Friday, June 7, 2019

7. Friday, June 7, 2019 - Provence 2A

Oh what a magnificent ride! Approximately 44 miles and 3,800 feet of climbing and oh there were some challenging climbs for this flat lander Arizona girl! We had everything from 9 - 14% hills but as the day went on when I started feeling like 6% was pretty easy. Getting these legs ready for Mt. Ventoux!

Another day of beautiful weather with a bit of a breeze on the way home. We had lots of ups and downs and several “around” the round about as we came into small towns. 

Today people broke into smaller groups and I rode with Margaret, Hilary, Christopher and our new friends from Connecticut; Claudia and Justine.  Together we enjoyed the incredible scenery with hillsides of vineyards and colorful planted at every angle. One cannot even imagine how they cultivate the grapes other than by hand. No machines could fit between the rows and remain upright. 

We left Vaison-la-Romaine Romaune and rode through the small towns of beautiful Provence: Sugeret, Sablet, Beaumes-de-Venise, Maulucene (from where we will ride up Mt.Ventoux) and Entrechux.

The scenery was extraordinary every turn of the way and just when I thought it couldn’t get any prettier, it did. The incredible backdrop of beauty mad the climbs, while challenging, much easier.  Overall it was a VERY good day!


Getting started before the climbs begin 


Entering Beaumes de Venice, the hands that pick the grapes also support Margaret’s bum. 


Entering Maulaucene with Christopher directing us around the roundabout. 



At the top of the la Roque-Alaric: Justine, Gail, Christopher, Claudia, Margaret and Hilary



Hilary & Christopher at the top of yet another climb


Stunning vistas!


Entrechaux


All roads lead to Mt. Ventoux 

My very comfortable Trek Silque, nice bike.



Hoping for great weather to climb Mt. Ventoux, May have to delay a day or two due to predictions of rain and wind

















1 comment:

Traveling Oltmans said...

Hi Gail,
Great photos as always! What is the black thing wrapped around your calf? If the ride to the top of the mountain is delayed, I presume you will have some way to fill the time ;). Happy trails!