Category: Channel to the Med

74.11 miles, ascent 1550 metres, descent 1865 metres, average speed 12.6 mph, elapsed time 5 hrs 51 mins.

Possibly my best ever cycling day ever! The ride today was chacterised by  two fairly gentle climbs followed by long, not too steep, descents. The first climb of the day lasted for 20 miles with quite a lot of interest along the way.

At our morning break it began to rain so on with waterproofs. Within a mile it stopped and the sun came out – so waterproofs off. The top of the climb was the Col des Tribes

Across the road another sign showed that rivers on one side of the climb flow into the Atlantic and on the other side they flow into the Mediterranean. I don’t know what the geographical term is.

The descent from the Col was truly magnificent with a different view around each bend. At the top it was like pastureland then further down the road was lined with heavily ladened chestnut trees. 

We are overnight in Vallon Pont D’Arc very close to the photo above.

69 miles (should have been 57), ascent 1347metres, average speed 10.0 mph, elapsed time 5hrs 56mins.

A bit of a nightmare today when I missed a turn and did an extra 12 miles before lunch. Other than that, another excellent day! Left Vallon Pont D’Arc then had an almost immediate 2 mile steep climb up to the rim of the gorge.

There were numerous view points along the way giving great views of the gorge.

We crossed the Rhone at Pont St Espirit and had a clear view of Mont Ventoux.

After lunch (a late one for me after my navigating problem) rode into some intense Cote du Rhone wine growing country.Grape picking was under way both mechanically and manually.

At afternoon coffee stop the weather became warmer – more like I had been expecting – and I cycled to Vaison in short sleeves.

A good day inspite of my diversion.

38 miles, ascent 1964 metres, average speed 8.3 mph, elapsed time 4 hrs 35 mins.

Left the hotel for an 8 mile ride to Malaucene for the start of the climb. Stocked up with food and left at 09:50. Engaged lowest gear and got my head down until Isabel’s goodie van after about 4 miles. A quick coffee and a banana and it was off again with the gradient varying from doable to just about doable. As we reached the summit the wind was very strong and very cold with ice falling from the overhead cables. Just time for a couple of photos before putting on all my available warm clothing and heading down. The first part of the descent was very uncomfortable due the very strong crosswind trying to push us over the edge! I stopped at the Tommy Simpson memorial but my hands were so cold I couldn’t take a photo. Stopped at Chalet Reynard for a very welcome hot chocolate before a nice long sheltered descent into Sault. I treated myself to a relaxing massage. Group celebratory meal this evening  .

 

 

 

70.48 miles, ascent 1451 metres, average speed 12.5 mph, elapsed time 5 hrs 39 mins.

Had a great celebratory meal last night with everyone in high spirits. The patron of the hotel made a special gateau, very light and delicious.What a difference a day makes! We woke to a cloudless  blue sky with a clear view of the tower at summit of Ventoux, something we couldn’t see yesterday even from the top. The route out to our first brew stop at Banon was a gradual climb interspersed with some  welcome downhills. The road was lined with fields of lavender, most of which, unfortunately, had been harvested. Even at 8 miles out, looking back, Ventoux still dominated the horizon.By the time we reached our picnic lunch at La Brillanne the sun had warmed up nicely and it was time to shed the leggings and arm warmers and put on some sun screen.This day had been a long time coming!There was a long downhill section after lunch and with the warm sun on our backs we made good progress to the afternoon break at Valensole after 52 miles. Most of the day’s climbing was now to come with a long section of “false flat” where the road appears to be downhill but actually goes up, most demoralising. Our destination of Moustier Sainte Marie is set into the hillside and is very picturesque.

50 miles, ascent 1475 metres, average speed 10.5 mph, elapsed time 4 hrs 46 mins.

A short, hard, brilliant day. A big climb to the rim of the Gorge du Verdon which we reached after about 12 miles and with some stunning views. We set off under a blue sky, chilly at first but warmed up on the climb.

As we reached the the view point we were buzzed by a very low flying French airforce Mirage going into the gorge.

Just before we entered the tunnel,below, Rob our leader met us with ice lollies – a lovely thought.

We had a long descent with trees of varying colours lining the route. The road was quite busy with camper vans, motor cycles and the occasional tour bus so care had to be taken, particularly rounding the tight bends. Just before our cafe lunch we crossed a bridge over the gorge. As has become traditional there was a long climb after lunch. Afternoon brew came up after 38 miles and then there was a lovely section following the river Verdon into Castellane.

Luckily I managed to find access to the river and gave my feet a very welcome soak.

Last day tomorrow!

54.44 miles, ascent 846 metres, average speed 13.5mph, elapsed time 3 hrs 44 mins

The last day and our last morning briefing by Rob.

We left Castellane in cool, bright sunshine and climbed steadily, with an occasional descent until about 12 miles when we met Isabel for our last brew stop – as this was a short day there was to be no afternoon stop.

The route to lunch was mainly gently undulating with pastureland on either side. Quite a few cattle and I saw a single bison.

As we approached lunch at 30 miles the scenery became more dramatic as we came into Les Clues de Greolieres.

We waited in warm sunshine in the picturesque village of Greolieres for the whole group to assemble before enjoying a very good pasta salad lunch in Le Relais.

With the whole group together we began the 14 mile, 850 metre descent into Cagnes sur Mer where we regrouped on the promenade for celebratory beers, handshakes and hugs.

We then cycled along the prom to our beach-side hotel for a glass of bubbly, group photos and a dip in the Med.

A memorable tour in every way. Challenging cycling, a wonderful route, mixed weather (which came good in the end), excellent organisation both on the tour and from head office, and a fantastic group of riding companions.