After crossing the Rhone - and stopping in Chateauneuf du Pape for a delicious lunch by a glass of the famous red wine - we had a day climbing though another spectacular gorge. I think the authors of the guide were following have a passion for river gorges!
Unlike the gorge of the Ardche, where we were riding along the edge between the plateau and the valley for most of the time, in the gorge of the Nesque we climbed steadily from the valley bottom (at the upper end of the gorge) to the lip of the gorge, just before the valley broadened out at the downstream end. (Hope thats not too confusing!) At that high point there was a magnificent view across the gorge at a huge, monolithic spur of rock.
We ended the day at Sault, centre of the area of Provence, and access point to the extremely popular ride up Mont Ventoux. Its a climb of over 1100 m in 26 km, and has featured in the Tour de France many times. (No, Lynn and I didnt attempt it!)
just a brief respite before tackling the final three days of cycling. (Hard to believe were that close to the end of this part of the trip!)
Tomorrow we have a somewhat tough day getting to Moustiers, which is the point for the next gorge ride: the Gorges du Verdon. Well be riding about 81 km with a total ascent of almost 1300 m. (Take that, Mont Ventoux!) If we survive, Ill be sure to provide an update.
