To Paris

September 29, 2024

And just like that, the cycling portion of my seven month tour in Europe came to an end. All too soon.

Today was a day of trains, three in all. The first a short, regional train to Dijon then a longer TER to Lyon where I had a two hour wait for the TGV to Paris. I spent some time in Lyon chatting up two Dutch gentleman on their way to the South of France. It was their bikes that caused me to approach – one had a Moots gravel bike very similar to Vivien George. They were cycling from Holland to Provence where they were to meet their wives for a holiday. However, they’d been slowed by rain and wind and took the train from Nancy to Lyon to make up some time and miles. They were now heading south by bike, and after wishing them well I went looking for something to eat.

Waiting on Gare de Dole platform for train to Dijon

On the TERs, the number of bikes often exceeded the designated space limit. No one ever ask to see my bike reservation, or even if I had a reservation.

Frans and Albert, traveling light on their way to meet the wives

The Lyon station had a lift to each platform and my platform had a monitor indicating where along the quai each car on the train would stop. And sure enough, car #8 stopped right in front of me. I was quick to board, bike first then the panniers, but some folks were already putting their bags in the area clearly marked as reserved for bikes. When I pointed to the Velo signage, most were agreeable and removed their luggage. I did get a little anxious when some insisted on placing their bags in the space around Vivien George, especially when I saw another cyclist boarding with his bike. Eventually everything fit in place and we were on our way.

My seat was across the aisle from the bikes and next to Toby, the other cyclist. Originally from England, he had just spent some time cycling with his family in Provence and was on his way to Paris where he worked in AI for a Pharma company. We engaged in a far-ranging and interesting conversation – bikes, cycle touring, politics, movies, AI, biology, and evolution. It was quite enjoyable and before I knew it we'd arrived at Gare de Lyon.

The Velo signage on the TGV bike space is very helpful when asking people to move their luggage

Toby - a engaging young man with many talents and a keen interest in bike packing/cycle touring

A late afternoon arrival at Gare de Lyon in Paris

A chilly four mile ride though Paris brought me back to my apartment where I’ll spend much of the week packing up to leave. It was a bittersweet homecoming.

Today's ride: 5 miles (8 km)
Total: 2,485 miles (3,999 km)

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Steve Miller/GrampiesHave a good trip back and fun planning next year's European sojourn. Hope we see you in 2025.
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1 month ago

Rich FrasierAww…does this mean the journal is coming to an end? I’m so sad! I’ve really enjoyed following along on your adventures this year. I hope you do it again soon!
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1 month ago

Karen PoretThank you for all of your wonderful photos and stories, Susan! I do hope your return to NC will not bring any unwanted surprises due to the storms.
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1 month ago

Kathleen JonesDunno about you, but I’m not ready for it to be over. Thanks for all the cool rides you took us along on.
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1 month ago

Susan CarpenterTo Steve Miller/GrampiesThanks Steve and Dodie - a 2025 meet-up would be great
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1 month ago

Susan CarpenterTo Rich FrasierThanks as always Rich for following along and offering comments. My plan is to return next spring and I hope we can get together again once again
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1 month ago

Susan CarpenterTo Karen PoretThanks Karen for following along. My area of NC (Raleigh) was not hit as hard as the towns in the west - it's a real tragedy.
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1 month ago

Susan CarpenterTo Kathleen JonesThanks for following Kathleen - and thanks for your witty and sometimes obscure comments. They made me laugh, scratch my head, and delight when I figured them out! It was great meeting you/riding with you this year. I plan to return in 2025 - hope our paths will cross again
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1 month ago

Rachael AndersonI hope all goes well with your flight home!
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1 month ago

Patrick O'HaraWell. I'm truly forlorn to see this adventure dim. Thanks for your openness, your positive energy, your photos and your stories. Besides, your country seems to need more people like you around right now!
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1 month ago

Susan CarpenterTo Rachael AndersonThanks Rachael. Hope the rest of your tour is great, and that we actually get to do some cycling when next we meet
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1 month ago

Susan CarpenterTo Patrick O'HaraThanks Patrick. I really appreciate you following along and especially for all your comments and encouragement.
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1 month ago