Memories of Versailles Chambord 2008

Long delayed in posting a report about my ride with Jean-Manuel in the 30th anniversary of the randonnee, Versailles-Chambord, on September 21st.  While I was flying in the day before from Iowa, JM drove his car down to Chambord, parking it near a police station to keep it safe.  The end of the 140 mile ride was about 10k from a train station and the thought of sitting on a train for two hours after a 6 and a half hour ride and then riding again to get home didn't sit well.  Thanks to his effort the day before, we were able to ride home in the comfort of a Peugeot 405 and stop for a decent meal near Orleans.

 

 

 

This fellow followed the riders to each rest stop on the way.

 

 

 

 

 

Registration at daybreak in front of the Palais de Versailles didn't dampen these ladies' spirits.   

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe it was the coffee?

 

 

 

 

 

Riding in the early morning light through the Chevreuse Valley, home of the famous Gran Prix des Nations time trials for many years.  Our route retraced some of the same roads I first raced back in 2004 in the Versailles-Chartres road race.  Memories of being pegged at 31mph in a long line and the Cathedral of Chartres miles ahead on the horizon.  This morning was more of a surreal experience as groups of riders faded in and out of fog and light.  JM and I leapfrogging from one group to the next in search of the 'just right' tempo for the day. 

 

 

 

Rest stops were spaced at about 40k intervals and provided an opportunity for regrouping.  JM and I were the only riders from his Houilles club, but we quickly became comrades in wheels with others.  This particular stop was at a bakery, and we had our choice of a large croissant or a bun.  Next time, take the bun.  Nothing like burping up butter in a paceline.

 

 

 

 

JM in the lunch line. For a six euros we got a bag stuffed with an egg sandwich, couscous, fruit, chips and flan.  After the croissant earlier in the day, the chips and flan were gifted to another rider.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nice hunting shack!  And one of the most chaotic profiles of a chateau in France, the Château de Chambord is a must see.

 

 

 

 

 

With the sunlight fading and the quads still burning, JM and I wandered around a magical place. 

 

 

 

 

A good ride with a great friend.  140 miles with nearly 6000 feet of climbing helped make jet lag a secondary consideration.

 

 

 

	With over 650 riders participating, the variety of bikes on hand were something special.