A very poor WiFi connection so was not able to complete the post yesterday.
60 miles, 1361 metres climbed, average speed 11.1 mph.
Getting ready for the day and waiting for the rest of the group to arrive from their hotel. We had the option of a long or short ride today but didn’t need to decide until the morning brew stop at about 17 miles. There was a gradual climb for the first six miles or so then a gradual descent through vineyards and olive groves. Our first of several hilltop towns was Lacoste.
At the small hilltop village of Oppede Le Vieux we came across an art group painting or drawing the local architecture.
This part of the route was characterised by steepish climbs up into hilltop towns and villages, sometimes along cobbled roads. A lovely prepared picnic lunch was waiting at the commune car park at Chevalier Blanc, some 27 miles into the ride. Just before we arrived at lunch we heard a clap of thunder followed by a light shower but nothing more.
After lunch we travelled along narrow lanes, with good surfaces and mostly on the flat heading for the afternoon brew stop at 46 miles. We then climbed through steep sided gorges and up through the village of Buoux finally reaching the high point at about 1600 metres. The last 5 miles was a twisting descent in the rain and taken cautiously.
A great day’s riding with a lovely sociable and supportive group of 6 in total.
Hi Peter, do the overnight hotels have a secure place to leave your bicycles? Really enjoy reading your blog each evening. Take care.
Hi Jacqueline, yes all the hotels seem have secure garage cum store room. There is probably £3ok-£50k worth of bikes on the tour so they need to be stored securely. Glad you are enjoying the blog. Peter X