A Day Ride to Cahors

October 12, 2022

The day started off a bit cloudy, which seemed appropriate as we had to bid farewell to Ann and Steve. They were heading north to the Dordogne, starting out by reversing our route along the Célé River to Figeac. It was great to spend time getting to know two such delightful souls - upbeat, adventurous, and seemingly willing to tackle most any challenge. In the spirit of CycleBlaze, we couldn’t let them leave without joining up for a brief group ride, sending them off with featured role in Rachael’s video and best wishes for a Bonne Route.

Rachael shows Ann the favorite features of the Garmin

The stunning scenery continued as we turned west along the Lot River for Cahors, thankful it was just a day ride and not a trip to the bike shop. It wasn't far into the ride when the sun emerged, marking yet another day of glorious cycling weather. We crossed the Lot just past Vers, climbing away from the river for a few miles, before descending back down near Arcambal where small country roads took us to the outskirts of Cahors.

Scott and Susan must be off taking pictures

Blus sky and reflected clouds, who wouldn't stop a pic of that

Back on their bikes, passing through yet another tunnel

An occasional expanse of farmland long the Lot Rver

We picked up a bike path entering Cahors, staying on the south side of the river and searching for a picnic spot that would give us a nice view and/or bathroom facilities. We found the former, a park bench in the sun with an unobstructed view of Pont Valentré, a 14th century bridge with three fortified towers. The Pont Valentré is also called the Devil’s Bridge, and after lunch we three acted like little imps, scrambling up and down the archway stairs to pose for pictures/get a better view. Surviving our hijinks without plunging to the cobbles below, we headed back to Bouziés.

Cathédrale Saint-Etienne, as seen from across the Lot

Vivien George mugging on the Valentré Bridge

Those bright blue shoes really stand out on the cobbles

Having scrambled up the staircase to the top of the archway, Scott encourages Rachael to join him

Rachael accepts the challenge, but cautiously, while Scott snaps away for posterity

The Valentré Bridge is located on the Via Podiensis of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage, the route from Puy-en-Velay. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, under the category of roads of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle in France.

A last look at the Valentré Bridge before making our way back to Bouziés

The return to Bouziés started out on a six-mile backtrack of our route into Cahors. Just past Arcambal, however, we climbed away from the river and onto the causse, reaching the highest point of the day in Berganty. We rolled across the top of the causse for another eight miles, and although the views were limited by trees, the cycling was relaxed and enjoyable, with Rachael and I riding together and chatting away. There was a lovely descent that steepened a bit before we rounded a curve and were suddenly at an overlook facing Saint-Cirq-Lapiope. Rachael and I stopped at the viewpoint, basking in the sun while waiting for Scott catch up.

The final miles were on a small winding road cut into the cliffs just above the towpath, an exhilarating 2.5 mile downhill swoop into Bouziés. We celebrated our five days of extraordinary cycling with ice cream and a beverage, marveling at our good fortune.

Team Anderson - I couldn't have asked for better cycling companions this past week

Scott capturing some extraordinary photos of the Lot River during our final descent into Bouziés. I encourage you to check them out on his post of our day

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Today's ride: 42 miles (68 km)
Total: 3,157 miles (5,081 km)

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Lucy MartinSusan, not to be *that* nagging friend but have you made arrangements for voting in November? If you have, please disregard. If you haven’t, go to https://www.fvap.gov/

Beautiful pictures!
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2 years ago

Susan CarpenterTo Lucy MartinThanks Lucy for the nagging and nice comment

I’m returning to NC on Nov 5 in time to vite - wouldn’t miss it!! I’m registered there and maybe there is a chance to flip
I can only imagine how crazy your life is now. Are you getting all those disruptive poll volunteers?
Hang in there
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2 years ago

Lucy MartinOkay, good!
I’ll find out soon enough 😬
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2 years ago