Day 10- Vallon Pont D'Arc to Vaison-la-Romaine

You can't beat a HARD climb first thing in the morning...well you can actually but today there was no choice.  Within a mile of cycling we were on a long 11% ramp, aerobic and anaerobic systems going into overdrive, then the hairpins came and after about 2.5 miles we were about 250 metres higher at the first col of the day.  These cold are not on the "high list" but they are still cols which means a reasonable climb up and a good descent!

After a stop at the viewpoint, a geographical chat about gorges, valleys and meanders with Dan and lots of photos we carried on.  The road twisted and turned around the top of the gorge, some ups and some downs, some goats and plenty of viewpoints, it is a very beautiful ride.  After around 18 miles the road started to drop down to St Martin D'Ardeche where about 20 of us descended on a café for coffee, there was no brew stop today as one of the vans was a little poorly and had to be sorted by the van doctor!

We had a lovely cycle between there and lunch although the wind was beginning to pick up,some of the roads were a little busier but nothing too bad  Then out of the blue to me (because I hadn't read the route note for today!) we were on a very long and old bridge and crossing the River Rhone, how a bridge geek like me hadn't spotted this coming I'll never know!
We stopped for a picnic lunch at Mondragon and after some sustenance we carried on our merry way.  The wind was getting stronger after lunch and the sun hotter...for the first time in 10 days cycling I can say I felt I was toiling, the wind was making mincemeat out of me, I couldn't drink water fast enough and just felt that I could do better, I think however that most of us felt like this for this part of the afternoon.  Sue and I had been cycling with Dan and Bob, but they had pretty much left us for dead...we caught up with Rhys and Jen and had a bit of cat and mouse with them.  We also got our first proper views of Mont Ventoux which we are climbing tomorrow.

Just as I thought I couldn't take much more cycling I saw Rhys's green top in a café in the distance...it was like an oasis, everyone in front was sitting on the terrace and an order of ice cold cokes and oranginas had been given, it was a well needed break before the final 12 miles into Vaison-la-Romaine.  We left the café in dribs and drabs and rode into town.  Vaison is lovely with a lot of history and our hotel was slap bang in the centre square.  My room has blue shutters and the Plain Trees are almost coming in through my windows...it is a delight.

After a well needed beer I went for a wander up to the old town and around the shops, it was lovely.
A great but hard day in the saddle, I am very much looking forward to Ventoux tomorrow.

 https://www.strava.com/activities/365784936

Miles - 58 mles
Ascent - 1400m
Cols - 2 low cols but still cols!
Weather - Hot and sunny!
Rode with - Mostly Sue and Dan and Bob
Extra interesting bits - Gorges are amazing and crosswinds are brutal...and Mont Ventoux in the distance is still a giant!