Wednesday:
We bid Monseur Taik and Madam Delores of the magnificent Beau Site Hotel at Argeles Gazost farewell and headed off towards town of Faucon near Mount Ventoux, the monster of Provance.
The drive was long (550 km) and the freeways are fast, efficient and un-inspiring. The only point of note would be the freeway petrol/food stops which are the usual chain style outlets, but unike Oz still manage to serve up surprisingly good food..... this kept Robert pretty happy; baguettes, fromage and jambon have become his comfort food.
Arrived in Faucon with the temperatures reaching 35degrees and a view of Mt Ventoux and it's bare summit causing some concern as to what the climb will be like in the heat. Can't worry too much, we will be doing a bit of a tour around the base tomorrow, we can have an early start of friday for the ascent and get to the top before it gets too hot...... the question is will Gerry take on the triple?
Thursday:
Another warm day dawns and the top of Ventoux looks particularly exposed to the sun. However today is to be a tour around the base Faucon to Malacene to Bedoin, to Sault and home. I reasonable loop of 110 km with 1700 metres of climbing..... not really a rest day, but the boys are here to ride, not just eat baguettes.
The roads were great, smooth, undulating not too steep (except for a wrong turn which took us up one unexpectedly nasty climb), scenery was different - vineyards, limestone gorges, villages etc. The heat was a tad oppressive, but in summary it was another great ride.
Have now showered, feel recovered and looking forward to dinner and a wine and a good sleep in prep for tomorrow and the ride from Bedoin to the top of Ventoux.
Attached are a few photos of today... some more cols. more villages, more cyclists and more food.
and that is all for now so....Bon soir
BB
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