My bike is gathering dust. And I’ve never been happier.
It’s not that I don’t want to ride — I’m desperate to ride — but I’m up to my eyeballs in the construction of our brand new Nice cycling hub. It’s a seven-day-a-week operation. My weekdays are spent doing my usual job plus project-managing the build; weekends are for decorating (yes, when you see that paint smudge — that was me).
I’m also falling more and more in love with Nice. But I feel guilty, because Girona has felt like home for a long time now. The weather in Nice in January has been incredible. Sure, there’s been some rain and wind, but when the sun comes out — and it does so almost every day — the sky opens up and the roads start calling me. I can see the climbs from the Port. I know they’re there. I just haven’t had the time.
1. The Olympia Port
Setting up our new Nice hub in the Port is one of the best business decisions we’ve made. It’s a magical place, and I spend most of my time here now — watching colourful rowing boats sitting alongside superyachts, the sea shifting from deep blue to silver as the light changes. I’m not complaining about the view from my temporary office.
But that’s not all. There are huge ships anchored in the harbour and the occasional juggernaut rolling through to the ferry. It’s a working port, and I love that.
Our neighbours — an Italian couple running a bistro — are lovely. I’ve never received a more friendly welcome to a neighbourhood than they’ve extended to us. I’m still trying to pay for my coffees!
Also close by, the good people of Café du Cycliste are quickly becoming good friends. They saw the potential here long before we did. Chapeau to them — and thank you for welcoming us into the Nice cycling community.
2. The People
It’s not just our neighbours, though. From the moment we arrived — from the agency who found our property to the supermarket staff — I’ve been blown away by the friendliness and professionalism here.
Which is impressive, because I barely speak French. (I wish I’d listened to my French teacher all those years ago. Any youngsters reading this, learn your languages!)
3. The Pros
I thought Girona had a lot of professional riders. Turns out the Côte d’Azur is where they really live.
Throughout the day, pros roll past the hub, heading for the mountains above the coast, spinning towards Col d’Èze, grinding up Col de la Madone, disappearing into the roads above Mont Chauve.
Pogačar rode past the other day. I really hope he tries our new hub once we open.
When the world’s best riders roll by your front door on a Tuesday morning, you know you’ve chosen the right place.
4. The Food
We all know the reputation French food carries — buttery croissants, perfect patisserie. And Nice doesn’t disappoint. But what’s surprised me most is how much variety and innovation sit alongside that tradition.
It’s not like I’m eating out every night — midweek microwave meals are still my go-to after long days on site — but when I have ventured out, the mix has been impressive — Italian, Thai, Indian — it’s a real melting pot, and I’ve eaten so well.
We’ve found our favourite pizza place down on the Port. Every pizza is gluten-free, and you genuinely cannot tell the difference. That’s a food innovation I can really get behind. There’s even an Irish bar nearby that scratches that itch for traditional pub grub I still carry from England.
The service has been consistently excellent too — and yes, everyone speaks far better English than I speak French.
5. Easy Connections
Of course, we knew Nice has an international airport — the second largest in France. And we knew there was a tramline that runs right past our new hub. We knew we could drive from Girona to Nice in under six hours, though maybe we hadn’t realised quite how beautiful that drive would be.
But living here in Nice, it’s different. It’s been a bit of a dream.
Keeping the car parked and jumping on the tram at the Port, then arriving at Nice International Airport just 20 minutes later, feels like a luxury. Living somewhere walkable with great connections makes a huge difference — especially when you’re building something new and making last-minute trips for supplies.
Girona will always feel like home. It’s where Eat Sleep Cycle was born, found its identity and its people.
I can’t wait to get back and dust off my bike and get back out onto the roads of Catalonia.
Although I might just have to sneak in a few spins up Col d’Èze before I leave.