Our Napoleon cycling adventure from Paris to Russia is divided into three stages, the first of which covers France and Germany. It will take us just over two weeks to transverse these two countries on two wheels. However our first day was spent learning some Napoleonic history and cycling around Paris as a warm-up before the more challenging roads ahead. We barely even went 15 miles today — a mere fraction of what we will be riding on a daily basis for the next five weeks — but what a fun and enjoyable day… riding around Paris, meeting new friends, and starting this new adventure with each other.
Paris Warm-Up Day
DAY #01 of 35 France 15 miles ridden – 2,285 miles to go
In the French capital we had the chance to view Napoleon’s legacy, including his tomb at the national war monument of Les Invalides, the Napoleon Foundation and of course his Triumphal Arch on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Our warm up ride also took us to the Parc Saint-Cloud, where Napoleon’s former residence, the chateau of the same name once stood. Unfortunately it was shelled during the siege of Paris in 1870 in the war between Napoleon III and Prussia, so little of this once impressive residence remains.
Our warm up ride gave us a chance to interact with the locals. The focus was primarily on getting ourselves comfortable on our bikes. We cycled to the second-largest park in Paris – the Bois de Boulogne, which is 2-1/2 times larger than Central Park in NYC – and from there around the Hippodrome ParisLongchamp.
Trivia Fact: The road around the outside of this horse-racing facility is a popular circuit for the Parisian riding community to stretch their legs… local testosterone was definitely flowing.
Most of our group chose to ride with the guides on this warm-up around Bois de Boul park, but a few joined local Parisian cyclists to really stretch their legs. After a few laps we began to meander our way back to the hotel as a group past the Arc de Triomphe, which serves as the symbolic start for our Napoleon expedition.
Cycling around the City of Lights
Today’s Route
Tomorrow The Real Adventure Begins
Bright and early tomorrow morning we will bid Au revoir to Paris and commence our journey eastward across Europe. We have an overwhelming but exciting sense of anticipation as we discuss all the incredible destinations and diverse scenery that we will be experiencing over the next five weeks. Looking forward at the adventure to come, a quote by James Baldwin crossed my mind:
“I met a lot of people in Europe. I even encountered myself.”
We know what lies ahead will be a huge challenge for us, but we’re taking one day at a time and are determined to enjoy the journey. It is a reminder to stay positive and always look forward to the future. Sounds contradictory, but …. such is life, right? With that thought in mind it is time to get this trip started!
Looks like a great start!