51.42 miles, 1225 metres climbed, average speed 9.8 mph
A shorter day today but with more climbing. The early part of the route was flat and included the very picturesque town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
As we cycled along the left bank where restaurants were setting up outside tables for lunch we came across a group canyoning down the river.
The climbing started in earnest on the way up to the brew stop at 19 mile after which the route undulated, passing through the small hilltop town of Vanesque where several of the group gathered for a breather and to admire the views of the plain we were about to drop into.
There was a long climb towards the lunch stop at 36 miles just before the town of Gorde. The red vans are always a welcome sight and I was relieved to see them at what looked be the top of the climb, only to find they were red vehicles of the sappeur pompier on exercise – and I had still another two miles to go! After a nice picnic lunch it was mainly downhill with the exception of a climb up to Rousillon were I stopped for an ice cream and a view of the ocre sandstone cliffs.
I arrived at the very comfortable Hotel Sainte Anne about 5 pm and had a nice cold beer after a warm day’s cycling.
We spent a week there and it is a lovely town and area. Enjoying your blog and photos. You must be so fit!!