Hello again, did you miss me ? :)
So moving back on the timeline a little once again, we’re now in the summer of 2016 !
Back in those days, I was still riding MTB, so it was an obvious decision to take it with me on the next trip to France - this time I started my internship well in advance and ended up in a lot more livelier place - Montpellier (south of France). My two-months internship at 3* apart-hotel passed outstandingly quickly - so many things happened during this relatively short time period.
First, my dearest bike got stolen. After a week of waiting (because I had it sent to my by post) and then a week of cycling…it was gone. That’s it - I’ve learned the hard way not to leave any bike ever (even attached) for more than necessary. But I am also a woman - „I will just check what's new at H&M for a sec.” Turned out I spent more than an hour and when I was done shopping, my dearest Garry Fisher wasn’t waiting for me anymore. OF course I went to the police station immediately, but it didn’t give any result. I was heartbroken.
Few days passed and I seriously started missing cycling. I was actually going crazy without my bike. Completely by chance 2016 was a year when 11th stage of Tour de France stage was starting in from the central square of Montpellier. I had to be there and see all the PROs with my own eyes! Sagan, Majka, Kwiatkowski…all of them on these beautiful, shiny, road-bikes. The vibe during the event was amazing ! I even bought a TDF souvenirs (so cheesy, haha) - my very first cycling cap & water bottle !
When I came back home I immediately started to look for a new bike. Of course, I couldn’t afford a new one, so I focused only on second-hand pieces. I was just casually scrolling „le bon coin” (French website with good, local deals and used equipment of all kind), when I saw it… and my heart has stopped for a second and I knew that … IT’S THE ONE ! And that’s how I got my first road-bike ever - a steel frame 540 Cobra from Decathlon ! But I really the way owner pimped it up by adding yellow tires. To me it was a perfect match for acceptable price of 100 EUR. And what's MOST important - it was matching my new accessories and I could ride in style ;) !
Isn't she lovely.... <3 <3 <3 !!!
I remember very well the mix of excitement and anxiety that I felt during our first ride back home. Luckily I had only downhill (didn’t have to shift any gears, ha) straight way home. I was very impressed by the speed of this little thing and found a position a bit odd and even uncomfortable, but after few rides I got used to it. This was so-called „coup de foudre” or in English - love at the first sight. These were two very happy months of unconditional affection and of course cycling. On my dearest Cobra I could go faster, further and even beyond unexpected ! Before I the next chapter which was… my University exchange in Canada, Ottawa! Stay tuned for more adventures….
If my store gave you some inspiration and you would like to visit Montpellier on two-wheels - don't hesitate & contact me via aleksandra@shesacyclist.com for some bike route & cycling-friendly accommodation recommendations (or you can already start looking for your perfect place to stay using the browser below).
If looking for more direct booking tool you should definitely check out the map widget provided by Hotellook :
Don't hesitate to drop me a message if heading to Montpellier area and looking for an inspiration for cycling routes / tips !
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