Situated between 1000 and 1300 meters and with more than 150 km of marked routes for all nordic activies, the Retord Plateau is a paradise for Nordic skiing.

A slight change in the programme with a long ride along the river to Albigny sur Saone then a climb on the main road to Poleymieux au Mont d'Or although the short cut via Curis au Mont d'Or was a bad

It might seem logical climbing Mt Thou via the eponymous road but it is around to the east side of the mountain so not totally convenient.

Return to the 7 Laux. Today it was much warmer with a southerly, strong foehn wind that even stopped the chairlifts at times.

The conditions were considerably improved compared to our slushy ski tour from a couple of days before. The temperatures are negative, the snow canons were running.

Late afternoon skate at Barioz. I had no idea what was open but saw a skier up on the plateau on the webcam so figured at least the climb was open.

As it is dark at 5pm now I thought I'd try a bit of night skiing around the park as I saw there was street lighting.

I wasn't very motivated due to the weather but decided a little tour to break the 50K barrier this year wouldn't hurt.

Felt tired today, still recovering from 'flu so decided to take it easy with a little loop around Mont d'Or. Went to look at the airbase, it is still active with armed soldiers patrolling.

Long rollerski (skate style) from Lyon to the Grand Parc Miribel Jonage. The Promenade Parc de Miribel is a bit rough in places with some tree roots and also quite narrow but generally flat.