The Vacation part two

The Vacation Chapter 1
continued

He opened his mouth to answer but there was a noise from the front of the van. He closed his mouth and just nodded as he looked forward, missing the grin on Skye's face as she nudged her flustered mother.

The woman with the tablet was smiling at the group before her. "Ok, we're all here and the bags are loaded in the trailer. My name is Vivian Love, but you can call me Viv and my partners are Ditka Marek who will be driving the support van behind us today and Jules Michel who's in the driver seat next to me." The man waved with a smile.

We will be with you for the next six days, riding through the beautiful French countryside. We have nine cyclists with us this trip, only one cancellation. That is a good size group. Not too big so we should not lose more than two of you. I am just kidding! The group chuckled politely at her silly joke.

With the GPS bike computers and two of us on our bikes with you at all times you won't be getting lost. From the survey you filled out we know we have a good mix of skill levels. From the elite, she gestured to a man in the first row with salt and pepper hair and he pumped his fist enthusiastically.

To the casual. She gestured to the platinum blond woman sitting next to the elite cyclist. The woman just raised an expensively manicured slim hand.

Vivian went over the basic rules and how they would support the riders during the rides. She explained how the accommodations would work and which meals they would be responsible for managing on their own.

Then it was introduction time.

Mr. Elite Cyclist was first. He turned to face the back. Kyle saw he was probably in his fifties, but he seemed to be full of vitality.

I am Albert Billings. I am a cardiac surgeon from Santa Barbara, California. He smiled and nodded to the others.

The woman next to him turned to face back and Kyle saw she was much younger than her... husband? Maybe in her early thirties? She was also incredibly beautiful, though her symmetry may have been assisted by surgery. She likely seen the inside of spas on a frequent basis as well. Still, her looks caught the eye which was obviously her goal.

I am Fiona Billings. Unlike Albert, I am more into yoga and going to the gym, so I hope I will not slow everyone down, she said with a smiling pout.
With her full lips that pout was significant.

You'll likely be keeping me company then! the woman seated next to her said with a big smile. I am Larissa. I am a casual cyclist as well. I just ride my bike to work and back.

My husband Carl and I are from Boulder, Colorado. I am a dental hygienist. She had short brown hair, a pleasant round face, and a sunny disposition. Nothing surgically enhanced for her.

Kyle guessed her age to be in her early thirties as was her husband. He saw her getting along with Kimberly quite well.

Seated directly behind Larissa, her husband spoke next. Carl Birkett. I am a bank manager. Larissa is being modest about her riding. We also ride our bikes on the weekend though that's the only riding I do.

Carl looked like he was carrying extra pounds on him. With Kimberly sitting between him and her husband she looked especially tiny.

I am Kimberly Willis. I am an Administrative Assistant at the Children's Hospital in Philadelphia. I love cycling and try to ride every day! I bully this big guy into joining me as often as he can, she said gesturing to her husband.

The man was awake now and gave his wife a weary look before he addressed the others. I am David. I am regional manager for the Sparkle Beverage Company in Philadelphia. I do not ride much. I prefer football. I played it in college.

Faces turned in his direction and Kyle sat up a little straighter. "I'm Kyle MacClenny. Investment Manager for an investment house in Vancouver, BC." He saw some confused expressions. "Canada." Awareness dawned. We are- I am a big fan of cycling, he finished awkwardly. Speaking as a couple was a habit, he needed to break himself of, soon!

He glanced over at Helen who was watching him. She smiled then jumped a little.

"Oh! Me! Well... my name is Helen Livingston, and I am from London, England. I am between jobs at the moment. Taking a little break. I have been trying several outdoor activities to determine which one I like best. Cycling is my current favorite but I'm not much more than a casual rider.

She looked to her daughter.

My name is Skye. I am here with my mum to enjoy some quality time with her and have some fun, the young woman enthused, bumping shoulders with her mum.

That is wonderful! So, we have six Americans, Two Brits, and a single Canadian!" Vivian called out.

Are you single? Skye asked Kyle boldly.

"Skye!" Helen gasped.

Kyle was nodding before he caught himself and looked away from the grinning girl.

Vivian got their attention once more. I am American too, living my dream here in France. My boyfriend is on a professional team and rides in the Tour de France. Jules was born here so his French may be a little better than mine and Ditka is our resident Czech. Between the three guides you have all the translation services you will need for the tour, though my Canadian is a little rusty. Sorry.

Laughter erupted while Kyle just smiled and nodded.

Seriously though, if you have any questions, please just let one of us know. We are here to make your trip the best one possible. We will be reaching our start point in about an hour where we will have lunch then get the bikes all settled for your first ride this afternoon. The route is easy but very scenic. For now, just sit back and relax, Vivian explained.

Kyle took her advice and closed his eyes to will his headache away.

He hoped the riding would make up for the rough start this trip had begun with.

The Vacation Chapter 2

The road hummed happily under the wheels of his racing bike. Gwen had insisted that he spend the extra to get them the upgraded bicycles so here he was enjoying the perk regardless of her spiteful intent.

When he discovered that Kimberly, the sole female racer in the group, would fit the upgraded bike he had already paid for, he offered it to her.

He had endured her squeals of joy and hugs and she had not stopped gushing to him about how amazing it rode. Her incessant chatter was driving him nuts.

To be continued