My bike is gathering dust. And Ive never been happier.Its not that I dont want to ride Im desperate to ride but Im up to my eyeballs in the construction of our brand new Nice cycling hub. Its 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).Im also falling more and more in love with Nice. But I feel guilty, becauseGirona has felt like home for a long time now. The weather in Nice in January has been incredible. Sure, theres 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 theyre there. I just havent had the time.So what is it about Nice thats been keeping me off my bike? After one month here, here are my top five:1. The Olympia PortSetting up our new Nice hub in the Port is one of the best business decisions weve made. Its 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. Im not complaining about the view from my temporary office.But thats not all. There are huge ships anchored in the harbour and the occasional juggernaut rolling through to the ferry. Its a working port, and I love that.Our neighbours an Italian couple running a bistro are lovely. Ive never received a more friendly welcome to a neighbourhood than theyve extended to us. Im still trying to pay for my coffees!Also close by, the good people of Caf 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 PeopleIts not just our neighbours, though. From the moment we arrived from the agency who found our property to the supermarket staff Ive been blown away by the friendliness and professionalism here.Which is impressive, because I barely speak French. (I wish Id listened to my French teacher all those years ago. Any youngsters reading this, learn your languages!)Even with broken French and hand gestures, people have been patient and welcoming. Nice is used to outsiders. And right now, were grateful to be among them.3. The ProsI thought Girona had a lot of professional riders. Turns out the Cte dAzur is where they reallylive.Throughout the day, pros roll past the hub, heading for the mountains above the coast, spinning towards Col dze, grinding up Col de la Madone, disappearing into the roads above Mont Chauve.Pogaar rode past the other day. I really hope he tries our new hub once we open.When the worlds best riders roll by your front door on a Tuesday morning, you know youve chosen the right place.4. The FoodWe all know the reputation French food carries buttery croissants, perfect patisserie. And Nice doesnt disappoint. But whats surprised me most is how much varietyand innovationsit alongside that tradition.Its not like Im 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 its a real melting pot, and Ive eaten so well.Weve found our favourite pizza place down on the Port. Every pizza is gluten-free, and you genuinely cannot tell the difference. Thats a food innovation I can really get behind. Theres 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 ConnectionsOf 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 hadnt realised quite how beautiful that drive would be.But living here in Nice,itsdifferent. Its 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 youre building something new and making last-minute trips for supplies.Girona will always feel like home. Its where Eat Sleep Cycle was born, found its identity and its people.I cant wait to get back and dust off my bikeand get back outonto the roads of Catalonia.Although I might just have to sneak in a few spins up Col dze before I leave.The post My Bike Is Gathering Dust (And Ive Never Been Happier appeared first on Eat Sleep Cycle.