14. June 14, 2019 - Last Day in Vaison-la-Romaine

This morning it rained so we went and did the laundry with the plan to ride this afternoon. We then drove to Bedoin for some retail therapy but I didn’t find anything I could live without . However by the time we ate lunch I realized while Margaret and Hilary were ready to ride, I really wasn’t feeling it.  Just tired and also wanted to tour the town a bit. I opted to stay back and walk around and see  the historical town and get packed to leave tomorrow. 

This turned out to be a good decision as I enjoyed walking up and around the hillsides of Vaison-la-Romaine which dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. No slog here, I also got in my 13,000 steps!

All packed too! Off to Aix and hopefully better internet tomorrow!

Up to the Castle - this is what it looked  like then and this is what it looks like now.

View from the top. 

Medieval Cat?

The mediaval village of Vaison-la-Romaine 

Retail therapy - bought a pair of earrings from this Geneva ex-Pat

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13. June 13, 2019 - Let’s Ride the Gorges!

Let’s ride the Gorges -  the Gorges de la Nesque that is. 

Another perfect riding day here in Provence. It unbelievable how blessed we have been with such incredible riding weather!

This was a straight out and back from our hotel and was 63 miles and 4,167 feet of climbing. Yikes! Even though the majority of the uphill riding was not as steep (lots of 3-5%)  as yesterday it was long ride with plenty of extended climbs and still quite a challenge. Many of us were tired from the Mt. Ventoux adventure and even our backsides were feeling it. I know mine was.

However this was definitely a gorgeous ride with plenty of switch backs that went up and up and provided better views at every turn. From the summit one could see what seemed like forever. Hmmm, one could write a song about that...just saying. 

Here’s the map and profile which really does show that what goes up must go down.

Coffee break in a small vilaage past Bedoin 

Up, up and away 

Riding through one of four tunnel arches with friends Sandy and Ken

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At the top, note Mt. Ventoux in the background AND yes, we are wearing our NEW And well earned Mt. Ventoux jerseys. 

My new friend in the parking lot begging. Nope, not a Javelina, it’s a not so “wild” wild boar. 

Here’s the road we came up. Look closely.

Another view of Mt. Ventoux 

12. June 12, 2019 - Mt Ventoux

We came, we rode, we conquered! 5978 feet of climbing, about 13 +/- miles to the top and 13 +/- back to the bottom. The rest of the 14 miles was ridden going back and forth to the hotel. 

Today was a very challenging day as we finally had good enough weather to ride Mt. Ventoux. It rained all day yesterday but, just as predicted by the rain gods it promptly stopped at 2:00 am and even though it was a bit cool this morning it turned out to be perfect weather to ride.

There were about 15 of us from our tour of approximately 45 people that took on the challenge and as far as I can tell we all made it to the top.  Some riding road bikes and others with pedal assist and even others on e-bikes. The beautiful thing was that it allowed everyone to do the climb. 

I rode one foot in front of the other on my rented, but very nice road bike. Essentially I  peddled most of the way up the n the lowest gear available . It’s funny that when you do this type of riding and are hitting 10-12% climbs for long stretches that at 6-7% feels like a break. 

We didn’t have any wind and until I hit the last three kilometers I was riding on mostly forested roads. The mountain top is pretty much bare from the winds that can howl through here. There were only a few places to pull off to take a quick break and I stopped twice to have a snack and a drink. Even though this was probably the most challenging climbs I have ever taken on I was determined to make it to the top. And voila, I did!

On the way down I took a wrong turn and headed down in the wrong direction, luckily I noticed after about 3/4 of a mile. So of course I had to turn around and climb back up som 9-11% grades. I win the prize for the most directionally challenged today and paid for it too!

Descending the mountain was it was extremely cold. Even the jacket and gloves were just not enough and since it was such a long descent my hands were a bit strained from all the braking. I certainly had to pay attention as I manouvered several switchbacks and turns. We were all pretty cold and pretty tired when we arrived at the bottom in the town of Malaucine. It took awhile to stop shivering and seats in the sun at the local cafe were very much appreciated! 

Taken by Hans, one of the riders on our tour. Look at the view behind me. 

Yikes!

What it really feels like when one reaches the top 

Me and Claudia, the only two almost 70 year olds riding regular road bikes all the way to the top!

The gang at the top

Love those Trilogy jerseys!

My first real coke in about 4 years - well earned!

Helloooooo France! I made it up Mt. Ventoux!

11. June 11, 2019 - Market Day!

Today was Market day here In Vaison-la-Romaine. And it was HUGE! so many vendors, so little time. Unfortunately we don’t have a kitchen or we would have brought back bucketloads of fresh food and had a remarkable dinner.

I am pretty much just going to post the photos here as they tell the story. I did buy a few gifts for friends and so not to spoil he surprise they will not be included. Oh and I did buy a stunning print from a local gallery right down the alley way from our hotel that has been calling me every time I passed it..

Nice melons Marg! Just like life, sometimes one is smaller than the other!

Captures the light and color of Provence. We have seen these poppies everywhere.

The gallery and the artist...

The Artist.  I bought the print and Margaret purxchased the limited edition 

Lunch in Seguret, where food definitely is art! I had the fish, 

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. 

L

Entering the village of Mason

Hmmm...which way?

This is an AVERAGE of 7% incline on this 2km climb

Hard to tell, but this is what 7% looks like from the bike...

At the top - 1,800 feet

More examples of the “color and light”