Day 7. Cycle over 3 cols before tea? Certainly!

The route out of Mont Dor was a bit of a slog, but it was made easier by the cool morning air.
Scenery appeared suspended beneath a blue blue sky. 
Still snow on the Massif Central 

More Massif Central

The ascent passed through trees, which provided some welcome shade, even this early in the morning. 

The obligatory col summit Pic. TDF graffiti evident! 

The road sweeps down in gradual, sinuous curves after the col. A cool breeze enough to evaporate the sweat from the ascent, but not too cold to need extra clothes. I'd also forgotten to bring a newspaper just in case! 
Many such views of distant purple hills, lakes and wilderness. 
Looking back up the descent. Bike for scale! 

Through tiny deserted villages.. 

To another col. The sun was now high enough to make the long climbs quite hot and interesting. More TDF graffiti! 

Another bike and sign post shot.. 

And the third col. It really was quite hot and interesting! 

My GPS device was again reminding me that I should have bought a more expensive model, as it failed on a number of occasions to tell me the correct route until I'd gone a significant distance out of my way! 

I other news, one of the support vans managed to shred a tyre. A replacement was found, but we ended up having to have a beer on the patio while we waited for our luggage to arrive! 
Quite a stressful experience for the leaders as brew stops etc has to be rearranged. Plus the hassle of getting a replacement tyre! 

A final climb in the mid afternoon presented quite a challenge after 50+ miles of rugged terrain. A matter of heading towards the shade! 
And so to our destination in St. Flour. We are staying in an old seminary. Quite atmospheric and with a hint (only a vague hint)  of austerity. 
And so, RELAX! 
Stairwell with bell

chapel 

Miserycores, but no carvings!

The chapel garden and steps

Comments

  1. Tauranga Haxells22 May 2026 at 16:17

    Finally managed to access this blog Mike! Password issues.
    Loving the French countryside and blog..the slog not so much😂👍well done.
    Cathy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mandy Hewett22 May 2026 at 23:11

    Looks like magical riding country, Mike. Much kudosfor the uphills!

    ReplyDelete

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