My European Odyssey–Week Three

Posted on October 1, 2014 by the drunken cyclist

As some of you might recall, I am over in Europe this month leading a few bike trips. The first three weeks are firmly behind me (and the fourth week is about to end), so I thought I would give a few updates through some photos. I have tried to be better at snapping photos on this trip, but I still need to constantly remind myself to get off the bike and use the camera.

I am currently in Burgundy, and I return to Philadelphia after the weekend, but here are a few photos of the time I spent in the Pays Basque during Week Three:

The week started with driving the van from Avignon (sorry, no pictures) up the Rhône to pick up some bikes in Sablet. I stopped, of course, in the wine town of Vacqueryas and proudly displayed my Frick Winery hat.

The week started with driving the van from Avignon (sorry, no pictures) up the Rhône Valley to pick up some bikes in Sablet. I stopped, of course, in the wine town of Vacqueryas and proudly displayed my Frick Winery hat.

Right above Vacqueryas is the tiny town of Gigondas, where I stopped for a bit of a stroll.

Right above Vacqueryas is the tiny town of Gigondas, where I stopped for a bit of a stroll.

I also felt the need to sample just a couple Grenache grapes--pretty close to ready if you ask me --perhaps another few weeks.

I also felt the need to sample just a couple Grenache grapes–pretty close to ready if you ask me –perhaps another couple weeks.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape was a bit off the route, but I had to make the detour, and had lunch in the middle of town.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape was a bit off the route, but I had to make the detour, and ate lunch in the middle of town.

I made it across the country in time for dinner in St-Jean-de_luz where i had the first of many Gâteaux Basques.

A beautiful drive across the country ended in time for dinner in St-Jean-de-Luz where I had the first of many Gâteaux Basques.

Next, up the coast a bit to the beach resort of Biarritz.

Next, up the coast a bit to the beach resort of Biarritz.

Dinner (and lunch the following day) was under the blue awnings.

Dinner (and lunch the following day) was under the blue awnings on the water in Biarritz.

Onto Spain and San Sebastian. I do not speak any Spanish, so I got lost a lot. But this meant stumbling across some cool spots.

Onto Spain and San Sebastian. I do not speak any Spanish, so I got lost a lot. But this meant stumbling across some cool spots.

I thought about climbing up the hill to the statue, but I opted for a few more Pintxos instead.

I thought about climbing up the hill to the statue, but I opted for a few more Pintxos instead.

Up and over the Jazikibel. I liked it so much, I did it twice.

Up and over the Jazikibel. I liked it so much, I did it twice.

My last night was in Gernika, where we had an assortment of red and white Riojas.

My last night was in Gernika, where we had an assortment of red and white Riojas.

About the drunken cyclist

I have been an occasional cycling tour guide in Europe for the past 20 years, visiting most of the wine regions of France. Through this "job" I developed a love for wine and the stories that often accompany the pulling of a cork. I live in Houston with my lovely wife and two wonderful sons.
This entry was posted in Gigondas, Grenache, Rhône Blends, Rioja, Tempranillo, Travel, Viura. Bookmark the permalink.

31 Responses to My European Odyssey–Week Three

  1. Michelle Williams says:
    October 1, 2014 at 08:38

    Looks fantastic. I know you are working but what a great gig! Cheers!

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  2. Lignum Draco says:
    October 1, 2014 at 08:51

    Are you shipping any wines back home?

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  3. Tuxedo Sophisticated Cat says:
    October 1, 2014 at 09:35

    I did a bike tour of Provence 11 years ago and have wonderful memories of that trip. One of our days we bike through Châteauneuf-du-Pape and visited one of the wineries there. Picked up a few bottles while we were there. That was back in the day when we could carry liquids on board with us.

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  4. lulu says:
    October 1, 2014 at 10:06

    A great trip and I’m glad you are finding wines to sample!

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    • the drunken cyclist says:
      October 1, 2014 at 17:01

      Finding wines to sample is far from difficult. Nothing was open in this little town we were staying except this complete dive-looking bar. The food was actually very good and he had an incredible wine list!

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  5. binNotes© | a wine blog. says:
    October 1, 2014 at 10:36

    Thanks for the quick San Sebastiàn – such a great city…happy drunken cycling.

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. Fiona says:
    October 1, 2014 at 10:57

    Still envious! Although I’m not sure I could do that on a bike 🙂 Look forward to the next post!

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  7. Eric Tonningsen says:
    October 1, 2014 at 11:26

    Nice photos. Nice time. Appreciate your sharing. And… safe return to Philly.

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  8. Bill Frick says:
    October 1, 2014 at 11:27

    Thank you for a great vicarious vacation. Nice chapeau!

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  9. susielindau says:
    October 1, 2014 at 12:29

    I bet you’re missing Omygod right about now….

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  10. mrsugarbears says:
    October 1, 2014 at 13:23

    I’m so happy to catch up with your adventures! My bestie and her husband are in Positano right now. So happy for all this traveling and biking. It’s wonderful bike weather in NC right now. 🙂

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  11. Martin D. Redmond says:
    October 1, 2014 at 14:35

    My wife and I spent 17 glorious days in Spain last year. San Sebastian was definitely a highlight for me! Adored the food!

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  12. BerLinda says:
    October 1, 2014 at 15:53

    What an amazing trip! You’ve been so many beautiful places! And I’m sure the wines were as divine as the photos! 🙂

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  13. aFrankAngle says:
    October 1, 2014 at 20:27

    I imagine you are having a wonderful experience … after all, it’s wine and cycling!!! Love the second pic!

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  14. Mathieu FANIEL says:
    October 2, 2014 at 03:04

    I like your experience, I’m winemaker in champagne and you re welcome at home http://www.champagne-faniel.fr!!

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