A most beautiful day on the bike

To my mind, today's relatively easy ride from La Motte Chalancon in Provence to Mens in the d'Isere has been the most picturesque. Stunning mountain scenery, rolling foothills, farmlands and gorges with fast flowing streams all contributed to a day of frequent stopping to whip out the camera. Coupled with an early arrival it has been a most enjoyable day. Poor old Dylan however has had to contend with one of the riders going "AWOL" when he inadvertently retraced his path back to the starting hotel whilst thinking he was still on track.

Leaving our rustic accommodation (farmhouse) at Cornillon this morning

Just down the road

 There was even a reference to Hannibal today for we passed through the Gorges des Gâts where, according to historians who claim (without necessarily being able to verify) Hannibal was ambushed by some pissed off Gauls. This did not however lead to his demise as he was not sent packing but was able to win the local's support and continue on his quest to give the Romans a damn good hiding. Methinks perhaps the Gauls were also somewhat tired of Roman interference.

Just before lunch, passing through the Gorge des Gâts, allegedly where Hannibal was ambushed

Lunch today was the reward for a gradual climb through the Gorge des Gâts up to the small town of Glandage  complete with a castle, albeit quite modest, set amidst green fields and surrounded by steep limestone cliffs. 

Post lunch scenery. You can see the road snaking up through the valley

Another photo stop looking back towards lunch and just before the Col Grimone at 1318m

Cancer survivor and birthday boy Tim enjoying of of the many climbs

Anyway, enough of completely unsubstantiated history, suffice to say we arrived in plenty of time to enjoy a beer and an ice-cream and watch a slew of rally drivers in their cars arrive at a checkpoint right upon the doorstep of our hotel. They were rallying from Geneva to Barcelona. 

Just a few kilometres from our destination Mens. The ground is getting lumpy and the sky darkening between the peaks.

This ones for Libby, Justin and Ella

One of the rally entrants outside the door of our hotel. In the background, Pat has been foraging for food before the van arrives with lunch leftovers

The main drag of Mens

Tomorrow, a short day to Bourg d'Oisan before making our way up the legendary Alpe d'Huez. Weather looks to be holding OK. Hope you are enjoying the blog.

Until next time...