meal at the local Ibis Hotel chain as they are one of the major sponsors of the race, also it was right beside where we parked.

What a great surprise when the whole of Team Europcar and Omega Pharma-Quickstep were staying, The mechanics where all servicing the bikes for the next day, all the riders management etc. milling around. Riders all wearing the compression socks after the days ride. The riders also had their own mobile kitchen/eating bus where they dined as opposed to the crew who dined in the Ibis. Quite a buzz around with local youngsters eager to secure the French team riders signature.









Today we decided to position ourselves on the Cote du Saule-d'Oingt about 80klm from Bourg en Bresse. As we rode out towards our category 3 climb we passed through some magnificent French countryside through the Rhone Valley, the river on our right, meandering through vineyards and came across Ville Sur Jarnoiux, what a pretty village. The red stone houses were a real feature so we decided to stop here as it was hot, the race was sweeping around a 180 deg corner and we had shade.

Jarnioux

This region is known as The Golden Stone region of France, because of the distinct colouring of the local limestone quarried in this area. The buildings here date from the 13th-14th century. I was told that Parisians love to came back and holiday in this region to re-connect with their roots and Frenchness.

Three french ladies wanted to wave the flag for us as I was holding the Dandy North banner.

Talking to Liam in Australia

The ladies wished us well provided us with some nourishment for our journey. Thanks to the Gendarmerie and Mathew for some local knowledge of this beautiful region.

Next stop after the ride back is continue to Grenoble as we are riding the famous Alpe d'Huez tomorrow.

This is what greets you as you arrive in Grenoble........

Made it late in the day but hit a peak hour traffic jam, emptied our picky bank into the toll roads, stopped and had a bite to eat. Stunning city. Headed out at dusk to Le Bourg-d'Oisans, arrive in the dark and book into a caravan park. 35 euro per night.