St. Jean en Royans to Pont en Royans

September 14, 2024

Col de la Machine

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A shorter day today but 1016 m of climbing. It was supposed to be a rest day!

What a beautiful part of the world this is. We had a wonderful breakfast in three languages, French, English and German. We had three modes of transport, car, bicycle and motorcycle and we found much to talk about with the help of Google translate.

This was so much fun. A great way to start the day.

Our charming Chambre d’Hôte is right at the foot of Col de la Machine. This is one of the most stunning balcony roads imaginable. We hadn’t planned to do it again as we did it in 2019 but it was simply too enticing. We left our bags with our hosts and away we went. It was just as wonderful as we remembered. Our only small regret is that instead of doing an up and back we chose a different return route. It was a minor climb and long descent, and a twisty route through the forest. We didn’t see a single car. In short, it was great, but it didn’t have the magnificence of Col de la Machine. What follows is a bit of a photo dump. No explanations or captions needed.

Approaching a short section where one lane was closed due to falling rock we assume.

Two very happy cyclists. An amazing experience.

Here is where we topped out before the descent.

Back down, we had a cup of tea courtesy of our hosts, a quick lunch and off we went to Pont en Royans. We needed that tea. We could see our breath on the climb.

We wove our way through quiet country lanes and D roads which were fairly quiet. It was a beautiful ride but we both laughed as it felt like a very long 14 km. So long we have booked a second night at our hotel here. Time for a real rest day…or not…this is such a fabulous area we may decide to bike tomorrow but if we do it will be unloaded, short and as flat as one can make it in a very not flat part of the world. The Vercors is amazing. If you haven’t been here it is well worth the effort.

Our dinner was at Le M Bary and we were treated so well. An amazing place with an atmosphere that is hard to describe. A bit hippy with exquisite food and wonderful people. We sat for an hour with wine because they don’t open until 7 PM and we arrived at 6 PM. It is that kind of place. Then they brought us bread and tapenade to help pass the time. Just lovely.

An open kitchen as they prepare for their guests.

The beautiful Sixsous at the neighbouring table. She did a bike tour from Grenoble to Spain! That was a surprise.

Dinner was a memorable experience in every way. We walked back to the hotel feeling grateful and happy.

The restaurant is built right into the rock.

Another fabulous day to remember. We are very lucky.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vPOp1kG5nE6

Today's ride: 42 km (26 miles)
Total: 514 km (319 miles)

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Rachael AndersonWhat a great day!
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1 month ago

Rod BlastThat's what I call a day of rest.
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1 month ago

Kathleen ClassenTo Rachael AndersonIt really was and we are sincerely hoping you are both feeling better so you can get back to what you do best.
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1 month ago

Patrick O'HaraThanks for bringing back memories of our romp through here years ago. We're thinking about heading back to this area ourselves.
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1 month ago

Keith ClassenTo Patrick O'HaraThis is our second time here. We are torn. Could easily spend a week in this area. But so much more to explore … so little time.
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1 month ago