29 June

Here we go…it’s travel time.  For a change I got to bed before 0200!  Woohoo.  But up at 0635 to finish up some last minute things.  What do you care?  Probably don’t, but if you’ve navigated to this blog you must have some interest, or feel obligated since I only gave this link to family and people I consider friends :)

The bike is ready to go

After double, triple and quadruple checking everything I started worrying about whether or not I had my bolts for my disk brakes…opened the bike box twice, suitcase twice, checked the garage and then Teri asked, “could they be in your shoes”.  Then it clicked…they were in my shoes….left cycling shoe to be exact.  I put them there so I would remember…uh huh!

Made it to the airport in good time and before ‘the rush’ at the check in counter.  Suitcase:  45#, Bike box:  60# (70 limit so I left my seat, pedals, bike chain and lots of other things in the bicycle box.  Best part:  only a $50 charge as if it was my second bag.  Saweet, considering the American Airlines website says a bicycle is ‘special luggage’ and is charge a flat $150.

Arrive in Chicago on time heading to gate K12 for my connecting flight to Paris at 1800.  As I’m walking away from the gate I hear, “Sir, you need to come with us…Sir!”  Carlton and Cohort from the Chicago chapter of the Iron Warriors MC.  The work Customs and Border Patrol and had my itinerary…great to have friends to make you feel like “Mr. Important”…isn’t that right “Mr. Goodtime”?  (you know who you are)  Chatted it up til 1530 and then to Chili’s Too for a little food...just now realized I hadn’t eaten anything today…hmmm.

Cohort and Carlton of the IWMC Untouchables Chapter hard at work at ORD.

Arrived 1645 at gate K12 to red, white and blue balloons, the playing of the national anthem and a large gathering…not sure if some military guys are coming or going…nonetheless a nice welcome home or a nice send off.

Flight leaves at 1800.  Talked to Jen as I finished my lunch and we will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express on the Seine (same place she is currently staying) for Friday night…then off to Besancon on Saturday morning.

Some thoughts:  This is definitely a ‘Once in a lifetime opportunity’…right dad?  So I’m taking advantage of it to the fullest, though I must say I like traveling with one backpack and camera bag…that’s all, nothing else.  Bike box, suitcase, 2 panniers…really not that bad, but not quick on the move that’s for sure.

As I ate my fries with my burger at Chili’s, I said goodbye to burgers, ketchup and other American restaurant foods. Upon arrival in France, hello to wine, great salads and who knows what else…maybe some jambon…okay, no, I’ve had that before…just a couple bites and the jambon is gone!  Steaks, chicken dishes, escargot, caviar…mmmmmmm.

Enough already huh?  Shutting down the computer, the phone is off til 4 August!  I’ll update when possible.  Enjoy, I know I will.