Day Two started with a little test session on the bike. Ace headed north on a his run to the nearby marina and I headed south on the boardwalk bike path. I was so excited that everything worked! My aero bars are a little wonky on the left, but hey, so am I. It was sunny and cool and the breeze was up, but I was so excited. It looked like the whole world was smiling.
And then I remembered that I had on my race helmet and I realized they were laughing AT me. Seriously! I stopped just off the bike path to check my arm pads and a guy almost fell off his own bike when he pointed and laughed and yelled SWOOSH. I passed him a few minutes later. Swoosh this, Dude.
We treated ourselves to a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, where even the so-called American coffee was delicious and strong. Pancakes, eggs, fruit, mushrooms (champignons), hashbrowns and cheese. Yummy.
Our next stop was the center of town. They are building a fan zone for the futbol tourney craze that included a stage and a water park.
Excusez-moi, Monsieur. Il y a quelque chose dans vos cheveux.
We took a few pictures and headed to Le Parc de la Colline du Château. It was such an amazing view! Castle Hill is home to gardens, playspaces, an archaelogical dig of a medievel cathedral and memories of the fort that once stood to guard Nice against the French. On one side you can see the bay and on the other - Nice's waterfront.
On our way down the hill I stopped short. I think that's Tracy, I told Ace. He's the one other person I know from Wilmington doing the race. Bon Journee, Tracy! I called out and sure enough....it was him! We hugged and chatted about the weather (30mph winds) and workout plans and recommendations for side trips. I got a huge boost from seeing him and remembered....hey! I'm doing an Ironman in a few days.
View from the Room. If the race had been today, they would have canceled the swim. The winds were gusting to 30mph.
After a bit of a rest at the hotel we headed out for dinner. We had foie gras and I indulged in the best Coq Au Vin EVER. Our Brasserie was picturesque: un chien, guarding his restaurant. A small girl in a pink dress, scooting back and forth, back and forth. And a french woman two floors up hanging laundry on her very swanky balcony.
Our last hour of the day was spent walking to the main square to see the water garden at night and see the lighted statues along the walk.
FINALLY MOVING by PRETTY LIGHTS
Oh, sometimes I get a good feeling, yeah
Get a feeling that I never, never, never, never had before. Oh, no.
I get a good feeling, yeah
Just want to tell ya right now
I really do believe it.