As we walked around another thunder shower sent us back to the hotel. As a result, we needed more time to completely explore the town of Sainte Enimie. But suffice to say it is a wonderful old village.
We departed our hotel at 10:15 this morning which has been pretty consistent for us. Today began where we left off yesterday on the D908B. The weather was overcast and the road was still slightly wet as we climbed our first 100 metres leaving Sainte Enimie. The strong head wind that we experienced coming into town yesterday was now gone. Although the road was a bit busier with car traffic, it was still quite light. We were within the Gorge du Tarn area but the steep walled cliffs soon gave way to more gentle slopes. All the beauty remained but under cloudy skies the photographer was much less active and our overall speed levels were greatly improved.
We quickly moved up the hills above the Tarn and enjoyed great views showing the size of the river.
There were a number of small settlements along our route today but few with any commercial size. We had planned a stop in the town of Ispagnac which is conveniently located about 20kms from Sainte Enimie. We thought that this would be a good place for a coffee break and to buy a sandwich for lunch.
As it turned out, the patisserie that Pat had scoped out appeared to be open but had no bread on the shelves. However, the small coffee shop was completely full of local people. They took great amusement at the oddity of two anglephone cyclists in their small town. Everyone is so friendly and have a custom of greeting with a welcoming, ¨bonjour¨. We enjoyed our coffees outside on the patio and considered our lunch options. It looked like it would be the fruit and crackers that we had previously stored away. Our destination of Pont de Montvert was only 25kms away but with a good deal of it uphill.
The church in Ispagnac also dates back from the 12th century and a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. The sign on the wall indicates that it will be under going a refurbishment.
Shortly after leaving Ispagnac, the D907b connects to the highway N106. It is a big road but the traffic was not bad and we only needed to ride it for 3kms until we could turn off at Le Pont du Tarn. We then began to follow the much smaller and scenic D998. This road follows the Tarn and the climbing begins very soon after the junction. It takes you high above the river for some truly magnificent views. About 10 kms before Le Pont de Montvert the road starts a continuous climb for about 300 vertical metres.
This a great machine that picks up, debarks and slices to length. It was amazing watching the operator. Was thinking this would be a good toy for you, James G.
The D998 does not get nearly the same attention as the D908D in the Gorges du Tarn but the views and riding were both amazing. Just do not get too close to the side of the road!
We have reached the top of our ride today at almost 800 vertical metres. Can you spot what is missing from this picture? The guide should get a good tip today!
Scott FenwickTo Scott AndersonToo late. The cat is out of the bag. Fortunately for you Rachael has full size panniers which are too large for a front rack. It is not often, but sometimes it gets us up over a hill and I have a front rack for that purpose. Reply to this comment 2 years ago
Scott FenwickTo Rachael AndersonI have spoken to him about that now. Maybe he will consider it. But Pat just has small front panniers so it works for us in a pinch. Maybe a smaller wardrobe is needed? Reply to this comment 2 years ago
Jacquie GaudetAs we were making our way uphill into Siena, a couple passed us going the opposite direction. When I caught up to him, Al said I shouldn’t get ideas. I hadn’t really noticed, but he was on a heavy bike with a trailer while she was on an unloaded road bike. I prefer to carry my own stuff so I don’t need to catch up if I want my rain jacket, say. And it’s possible to fix a flat in the time it takes for Al to notice I’m further behind than usual and come back. How do I know that, you ask? Reply to this comment 2 years ago
We choose to stay in Le Pont de Montvert as it was just over midway up to the col de la crois de Berthel at which is 1088 metres. The small town has one main street with a bustling bar and a couple of patisseries. Our hotel catered to the hiking set, offering half board and a packed lunch. The dinner menu had a couple of choices of soup, main and dessert. We arrived at 8 pm and already every table was full. We both had a salmon lasagna that was very good. After dinner we walked across the street to our room and called it another great day of cycling.
The famous bridge at the Pont de Montvert is a national historic monument.
Scott FenwickIt has been taking some time to adust to from my old edge 705. But yes they are good. You must have been so sad when yours went missing and jumped for joy when found. Reply to this comment 2 years ago
