May 16, 2025
Loop Around Lake Annecy
The plan today was a bike ride with Suzanne and Janos around Lac d’Annecy – Rachael was off on a hike and Scott was developing an exit plan for their unexpected return to the US. Despite all that was on his mind, Scott drew up a route that went up the west side of the lake and circled back down the east side. The plan was to all meet at the starting point at 10 am, so I used the recent feature of RWGPS to create a new start site from my hotel to the route. I arrived at the meeting spot with several minutes to spare and found a sunny spot to wait and entertain myself watching the parade of cyclists and walkers flowing past on their way to enjoy this wonderful day in this amazing setting.
I’d been waiting about ten minutes before deciding to send Suzanne a text, with a response indicating they were ready and waiting at point “A.” Not sure exactly what that meant, I sent them my location and learned that I was in the wrong spot – RWGPS had routed me to the track, but not the start. Not sure exactly where they were waiting, I began following the route, when I heard the unmistakable voice of Janos calling out “Susan” – I pulled over and soon we three were on our way.
The bike path was very busy on this fine day and most of my attention was focused on navigating through the hordes. After a few miles, bike traffic thinned to a more orderly stream and I was better able to appreciate our stunning surroundings – jagged peaks and snow-capped mountains ringing an azure blue lake. Cycling along inn the company of friends, with a light lake breeze at my back and the sun on my shoulders - it was the Lac d’Annecy ride I’d imagined.
After ~8 miles we stopped for elevenses, sharing some banana cake while lingering in the alpine sun. Eventually, we pulled ourselves away and got back on the track. As we rounded the south end of the lake, the nice lake breeze we’d enjoyed on the way up was now a not-so-nice headwind. And then we came to the “bump” in the route profile. I hadn’t really examined the route in detail, other than noting there was an up and down on the way back into town. It turned out to be a pretty stiff climb, averaging 7% over a mile and topping out at almost 14%. I was still in my “la-di-dah” mode when the climb began so it took a rest stop or two to get my climbing face on. Suzanne and Janos were waiting patiently at the top, ready to document my arrival for CB posterity.
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The remaining miles into town were largely alongside the road or passing through residential areas on small streets. Janos led us back to their hotel where the staff graciously allowed me to park Vivien George in their large bike room – much better digs than the crowded baggage closet at my hotel. After a quick clean-up at my place, I headed to Scott and Rachael’s apartment with a load of laundry and my picnic lunch. There was some light banter, but mostly the machine did its thing while Scott worked on the logistics of getting his luggage from Bari and TA back to the states. Rachael showed up part-way through the wash cycle to offer her thoughts and then helped me hang the clothes on their sun soaked balcony.
We all reconvened for dinner was at a small Italian place near Scott and Rachael’s apartment – location being the main criteria for restaurant selection. The mediocre meal did not detract from our excitement on learning that TA has a plan that looks like we’ll all be together for at least another week. I'll let Scott share the details, but hooray for that!
Today's ride: 24 miles (39 km)
Total: 442 miles (711 km)
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