It seemed like a Nice idea at the time

The early shade made the early long but relatively gentle climb  quite manageable, but what I gain on the ascent i lose on the descent.  Our first brew stop was in some shade at the foot of this impressive ruin.  Then a well lit tunnel.  looking back up valley to the ruin  Passing old churches on the climb to the great divide.  All major rivers from here on drain to the Mediterranean. A marvelous long winding descent follows. Had to make occasional stops to flex my stiff neck (stiff from looking up while on the drop handlebars. The only way that I can brake effectively) and to take the occasional photo.  Lunch stop was part of the long descent, followed by this impressive viaduct..  After Altier the road again rises before leading to an even longer descent. It was either longer in distance or longer in altitude compared to the fi...

As usual, the ride out of St. Flour started with a long climb. Unusually for this trip this was on more of a main road. However, we soon left this to return to the quiet, smooth, tree lined country roads. Generally the road undulated along with some long sweeping descents and occasional long straight climbs. Give me hairpin bends any day! Bike outside the seminary in the morning shade.  Our first point of interest was this spectacular bridge designed by Mr Eifle.  The viaduct du Garabit.  This followed by a climb out of the valley.  .. and a descent on the other side of the spur.  Much of the scenery was either hidden by trees or provided views of fields and distant hills.  The mid day picnic provided a shady stop off to refuel and rest before the final climb.  A couple of old gits relaxing with a salad. Ant is a whole year younger, so he's quite a striping compared to yours truly!  The f...

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 ...

Has a bad night's sleep and still coughing and spluttering, so not at my best. Fortunately cycling is the cure for most ills! I left a little later than the main group, as I was faffing with the bike. So initially I was riding solo with the morning sun on my eyes. As a result I missed a turning, which didn't do much to improve my mood! Peak Tours Jon, who sweeps up the rear of the ride, came to escort me along for the last few miles to the first brew stop. Evidently it turns out that all I needed was a little coffee, a banana an biscuit and I was back to "normal" (citation needed) The shady tree lined roads helped lift my mood further as did the scenery.  Puy de dome in the distance The Tour leaders laid on another excellent picnic lunch, where we celebrated Eduardo's birthday with a small cake, card and almost tunefull "Happy birthday" And so I set off for the next brew stop. Some long straight climbs and more wonderf...