Day 19 - Cassis, France to Aix-en-Provence, France

We saw new countries, enjoyed countless new experiences, and above all made new friends and reinforced old friendships: the Mediterranean Unicycle Tour has officially, and stylishly, come to an end in Aix en Provence, France. Congratulations all around to the riders and support!

We still had some headwinds all day, but not nearly as strong as yesterday's slog. We left Cassis and immediately met up with a steep incline, climbing 240 meters in the space of 5 kilometers. From then, it was intermittent flats and rolling hills, until the final half when we hit several more long ascents, gaining a total of 800 meters for the day.

Lunch was notable for its leisurely pace, delicious food in many courses, and very reasonable price. For once, the spirit imbibers drank heartily during the ride and not just after, knowing the end of touring was nigh.

We stayed together all day, and rode as a tight group into Aix en Provence, with An'So leading the way toward her native home town. After a first round of celebrations at the official end-point, the fountain in town, we rode in the strong heat another 7km to An'So's parent's house outside Aix, where the real partying began. We swam in the pool, lazed about the gorgeous garden and relaxed as a group shopped for dinner. Grace was master chef with Irene and John her main helpers, and the meal was everything we've been missing these weeks: rice, curry, tofu, soy sauce, lentils, onions, and a host of Indian and Japanese flavors, all a welcome departure from daily pizza or pasta. MUT stayed up well past midnight, and the farewell party has only begun.

Quotes of the Day
"What flavor of gelato was that?!"
-Tim, as a manure truck wafted by.

"Oh, I always assume you don't know where you are."
-Rob pegs John

"What a weird day. Usually, it's 'Can I lick that plate?'"
-Andy, noting there were still some leftovers at lunch.

"We ordered that just for you. We had to call twice."
-Régis (An'so's Dad), as a squadron of fighter jets flew past during dinner.

Rider of the Day: Roger
1. What was your best day so far?
Probably one part of a day after having a lemon milkshake and then finding out my mp3 player was not broken, and played 'Lesson Jake' and then going 40kph was easy.

2. What was your worst day/moment?
The laces wrap up was bad, but the day before last I was following Andy onto the main road in the head wind and I wound up taking some air: I'm worried I may have done something bad to my back.

3. Why did you decide to go on the tour?
It's my honeymoon.

4. Favorite gelato flavor(s)?
Melon and vanilla mixed, which we had at Ancona. It was a total surprise.

5. Are there any items in your CamelBak you haven't touched or used this tour?
Everything saw the light of day except my water proofs.

6. Are you collecting anything?
No.

7. What was your favorite bathroom/lodging this tour?
Last night's accommodation in Cassis. Wait no, tonight's in An'So's parents.

8. If you could change anything about your uni, what would it be?
A rim that doesn't have a lump in it, a wheel that's decently built, light weight cranks, a more comfy saddle, lighter weight all around, scratch proof paint.

9. What were your favorite two or three films of the last 10 years?
The Matrix, The Silent Running, and Dark Star.

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Created: Saturday, July 07, 2007 14:12