Rocinante

Saturday was very busy walking Bayonne gathering information and trying to find a good bike deal. After all, I expect to give this bike to some kid at the end of the trip. It´s sacrificial.

After two bike shops and nothing less than $529 EU, I made my way to "Cash Converter" - a large used everything store. Out front are several possible bicycles and I look 2 over possibles settling on a VTT, mountain hybrid with front suspension. It´s a reasonable price at $129.99 EU on VISA - but it has no rear rack for my panniers and pack. It´s suggested that I go to Decathlon Sports about 3 miles (5 km) and buy a rack there. 

At Decathlon, they have a full service bike shop and a large selection of equipment. Bastien comes and looks at the VTT. "No - it is impossible." He informs me that this bike will not accept a rack. No matter how imploringly I look at him, he says "No way" and shows me some Decathlon bicycles that will.

OK - adjust. I ride the bike back to Cash Converters and with my best sad hang dog face explain in my best butchered French - we have a problem. Eyes roll. Some understated comments about the dopey Englishmen* - but back to the register without much fight  and they give me $130 EU - Cash!! 

I walk the 3 miles back to Decathlon and buy the cheapest hybrid they have - a good fit and with rack installed and a gel seat cover, I´m out the door at $231 EU.

The bad -

I weighted the panniers and backpack on the scales at the Icelandic Air counter in Boston - 15.4 kg. The bike weighs 15.3 kg - a total of 30.7 kg, or 70 lbs. OUCH - this is going to hurt me.

Saturday afternoon I set up and took some test rides - everything is good, fits and works. It´s pleasant on the flats and downhill. We´ll see how it goes.

FYI - Petrol/gas is $1.53 Euro/litre, or about $8.00 USD/gal.

* One week now and I have not encountered a single American. It´s assumed I am British.