Eurovelo 15 - The Rhine Cycle Route.

Friday 13th - Monday 16th September 2019

Oradour sur Vayres - Andermatt via Limoges, Montlucon, Clermont Ferrand, Lyon, Geneva, Brig and Andermatt. Approximately 900 kilometres by train except the 55kms from Oradour to Limoges (by bike).

We have arrived at the start of our cycle ride - at last! Each town represents a train change, some which have gone well and others which have left our dignity in tatters.

The ride from home to Limoges augered well. Al had found a picturesque, quiet route which he assured me, was flat. If you ignore the four of five hills we climbed, he was correct! I jest - it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience in the sunshine and tranquility of the countryside. Limoges, like all the cities mentioned was not tranquil.

As train/bike virgins our inexperience became obvious as we attempted to board our first train. This involved throwing the panniers through the door, dropping the bikes, the frenzy only ending with the straining of muscles and of finally heaving the bikes up the steps into the carriage! We have gained much experience since and now our system of locating the bike carriages and propping bikes before boarding has much improved our image (well, maybe a tad).

Limoges Gare

We have been staggered at the sheer volume of people darting around stations in a flurry of activity. We are now experts in translating arrival and departure times and even locating the correct platforms. Alan averted one possible catastrophe when he realised that Lyon Part Dieu was actually a station and not an indication of a part journey. Without his quick mind, we would have alighted in Lyon at entirely the wrong place!! 

We have enjoyed sufficient time to wander around Clermont Ferrand and Geneva. The first being a bit down at heel and the second, the most expensive place in the world. We now know why so few Swiss are fat - they can't afford the beer and soft drinks.

If has been quite a stressful (character forming) experience with a lot of early mornings and restless nights angsting about the morrow. We are looking forward to a good night's kip and true commencement of our journey - 10kilometres of 6% - that will get things going.