Bike Riding to Chateau de Chillon

Tap Dancer performing in Le Bouveret

Flea Market in Le Bouveret

My bike crossing the River Rhone

My bike at the Chateau de Chillon

Today was the day I had set aside to go bike riding from Le Bouveret to Chateau de Chillon, a distance of about 10 km.  I wandered down to the marina noticing a throng of people and stalls lining the lake.  Apparently there was a huge flea market happening which distracted me for a while.  The young male tap dancer took my attention for a long while (as I am a real fan of tap!).  I finally made it to the bike loan place and was fitted with a mountain bike, lock and even though helmets are not compulsory here in Switzerland, I opted for one just in case.

After practising a bit and getting my bike legs again (haven't ridden in a while but you know what they say?  Once you know you never forget) I set off towards Villeneuve about 7 kms away heading east from Le Bouveret. 

It felt like being in a French movie because every person I came across said 'bonjour'.  So it was bonjours all round (at least 30 of them) duting the whole trip unless it was a German or an American or Englishman that I was passing.  I crossed the Rhone River and stopped to take a photo.  There are no photos of me and the bike together unfortunately, as I was travelling solo.

Lost my way once when I followed a couple in front of me and I ended up on private property and was duly reprimanded by a gentleman who I presume must have been the owner.  He's probably sick of trespassers which would contribute to his unsociable outburst.  Actually the signs are pretty good, so there was no excuse for getting lost.

I kept to the right side of the road and tried to stick to footpaths or bike tracks.  The terrain was mostly flat but there were a few hills leading into the towns.  I arrived at the little village of Villeneuve and had a rest and a drink.  I could see the chateau up ahead so it wasn't far.  When I finally did make it to the Chateau there were millions of Asian tourists waiting to go in.  I couldn't find anywhere to chain my bike up, either.  So I gave it a miss.  I took a couple of outside shots and started heading back. 

The trip home was faster as I was more confident.  I knew I was on the right track when I recognised the cows.  I had done 20 kms in the heat and I was pooped.

The rest of the group is returning today some time, so they will all have some interesting stories of their escapades in Italy.