Up at 8:00 alarm, only one hour of mid sleep wake/reading time so I’m acclimating. I am getting better with the minimal kitchen items so breky is getting a bit more routine and less awkward. Off to track to try and register and try out the LiveTrackTiming app on iPad. Another new to me process, USA Cycling was using this app at Nationals, and it seemed to work well, easy way to track what races are on, what’s pending and some of the details about back straight versus home straight starts and rail versus blue band starts, results. I am glad I got a chance to sample it back in August, makes it so easy this week.
I’m early to get in line to register so I can tell my story and be ready to show all my saved docs and receipts. The first person I see says I need to talk to the chief commissar. I am getting to know all the important people, maybe more than I need to. He says he needs someone from the track to come to him with me to verify payment and my online registration form a month ago. I think these local guys are getting a bit tired of me asking but one does accompany me to the reg. desk and after some discussion they agree to approve, and I need to come back in about 20 minutes after they make some paperwork updates. FINALLY, I get my race numbers, 389 and verify my three races. My stress level drops to maybe 20 on a scale of 1 to 100. I can now concentrate on easy no stress things like replacing my power meter battery and test PC8 and then just hang around and take in the surroundings as some races are happening today, not mine.
My plan is to ride my trainer for a bit. As I leave the track to change into my ride kit, the door guardian asks where my lanyard pass is and of course I didn’t get one. Glad I had my race #’s in my hands. She leaves the door and gets a lanyard from the front office. WHEW! Without this badge, I can’t get in and out of the velodrome infield. 30-minute trainer session, 90 rpm+, avg. 70 watts, just an easy, short ride with no resistance on these roller units. Most of the time I am just trying to de stress and watch what happens and make sure the “tracktiminglive” app works on my iPad, and it does.
1:00 or so and time to pack up and get out. Drive over to Auchan area again to try and find a lunch not in the Airbnb. Previously I saw a “Quick Burger” so time to learn the France “In and Out Burger” of France. It’s mid-day Saturday and the place is packed with families. I must admit, I don’t do really any fast food anymore, don’t ask! I do a kiosk order, and my CC works, Order #102. Waiting at the counter, and waiting, finally I ask about my order and with some hand signals I finally get my food. Awkward but the food was not great but ok and filling and different then siting in a tiny Airbnb room eating.
I don’t have a lot to do today so back to the mall across the street for some backup batteries, HDMI cable to try and get the TV to connect top my Mac and garbage bags. Did I mention the Airbnb is the stingiest I ever had. No hand soap, an old bottle of shower gel left from the last guest, barely any left. I extra garbage bag, 1 mini roll of TP, dishes that are barely washed so I had to rewash everything before using them. Oh, and as I previously said, the “new’ version of video screens, no apps on the inhouse TV. That’s why the HDMI cable, to connect my computer to the TV and stream onto an HDMI input. Yet to see how that works.
Back to the lodging, with very little navigation help thank you. The last few days, I’ve found my way back past some road construction and then along a road to a very big round a bout, did I mention there are roundabouts everywhere in this town and they work very well. Also, most city street speed limits are 30kph. For you Americans, that’s about 18 mph and traffic flows efficiently and quickly. Just make sure you take that gap someone gave you or you will be the dumb guy behind a steering wheel. Maybe get honked at. Aggressive but courteous drivers.
My lodging is only 2-3 blocks up from the roundabout and a quirky little pub at the corner. Time for a casual stroll around the area and a chance for some pictures. As a pedestrian I can see all the fun, older architecture, the local church, a small park, some stores including the Carrefour Express mini grocery store that will come in handy in the next few days.
On my way back, I can’t help but step into the pub and order a beer. There are a few patrons and it’s immediately obvious I am an American. Two younger guys ask me about trump, my comment, he is an asshole! They comment about Macron, their leader. The convo doesn’t go far. Another young guy comes in and using Google translate we carry on a short conversation, awkward but effective. One beer and it’s time to go. It was a worthwhile stop.
Back to the Airbnb. I try out my HDMI option, no go. This TV is very basic. Time for a bit of dinner and some blog docs catch up. Trying out a variety of Netflix feeds to pass the time. Pin my numbers on my Monday speed suit. It’s 5:00 already and now what? Somehow, it’s 9:00 and I am drifting off while reading.
If you want to catch up on some of the pics, click the link below for Saturday’s gallery or, as always, MENU, top right, scroll to the bottom of the list.