As a lot of you recognize, 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 however sadly not exists. Just a few of weeks in the past, I used to be again in France, using a type of Blue Marble routes, however not as a information; this time I used to be using solo.
After yesterday’s lengthy experience of 75 miles (120k), as we speak was a relative piece of cake at just below 40 miles (64k). However there was some climbing to be finished; the primary two thirds of the experience was all up, first as a false flat (it appeared flat however really gaining in altitude), after which a respectable climb of over 6 miles (10k+) at roughly 6% incline.
As I discussed beforehand on this sequence, I used to be by no means a nice climber, however I was at the very least midway respectable at it. That was an excellent thirty plus in the past (in each years and kilos), nonetheless and my plan to “get in form” earlier than this journey by no means fairly materialized.
Right now’s end city, Saint Geniez d’Olt, is the final of a handful of quaint tiny cities on this a part of France, hardly ever visited by foreigners and nearly by no means by People. My form of area. The primary of the 5, Entraygues-sur-Truyère, the place I spent the evening and thus the place to begin, is Languedoc (langue d’Oc, or the language of Oc, i.e., Occitan, the native dialect which continues to be spoken by some; aren’t you glad you requested?) for entre-les-eaux (“between the waters”) because it sits on the confluence of the Lot and Truyère rivers.
Entraygues-sur-Truyère just isn’t a big city by anybody’s definition (besides, maybe the locals?) however it’s worthy of a 15-30 minute stroll, which I carried out upon arrival the day earlier than. So I used to be prepared and raring to go within the morning. However. It was chilly. Now, I notice that my definition of “chilly” has definitely shifted since I moved from Philadelphia to Houston over eight years in the past now, however even once I lived in Philly, I definitely thought-about 45°F (7°C) to be on the “nippy” aspect however now? Yeah, I think about that just about “freezing”.
Thus, I waited so long as I might earlier than I set out and by 11:00am, the mercury had “climbed” all of the as much as 52°F (11°C). Shut sufficient, I suppose?
I had introduced minimal “chilly climate” gear with me and I’m not going to lie, it was fairly darned chilly heading out. However. I prefer to suppose (or at the very least persuade my boys) that I’m “robust” so I soldiered on. What different selection did I’ve?
It was a comparatively “brief” experience, however given my considerably late begin, I deliberate to cease for lunch in Estaing, a mere 10 miles (16k) into the experience and the second of the 5 “quaint” cities alongside the route.
There was not a complete lot to Entraygues, however the city centered on the stunning bridge (my resort was simply to the left) throughout the Lot river, which I might observe many of the day.
Though the journey was brief, I might be stopping fairly a bit for images. This was the primary: the Del Dol Chapel above the Lot. The legend of the Chapel is a bit tragic, however the website is superb.
The door to the chapel was lock, sadly…however I like doorways.
Subsequent was the tiny village of Estaing (dwelling of former French president Giscard d’Estaing), my lunch cease.
Lunch for me was a pleasant piece of durade (sea bream) and my first aligot, a tasty, tacky, mashed potato-esque native specialty (within the crimson pot).
After lunch, it was on to Espaillon and one other fort over the Lot.
Then it was on to Saint-Côme-d’Olt the place I ended by the church within the middle of city. There was a funeral happening, so I didn’t go in. I figured he (or she) would have needed it that method.
The views of the Lot have been superb all day.
I survived the climb (barely) and stopped in Sainte-Eulalie for a couple of images.
Onto Saint-Geniez and it’s lined gallery within the middle of city.
I’ve talked about my affinity for doorways, however I additionally love an excellent staircase.
That’s all for this leg of the journey, again once more subsequent week with extra!
