Post Cent Cols Challenge Cevennes - Spin outside Aix-En-Provence

This morning we woke up while it was still dark and rather early, but although there was no hustle and bustle and main cases and day bags being dropped off at specific vans, there were still riders wide awake for one more breakfast before departing for various geographies.  It is always a shame for the energy of a Cent Col Challenge group to have to subside once the trip ends as each group becomes like a well-oiled machine once settled into the routine of a Cent Cols day.

Jen and I were lucky enough to enjoy another day in France and caught a ride with Louise to Aix-En-Provence.  Phil had provided me with an idea for a loop which was nearly a third of a Cent Col day so we were set.

It was good to get all our gear into the hotel and head out for spin to loosen up our legs, plus getting up early and going to bed late last evening made us more tired than usual.  The loop we did took us around the Reserve Naturelle de Sainte-Victoire area.  It turned out to be an impressive rock face which we circled around and running the route clockwise was the way to do it so we could enjoy the views of the mountain range.

Even getting a chance to get one more col (Col de Clap)

One of the best parts of the day was having no agenda.  We could take as long as we wanted and stop when and where we wanted.  Of course cafes and bakeries were visited along the way and at the start and end of the ride.

In the evening we were able to finally enjoy a large salad and bottle of local Aix-En-Provence Rose wine.

It has been one heck of a journey these past four weeks.  We cycled over 3,873 kilometers and climbed more than 81,937 meters (2,406 miles and 268,822 ft). That is the total for each day of each trip and does not include rest day spins, getting ready for each event and bonus amounts from getting lost or exploring.  Will we be back?  Likely, but it is time to savor the memories for some time to come.  For now our bikes are packed up and we are nearly ready for our trip home.

Cent Cols Challenge Cevennes - Stage 10: The final day of a fantastic journey in a special region of France

So, the final day of the Double Cent Cols Challenge arrived.  Even though at times, our energy levels seemed to be all over the place, from extreme highs to extreme lows, from feeling good to feeling horrible, from hot to cold, it has been one big adventure.

Today, we rolled as a group in a much more mellow fashion from the town of Ales.  Again, as we were a bit lower and in a valley, so starting temps were fresh (aka: cold) but as has been the norm this week, as soon as we started to climb, gloves came off, gilets were opened and up we went.

We rolled over a few cols on the way to Feed #1 in a cafe.  I had taken a few side road diversions and met up with Phil (from LMT) and Jen finishing up fixing Jen’s first flat of the day.  Most of the way up the next col, the tire went flat again.  A larger knick in the tire, most likely left over from Spain, had been causing some problems in the Cevennes as we rolled over gravel and chestnut bits.  The second time we placed a small tire boot (old piece of tire) in and it held until Feed #1 where Phil was nice enough to give Jen a new tire since our spare was in Yogi’s van.

After leaving Feed #1, it was down a twisty but fast and flowy descent to the first of two harder climbs (Col de l’Espinas).  A wooded-to-open climb were the feel of these two climbs.  Upon reaching the top of the l’Espinas, I elected to head 4 km further up to Aire de Cote which was a 200 m climb up to some hiking and biking trails.  Views were great along the way and the descent back down was about as straight, fast and non-technical as they come.  Fun!

Aire de Cote - worth the view

Next up was a punchier and angrier climb - Col de l’Asclier.  I elected to push a bit harder on these two climbs since it was the last day of the Double.  It was another great climb which finished under a small tunnel at the top.  I also met up with Jen and a few other riders for some photos.  Down to lunch we went on another fast, flowy descent.  No shortage of them today.

Lunch was supposed to be in a cafe, but to take pressure of the team and riders, Phil changed it to picnic style.  Louise and Livio did not disappoint - come to think of it, their Feed Stops were always top-notch.  Small pizzas shaped like quiche were great!

The final few cols remained.  I again elected to do a bit more exploring and found the original col sign for our first after lunch col.  But it did take some riding on what was really not much of a road any more, but still fun nonetheless.

Finding original col signs

Friday afternoon traffic jam

After some more fun descending, we met up and regrouped at Feed #3.  Just near the top of the last col, Jonny had to help Phil out and ride the remainder of the way to the top and into the feed.  Too funny to watch!

As a group we rolled the last nearly 30 km into Castries where our journey started only 11 short days ago.  Time does not seem to fly when riding but when looking back, it really does fly by.

At the post-event dinner, awards were handed out and many kind and encouraging words were said.  I still firmly believe no matter what happens on one of these trips, anyone who signs up for a Cent Cols Challenge is taking on something bigger than themselves and will step out of their comfort zone or be forced out on more than one occasion.  I saw this even more so than usual in the group in the Cevennes and to all I say Chapeau!

Cent Cols Challenge Cevennes Stage 9: One more day of the adventure remains

Stage 9 started off with a flattish, clear and chilly 35 km in a valley today.  We rolled from our hotel as a group with Phil on the front.  Phil set a pace which was as brisk as the air for the first 20 km or so and once we reached the top of the only real topographical feature in this section (100 m climb) there were only 3 people around.  Phil dropped back and I rolled into the first climb of the day with one other rider.  It was a wooded climb that snaked its way up to the top of the day’s first col (Col du Mas de L’Ayre).  It wasn’t too hard of a climb and the higher we climbed out of the valley, the warmer the air became.  It helped that the top of the climb and the descent soon thereafter was in the sun helping to warm the air up a bit more.

Feed #1 was in a town having an open air market this morning, so I was able to stop by and pick up some post-ride treats for Jen and I.  Can you really go wrong with fresh French baked goods - No!

The next climb of the day (Col du Pre La Dame) would take us to nearly 1,500 m, so I packed a heavier jacket in case it was cool higher up.  Another wooded-to-open climb awaited us and it did not disappoint.  The autumn colors were out in full force right now and as we weaved our way into the Lozere department (region), each climb and descent was a scenery feast.  A flowing switchback descent followed the day’s biggest climb.

A 15 km loop to tackle another col awaited us before lunch and I even had a bit of time to make a slight route deviation and find another smaller then single lane wooded climb chalk full of chestnuts, rocks and crumbly tarmac.  It’s a ton of fun exploring in someone else’s backyard when you have a bit of extra energy.

Lunch was a vegetable crepe in a cafe.  It was funny, it was shaped like a square and when Jen asked why I did not take my food I had to laugh because I thought the crepe was a napkin on my plate.

A few more cols remained throughout the day, all taking the shape of wooded-to-exposed climbs the higher up you went.  The more challenging climb was the last one of the day (Col de la Barraque).  It had some fresh light gravel laid down in steeper spots making keeping traction when standing a more focused effort.

From there it was a mostly descent with some flat into our final night’s stay in the town of Ales.

Only one more day of this Double Cent Cols Challenge Adventure remains.  We consider ourselves to be lucky to have been able to take part in this journey and meet so many new people and visit with old friends along the way.

CCC Cevennes Stage 8: More Ardechoise Exploring

Today we were set to do some more Ardechoise exploring and it was a great day for it.  Thunderstorms from last night were gone and replaced with clear crisp autumn air and blue skies.

Since today was to be a shorter day, 165 km or so, Feed #1 was in a town square and Phil encouraged us to duck into a local cafe which honored Jean Farrat (a French folk singer).  Memorabilia about him was everywhere.  Jen and I had a cafe au lait and hot chocolate which help to take the edge of the morning chill still present after the descents in more shaded areas.

Lunch was in a cafe as well and today’s vegetarian option was quiche.  As has been the theme this trip, lunch was warm, filling and hit the spot.  After eating we were pretty much right into a long climb up to Col de la Croix de Bauzon (14 km and about 1000 m of elevation gain).  The higher we climbed, the better the views were.  You could truly see and feel autumn on the climb.  Yellows and orange were everywhere.  I took a bit more time at the top of the col and climbed up to the nearby ski station and the views were superb as well.

We then had a quick down and back up to Col de Meyrand and the colors were just as good if not even better as we snaked our way up to the col.  From there we had a 30 km or so descent.  The road eventually snaked its way back down to the valley where we had a few more ‘bumps’ until the final feed of the day.

After Feed #3, we had a few more shorter climbs and joined more forest roads before heading down and of course back up to the town of Aubenas for the night.

So, today was supposed to be 165 km, but due to some arrowing confusion, at least 2/3’s of the group went 10-15 km out of the way which made the ride at least 180 km or so.  Even Phil went the wrong way!  Of course, Garmin gpx files and lack of reassurance arrows eventually got us back on track.

Another notable siting today included a house with at least 10 cats eating outside.  Most were tabby’s.  Wow, a home with more cats than ours...

CCC Cevennes Stage 7: Into the clouds, some thunder, lightning and heavy rain and capped with blue skies

Phil had warned us last night storms were forecast today, so we needed to be ready for wet weather again, after all, it is autumn and we are in the mountains.  The weather did not disappoint - we were in for some rain.

The morning climb out of Privas was rather humid, but since rain was likely, I opted for winter tights.  It made the start of the day somewhat hot, but I kept drinking to offset my sweating.  About 15 km into the ride; which started with nearly a 30 km climb to 1100 meters; we went into the clouds.  It soon turned to rain, but it was not a cold rain like a few days ago, so things weren’t that bad.  On the descent, once we were out of the clouds, we were rain-free again for a bit.  The roads in the Ardeche region still continue to remind me of a paved version of the Capitol Forest back home only here there are a series of ornate bridges placed in what seems like random places as they go over nearby valleys and streams.

One of the major challenges for the day was the Col de Ardechoise.  It is a popular sportive climb in this region.  Once I arrived at the climb, it started to rain again.  Soon it began to pour, but clouds did look brighter at times, so I held off putting on the hardshell jacket.  At this point, my winter tights were a good choice this morning.  I was not cold, just very wet.  Thunder and lightning were also becoming prominent.  As I pressed upwards on the climb, hints of blue started to appear and I held out hope for something special at the top.  I was not disappointed.  The clouds parted and there were blue skies.  Autumn colors dotted the backdrop of scenery everywhere.  You could not have scripted a better reward at the top of a climb.  My iPhone was out of my pocket quite a bit up until lunch as I stopped to snap photos.  Once I caught up with Phil he mentioned to me how dark the clouds were behind us.  He had not been kidding, the weather we left below looked ominous and foreboding.

Lunch was again at a cafe stop and warm food and coffee was just right.  Phil’s plan for cafe lunch stops has been right on the mark this trip.  Everyone is always thankful for them, warming up a bit and changing base layers on days like today when we are higher up makes quite a difference.

Jen and I before our 40 km descent after lunch

From lunch there were a few rolling hills but mainly a 40 km descent.  From there we hit some more true Ardeche forest roads where chestnuts seem to be everywhere on the ground, creating obstacles to be avoided.

We again had the reward of a smooth 8 km descent down to Privas on the road we have descended the past few days now.  It is quite welcome at the end of a day to have such a smooth descent.

Once again I was able to duck into a local Privas Boulangerie for a pre-dinner snack.  French bakeries cannot be beat!

CCC Cevennes - Rest Day

Our second rest day of our back-to-back CCC journey has arrived.  It’s hard to believe our journey of quiet roads that tilt; well sometimes aggressively; upward will be ending soon.

After a leisurely breakfast Jen and I headed out on a small loop I’d mapped out.  We decided to run it in the opposite direction from what I had mapped and it was worth the change.  We were rewarded with a quiet road climb to Col des Croix de Creysseilles where I think I might have seen one tractor in the 7-8 km climb.  The climb included more bridges, more rivers, and tranquility.  The surface near the top would’ve made Phil proud as the tarmac degraded.  The gradients weren’t too steep as we worked to spin the pedals a bit.  Funny how rest day rides can seem so easy knowing 200 km does not lie ahead.  We had intended to stop in the town of Creysseilles, well we thought it might be a town, and it was, with maybe 2 houses.

It must be autumn

Doing it right, tarmac degrading

CCC Cevennes - journey of bridges

Once back in Privas, we visited a Boulangerie for some fresh baked treats.  Then we got back to the hotel for some bike cleaning and a massage from Louise.  Bikes and bodies in working order now.  Laundry was next on the list to do along with ambling around town on our bikes.  It’s always hard to remember midday in Europe is so quiet as all businesses pretty much close for the afternoon.

Next up, Stage 7.  4 days remain.

CCC Cevennes Stage 6: Annonay to Privas - Welcome back sun!

For Stage 6, we woke up and got ready while it was still dark as usual.  Day bags down to the van at 6:30 and into the coffee machine line.  Thankfully, it was dry outside.  Cool, but dry - a welcome treat after yesterday.

With so many riders new to the CCC routine, there was not much thought about today (6th day of the event) being a rest day as has been typical in past CCC events.  But just like in CCC Cantabrico, there were many tired eyes and bodies; mine included; this morning.  Yesterday’s rain was very wearing.  We were somewhat lucky though, being higher up and not near the coast meaning we had been spared worse weather.  Nice to our south on the coast of France had massive flooding.

We rolled out of Annonay while the town square was getting setup for a Sunday open market.  Other than some tricky navigation through alley-like streets, we made our way out of town and up.  I had to chuckle when the street CCC arrowed for us had a gradient warming sign of 18%.  Don’t think many others caught site of it, but I knew what it meant - steep in places.  After getting out of town, we were rewarded with sunrise views of the Ardeche region.  The air was fresh (aka cool and crisp) but skies were blue.

18% means only one thing - steep

We passed a few cols and climbed and descended for a bit and the roads still had reminders of yesterday’s rains with dried-up run-offs in many places.

As I entered one small town, it was still cool so I needed to make some clothing choice adjustments, so what a better time to stop and duck into a Boulangerie for a fresh warm crusty French baguette - totally worth it and for less than 1 Euro.  Plus it was fun to feel like I was at home with a baguette sticking out of my CCC carry all for a while.

Totally worth the stop, can't beat a warm baguette

As the morning rollled on, we climbed higher and rose above a cloud layer that had formed over the river valley.  It’s become more and more apparent each day how this really is a journey of bridges.  We are rolling over them, descending down to valleys and doing it over and over, but with the views, it really doesn’t get old.  However, it does require caution on narrow single-lane shaded roads with views which are not very far ahead in spots.

After lunch we had some rolling terrain and then a descent leading up to the Col de Serre-Mure which Phil had deemed one of the harder climbs of the trip - meaning double digit gradients in many places for the 8 km climb.  He was right on the mark and it was a challenging climb, partly for gradients, but also partly because it was day 6.  After the climb we were rewarded with a flowing descent followed by some rolling terrain and more descending.  But today we were ducking back into some gorges with epic ravine and river views.  It made it hard to focus on the road ahead, so I had to timeshare views ahead with views below.  Totally worth going a bit slower to do so.

Jen rounding the last steep switchback near the top of Col de Serre-Mure

There were a few more climbs that afternoon, but we were greeted to a smooth wide open 8 km descent into our rest day down of Privas!

CCC Cevennes Stage 5: 150 km in the rain and wind, taking the challenge to another level

The short version of today’s Cevennes Stage 5 is that is rained most of the day.

Things cleared out overnight after Stage 4, but Phil had warned us last night the afternoon could be wet for Stage 5, so be ready and have our day bags stocked with whatever we needed to keep us warm.  We would find out, we would need every bit of what we packed.

It was a chilly morning with some low valley fog with temps about 4 Celcius to start the ride off but we were right into a climb which warmed us up.  We even soon climbed out of the fog and into blue skies and thought maybe last night’s weather forecast might be wrong.  At the top of the first col, there were lots of smiles and attitudes were upbeat.  Things were looking good.

First col of the day...

On the way to the next high point for the day, the signed route and garmin route did not match, so I elected to follow a hunch which turned out to be right for Col des Pradeaux.  The way I chose added an extra 6 km and 200 m of vertical but the weather was cooperating so it was worth it.

From there it was on to Feed #1.  The winds were picking up and skies were clouding over.  It was looking ominous.  On the way to the next col, it started to drizzle and then rain.  This was about 65 km into the ride.  Once at the col (Joanziecq), I switched to more water repellant gloves and was already wearing the gabba with a gilet.  I’d soon need it.  Once on the descent, it was full on rain and wind.  I just went heads down for the next 40 km to get to lunch which was in a cafe.  I tried to tuck low to keep my core out of the cold as temps were dropping too.  Eventually I got to lunch and was soaked.

This would be one of the last photos of the day, the rain had moved in to stay

After pizza and a petit cafe, it was time to head back out.  It was still raining and I was a little over 100 km into the ride.  As we rode up and out of a valley, the rain lightened up, but as we climbed higher and into more open terrain, it was full on rain and wind again.  Heads down was again the name of the game.  At this point I was wearing my Rapha Hard Shell and had my winter tights on from the start, so I was generally warm.  Diluvio gloves were on for the rest of the ride too.

Everyone this afternoon looked grim, the upbeat attitude from the morning had disappeared.  Once on the main climb of the afternoon, it was rather quiet and tranquil at times, much better than the busier road we had been on to get there.  Feed #3 soon arrived and I was happy to warm up with a cafe au lait in a warm cafe stop Phil had arranged.  I tried to minimize my stop time and load up on calories.  As the temps were dropping, I was burning energy not just pedaling but trying to keep warm.

Once out of the cafe, it was onto the last 50 km.  Once I got into the open again, the winds were fierce and it was pouring now.  Heavy rains were forecast this afternoon and it was exactly what we got.  We had climbed above 1000 m at this point, so it was quite cold and I tried to think of every reason why I was here and having fun.  It was hard to do at this point.  So I resorted to shouting into the forest.

At a critical arrow to reach the last col, the direction was somewhat ambiguous at a three way intersection.  I chose the wrong way and went down 5 km and even ran into a herd of cows on the road which was soon where I assessed I was heading the very wrong way.  So back up I went.  I got back on course and met some other riders at this point who had pondered the intersection choice too.

Eventually I made it to the top of the last col and braced for a 20 km descent on forest roads.  We’d reached the Ardeche region, but signs were the only thing telling me that.  Scenery was bleak at this point.  Low clouds and rain were prominent.

I did get to the hotel and think I was in the shower for 20 minutes trying to warm up.

In all honesty, this was one of the harder; if not hardest; CCC days weather-wise.  More than 6-7 hours in non-stop rain and wind.  Everyone who faced today’s route and weather is a hero.

With my deviations I wound up near 210 km with more than 3500 m of climbing.  Tomorrow looks brighter and we could use it.

CCC Cevennes Stage 4: Perfect autumn morning, a very wet last 50 km

We made our way back up Col de Vendeix this morning which helped us to forget the chilly (fresh) air.  Once again we were treated to a Cevennes sunrise with special views.  The highlight had to be the views atop Col du la Croix St Robert followed by a smooth flowing tarmac descent where you could see ahead of you for what seemed like kilometers.

Following that, we traversed along towards Feed Stop #1.  Rust colored mountains and plateau views were plentiful for the first few hours of our ride.  It was just a matter of looking around to take in what was around you - no staring at your top tube!

After Feed #1, there was a 40 km stretch with a few cols along the way.  Just before lunch we were presented with some challenging tarmac, or lack there of, in certain places.  A few 15%+ ramps greeted us before we plunged down to lunch.

After Lunch, there was about 30-40 km of flatter terrain by CCC standards which we tried to ride through quickly before the few final climbs.  Unfortunately though, as we were about 10 km from Feed #3, it started to drizzle and by the time we arrived at the feed, it was raining.

The remainder of the ride was in the rain.  As the sun angle lowered even more, rainy, shaded, wooded descents became quite cold.  If we were at home, the forest roads we were on would have been gravel roads in the Capitol Forest.  The final few km were all the more challenging on a darkened, wooded, single lane road with low visibility.  It was good to finally arrive at the hotel, warm up and start to get things clean and dry to do it again tomorrow.

It’s hard to believe how different the day ended compared to how beautiful it started, but it is a CCC, the mountain can bestow us with extra challenges at any time.

Tomorrow looks to be wet, we’ll see how it turns out...

CCC Cevennes Stage 3 - Aurillac to La Bourboule

It was a chilly start as we rolled out of Aurillac and through town.  It was a group start as arrowing the 5 km to our first steep col would’ve been a challenge.  But after riding with the morning rush hour, we made it out and headed up Col du Croizet - a steep 2 km 12-14% climb.  We quickly warmed up as we climbed and were once again greeted with sunrise.

We made our way up a hilly Col de Legal which was dotted with fall colors on the first day of October.  As we weaved in and out of the sun it would get warm and cold, but views along the way kept our minds off that.

On the way to Col de Legal

Soon it was time for the big challenge of the day - the Puy Mary (aka: Col de Pas de Peyrol).  On the way there, we hit Col de Neronne.  It was a gradual col with grades of 5-7% to get things warmed up.  From there it was a flattish stretch to traverse to the 2 km 12-14% section up to the top of Puy Mary.  No matter how steep it was, the views today were fantastic.  Rounded hills, hints of fall color and rock faces were very prominent.  Once atop the Puy Mary, we did a short out and back to get one more col and then headed down to lunch.

Lunch was a local dish consisting of a macaroni dish with cheese which was just right after a hard steep morning.  From there we headed out on a ‘Phil’ flattish section, meaning some 10% plus gradients tossed in here and there.

Just a bit of exploring before lunch...

One final col remained after Feed #3, Col de Vendeix which was a gentler climb with great views of the mountains we are heading to tomorrow.  It was then down to the town of La Bourboule where I was finally able to get a post-ride fresh baguette from a local Boulangerie.

CCC Cevennes Stage Two

Today started off with us at nearly 600 meters high, so it was a bit cool this morning, but the sun was rising and skies were clear.  So it meant our first climb would be at sunrise and as Phil had mentioned the night before, if the weather was on our side, it would be beautiful - it was.  In all honesty, I do not think I have ever taken as many pictures in the first two hours of a ride before today.  It was sensory overload.  Rocks, gorges, and engineered descents that looked they painted onto the rocks below.

Elegant rock switchback descents

After Feed #1, we hit a steep climb 10-15% for 4-5 km which took us out of the Gorges du Tarn and up to higher elevations.  We made our way up to Col du Bonnecombe and up to 1350 m.  From there, we traversed across vast plateaus were the Aubrac cows with their prominent horns were more plentiful than people.

Eventually, we were treated to a long descent, where we passed through the town of Laguiole which is famous for their knives.  So based on Phil’s recommendation, quite a few ducked into the town and checked out a showroom.  Jen and I picked out a dual purpose knife/corkscrew to take home.  Super-ornate, one-of-a-kind and lifetime guarantee.

From there, we hit Feed #3 and were expecting some moderate climbs on 40 km back to the hotel.  After a super fast and steep descent, we crossed a bridge where we hit the first of two 300-400 m climbs that had many 10-14% stretches.  After 180 km, these climbs hurt, but their wooded landscapes helped take your mind off the climb themselves.  Atop the last climb, we arrived at a house that must have had 6 cats outside on the stairs all listening to French music from inside.  It was as if they were eating out for dinner.

Steep ahead or behind

I almost wanted to knock and see what was for dinner

Once again though, Cevennes did not disappoint.  Another scenic day with super fun climbs and descents, including another fun descent at sunset.