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.
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