10. June 10, 2019, The “Short” 25 Mile Ride

Breakfast was on the patio this morning and the weather was a bit cool but perfect for sitting outside. I took a few photos to show how lovely the Eurpeon breakfast can be. One table is filled with breads, pastries and fruit, and the other with cereals, yogurt, jams and jellies and a selection of meats and cheeses. Of course there is also just brewed coffee accompanied by hot steamed milk.

The young lady standing in the doorway in the photo below is taking request for eggs cooked to order. “How do you want them” she asks each day. “Scrambled, an omelette with cheese, ham or perhaps just plain?”

Rain was predicted for the afternoon and so we were advised to ride early and try to get back by 11:00. Several of us went on the short 25 mile ride and the weather couldn’t have been better. We left the garage and headed to Entrexchaux and up to and through the small picturesque villages of Mallon and Saint Romain-Viennois.

Plenty of climbs at the beginning as you can see by the profile below. I noted halfway through (12.5 miles) we had already completed 1/2 the total feet of climbing that we do at home on a 40 mile ride. Yep, my quads and bum are talking to me a bit. We saw many 7-9% climbs and celebrated our 1800 ascent at the highest peak. Total ridden, 25 miles and almost 1,900 feet of climbing, mostly on the first part of the ride.

Again, so much beauty in this land of color and light, from vineyards to forest and even a tunnel today. I am truly grateful that I can be here and experience the wonder of Provence. I did have a flat today but was grateful that it happened just as we arrived at the garage where one of my riding buddies jumped in and fixed it lickety-split. I was so happy for the help because here we ride Gatorskins and they are tough to change.

Best news of the day, so far no rain but it is supposed to show tomorrow. However, it looks like it will clear up and we are scheduled to ride Mt. Ventoux on Wednesday.

We we got back to the room we took quick showers, washed out our cycling clothes and went to Malaucène, about 8km from here for a light lunch and a bit of shopping. Watch the credit card Bob you might see a purchase of a jersey, oops or two, on the credit card today. 😊

Tomorrow is a rest day and so we are going to check out the market that comes to town on Tuesdays and then to what Margaret promises to be a photo worthy lunch in Seguret which is very close by.

Yep, it was yet another really good day.