May 5, 2023
Sault: Loop Ride to Revest-du-Bion
Today with Kirsten and Lyle, there are five of us CycleBlazers at the breakfast table, then Kirsten and Lyle are on their way to the Gorges de la Nesque which we will be visiting the day after tomorrow after spending two days in Sault. Janos chooses to take a day off his bike and Susan and I go on a short loop ride to the west of Sault. Why are we spending these extra days in Sault anyway?
Mont Ventoux has us under its spell. For those who readers who don't frequent the cyclist scene, here a short explanation from the web:
"Mont Ventoux is the highest mountain in Provence, and because it is isolated from other mountains of the same size, it's one of the most prominent geographical features of northern Provence. The mountain is part of cycling folklore and is on the bucket list of almost every avid cyclist. The landscape is wild, and the weather can be unpredictable. If you are up for the challenge, prepare well for the battle. You should develop a serious amount of mental focus as you ride. The first 10 kilometers of the journey will not relent, and there’s very little to distract you."
When we started planning our trip, Susan mentioned she wanted to give Mont Ventoux a try. I was intrigued and wondered if I should try it, too. The idea grew on me, so here we are waiting for the right weather. But today? My legs haven't quite recovered from yesterday and we are both having misgivings. At one point Susan declares she doesn't have to prove anything to anyone any more, so why take on the challenge. I'm a little disappointed but okay. Later on Susan is again all for it and I'm the one who is doubtful. I have a heart condition, should I be doing this? We put off the final decision and go for a day ride.
We set out around ten on a route that Susan has planned for us through more rolling countryside. We now see giant fields of lavender in their symmetric rows, not blooming yet, but we can almost imagine it and find the views thrilling, even if the scent and hue of lavender are stll missing. At the halfway point we stop for lunch at a restaurant with tables in the sun. It's a leisurely day, we have time for a long chat before we get back on our bikes. The way back is mostly downhill and the wind has picked up. Hmmm, Ventoux will be much steeper and windier on the way down.
We all go out to eat at the Vietnamese place next door. It's not too good but we don't go to bed hungry so not a big deal, just had a few laughs about the food. Our evening together and the conversation compensate. I practice simultaneous translating, German to English, while Janos tells Susan a little about life in Hungary before he fled in 1964. In Hungary the only foreign language taught was Russian and when he left and came to Germany, he had his hands full learning German and getting established in his new life. He never really had the opportunity to learn more than a smattering of English.
We had perfect weather today, by the way, and the same is predicted for tomorrow.
Today's ride: 34 km (21 miles)
Total: 180 km (112 miles)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 6 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 0 |