Backroads Day 1 - We start in Vezelay

We were picked up by Backroads at the Auxerre Train Station by our trip's support guide, Lucille.  It was a pleasant 45-minute drive through the northern part of the burgundy region.  We met the rest of our group at Vezelay, a quaint little town whose fame is from an abbey that at some point in history (supposedly) held the relics of Mary Magdalene.  There are some amazing stories about how this all happened but let's just say I have some doubts.  Nonetheless, the town was quite nice and the abbey was somewhat impressive.  Unfortunately, our lunch was less so.  It may have been the weakest Backroads meal on any trip so far.  (But alas, I'm glad to say that all meals after that one were fantastic!!  Phew.)

David and Pam, ready to ride:

Our home for the next two nights; I felt quite safe with the moat.

After the ride ends each day, a Backroads guide is there to greet us with various food items and the obligatory beer.  Look at this mini-Heineken!

Late in the afternoon, we checked into our first castle.  These spectacular "hotels" never get old.

I forgot to mention that one of the cool things about this trip is that a couple from our Provence trip last year are on the Burgundy trip this year!  What a crazy coincidence. Very happy to see Josh and Maryanne, two very friendly faces, on the trip this year.