Paris Arrival

July 10, 2017

Well, we are arriving — in bits and pieces. An auspicious start that seems to be turning out better than expected. After our two-hour layover, we boarded for Paris. I should have suspected something when the baggage cart/train only had two boxed bikes on it. I assumed these were mine and Jerry's. I had not seen Happy's bike box, and he rides a folding Bike Friday, so I assumed it was in there somewhere or maybe on another cart. Wrong! It turned out it was Happy's bike next to mine, and Jerry's was never loaded!

Two boxed bikes, mine and Happy's, on the far left.

Actually, none of us were concerned at that moment. Well, I was, but it was more about my seat assignment, which was distinctively not "Comfort" class! Fortunately, right before takeoff, they moved me forward, and I had all the comfort I needed. The plane was not half full, according to Happy and Jerry. So with a two-hour layover and a half-full plane, how could they forget a bike?

Well, on arrival in Paris, we discover, after much waiting, that they did. And then more bad news! Happy's panniers were nowhere to be seen in baggage claim. His cargo trunk with luggage tag came merrily through, but the previously attached panniers did not. Who knows where they were and how they were separated! And how would they find their way to Paris without a tag?

So we stood there as the baggage claim area cleared and were faced with a dilemma. My bike and Happy's had arrived, and my panniers and Jerry's had arrived, but Jerry's bike did not, nor did Happy's panniers. Happy cannot ride his bike without his bike shoes, which are in his panniers. And, of course, Jerry had no bike to ride.

My bike on arrival. My panniers were carry-on luggage. And while intrusive (as usual), TSA did a decent job this time re-taping my boxed bike.

I may be biking into Paris solo! And that is what I did.

My assembled and packed bike, ready to roll.

Not that we came to that decision too quickly. Jerry had been told that his bike was "likely" to arrive on the next incoming flight at 1:00 PM. So I suggested we wait, and he and I would bike into Paris together. Happy's situation was more uncertain. He might have to fully re-equip! And that would take time and money. We thought the chances of him ever seeing his panniers again were slim at best.

So we discussed Uber and cabs, and ultimately the Réseau Express Régional (RER). Jerry could wait for his bike, but that would probably mean not leaving the baggage collection zone, as it was in a secured area. And there was no guarantee it would arrive anyway. And if it did, it would be 2:00 before actual pickup and then another hour to an hour and a half assembling and organizing gear. So a 3:00 or 3:30 push-off was the best we could make. That was a long ways off (we had landed at 6:15 AM). So Jerry suggested we go down to the lower levels and assemble the two bikes we had. I would pedal off solo to Paris, and he and Happy would put his panniers on Happy's bike and take the RER into town. The airlines would deliver the delayed luggage (and bike).

That actually made a lot of sense. And then it started to rain. And rain heavily it did. Jerry suggested I take the RER as well, but I deferred. I like the idea of starting a tour on landing, and while riding in the rain can be daunting, it is part of the experience.

Plus, I had ridden this route the year before with Mark on our Tour des Alpes and was looking forward to the repeat experience.

By the time I was ready to leave, it was raining even harder. We had assembled our bikes near the entry to the airport shuttle (with not a word from anyone, including security, which always amazes me), placed our discarded boxes next to a waste can, and took the shuttle, bikes in hand, to the RER station, where I saw Jerry and Happy off. Or rather, they saw me off! They still had to buy tickets.

Headed for Paris and wearing lots of yellow!

Today's ride to Paris.

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Getting out of the RER station area was a bit dicey but not difficult. I actually rode the sidewalk as far as the underpass to the ramp that would take me to the airport's service areas and points southward. From there it was easy sailing. And the rain let up (and if I had waited . . . who knows?). Soon, I was at the Canal Saint-Martin, the better part of the ride.

Not well hidden but not obvious either, but I knew where to go.

On the trail through the Parc Forestier de Sevran.

Old streetcar tracks on a bridge over the canal.

As I approached Paris, the weather cleared and blue skies appeared!

And finally, the (nearly) heart of Paris with all its congestion! But even with that, look at the space allocated to pedestrians and cyclists, which are separated at this crosswalk!

I even easily navigated Place de la Bastille, easier than if on foot it seemed!

And, after about 23 miles, the home of Florence and Pierre and Antoine and Marius, where I will stay until Thursday morning.

After my arrival, I showered and napped. I always like to sleep the afternoon I arrive. For me at least, it helps with the clock adjustment. I then met Florence at daycare, where we picked up Marius and then Antoine. Antoine is sweet and was excited to see me again. He even made a bed for me next to his. When I explained to him that it was too short for me and I needed a grand lit, he was very concerned I might take his bed! You should never joke with a three-year-old, particularly in a language they are still learning! Later, I read him a bedtime story about Danny and the Dinosaur. He understands English better than I understand French!

Today's ride: 23 miles (37 km)
Total: 23 miles (37 km)

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