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.
No comments:
Post a Comment