The HOWS!

 Now that you know the "whys" for our return to the Dordogne for the fourth time, it is time to review the "hows". 

We started planning our 2026 adventure during a drinking and eating gathering with our hosts (aka: landlords). Franck and Sandrine stopped by the evening before our 2025 departure when we suggested that we block out six weeks in 2026. However, when we reviewed the calendar the question arose: "Why come back so soon?". Without a family obligation to consider and late October biking in Vail iffy (snow has a way of arriving early, or like last year almost not at all) we extended our stay to seven weeks - leaving August 30th and returning October 16th. Not clear that the weather there will be more conducive for riding, but more conducive for eating and drinking. 

 The twisting plot continues. Staying in one place is better than two, but the overarching logistical challenge is packing and assembling the bikes and the anxiety over will the bikes arrive without damage. So, a Eureka moment. Since we are hoping that our yearly trips will continue for a long time we considered buying another set of bikes which we would leave in France permanently. Less to transport and simplified logistics. So we will take and leave our existing bikes somewhere (friend with space) then buy another set for US based riding. Since we have committed to house sitting in the Bay Area for friends the first three weeks in November getting replacements became an urgent matter. 

There are also several other benefits beyond the transportation. For starters, without the bulky and heavy bike to transport we can fly out of Eagle rather than driving to DIA and parking a car for seven weeks. Also means that we can rent a smaller car; saving money on both ends. 

We located two Trek Domane bikes on the internet which were the right size, could be configured with the same gearing (actually lower gearing for the steep uphills and probably the last gear to age adjustment before e-bikes find a way to our garage). Kim's bike will be shipped on August 20th with mine following in a few days and hopefully arrive so we can check

them out before we leave. 

Kim's

Alan's

 We are about ten days from departure so it is time to start gathering our biking and personal stuff as we plow through multiple checklists. But we still have a handful of rides before we go so it is a good time to install new tires/tubes, check brake pads, wax chains (we are taking two this year so no waxing while we are away - another simplification), and a good washing to leave Colorado dirt behind.