As a lot of you understand, I used to be as soon as a cycle tour information in Europe (which was the genesis of this weblog). The corporate the place I labored for all these years, Blue Marble Journey, has formed my life in numerous methods. This week, I’m again in France, using a kind of Blue Marble routes, however not as a information; this time I’m using solo.
As I discussed final week, Souillac will not be on many lists of “should see in France” however Day Two’s vacation spot, Rocamadour, ought to be at or close to the highest of each a kind of lists. In actual fact, Rocamadour is the third most visited place in France, after Paris and Mont Saint Michel.
The direct route between the 2 cities is neither all that lengthy (23km (~13 miles)) nor all that fascinating, so I opted for the prompt Blue Marble Journey (the now defunct biking tour firm for which I used to work) route of 65km (~40 miles), which meandered by means of a couple of small cities (and over some simple hills) alongside the Dordogne River earlier than climbing over a ridge and right down to Rocamadour.
The Strava profile of the route.
The elevation profile. Not gonna lie, as a Houston flatlander for the final 8+ years, that climb had me frightened.
The view from my room in Souillac was characterised by slightly ominous skies.
The truth that these have been put up early within the morning didn’t bode properly, both.
Simply exterior of La Cave.
The cliffs alongside the route have been magnificent.
Simply exterior of Floriac.
I finished to assist this little man get out of the center of the street.
Carennac, my aim for lunch as there weren’t a ton of choices till Rocamadour.
As weight reduction was one in every of my objectives on the journey, I attempted to eat a salad for lunch every single day. In France, salads are each filling and artworks (and no, that isn’t a beer within the background—it’s iced tea, I swear).
Extra Carennac, and simply firstly of the day’s huge climb.
The city of Miers after attending to the highest of the climb.
Who says the French don’t have a humorousness? Sure, it’s a bit darkish, however nonetheless… (“Drive Quicker! There are nonetheless kids, outdated folks, canines, and cats to FLATTEN!!).
At this time’s vacation spot: Rocamadour.
My trusty steed, simply earlier than the descent into Rocamadour.
I will likely be again subsequent week with extra on Rocamadour, really a tremendous spot!
