While the pro riders headed for the cruel finish up the 16 degree climb to Mende aerodrome, we opted for a 3hr 15min,70km recovery spin in the Provencal countryside.
We rode from our base in Avignon to the tenth century, medieval town of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Vaucluse means 'closed valley' and this picturesque village sits at road's end in the shadow of ragged cliffs, ancient caves and the alluring Sorgue River. This place has character, ambience and history - as well as good coffee. The Romans were here in the third century and there is plenty of evidence of early Gallic settlement.
The Galas aqueduct (1855 - not Roman) just out of town was a highlight. I could end up with a collection of these shots!
When we woke this morning, our plan was to climb Mont Ventoux but a replacement bus couldn't haul our bikes to the drop off zone (our driver had a rest day and we couldn't use his bus). So, it was a nice change to soak things up at a more leisurely pace. One the way, I learned today that Petrarch, the Italian poet, climbed Ventoux in 1355 when this was unheard of and as as a consequence is credited with establishing 'alpinism'. An indirect lineage to the tour's fascination with mountains!
Back at the tour (which we were able to see on TV for the first time today), Contador made a stunning move on Schleck on the final climb and gained 10 seconds in the challenge for the yellow jersey. The Pyrenees beckon.
We rode from our base in Avignon to the tenth century, medieval town of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Vaucluse means 'closed valley' and this picturesque village sits at road's end in the shadow of ragged cliffs, ancient caves and the alluring Sorgue River. This place has character, ambience and history - as well as good coffee. The Romans were here in the third century and there is plenty of evidence of early Gallic settlement.
The Galas aqueduct (1855 - not Roman) just out of town was a highlight. I could end up with a collection of these shots!
When we woke this morning, our plan was to climb Mont Ventoux but a replacement bus couldn't haul our bikes to the drop off zone (our driver had a rest day and we couldn't use his bus). So, it was a nice change to soak things up at a more leisurely pace. One the way, I learned today that Petrarch, the Italian poet, climbed Ventoux in 1355 when this was unheard of and as as a consequence is credited with establishing 'alpinism'. An indirect lineage to the tour's fascination with mountains!
Back at the tour (which we were able to see on TV for the first time today), Contador made a stunning move on Schleck on the final climb and gained 10 seconds in the challenge for the yellow jersey. The Pyrenees beckon.
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