Olargues to Sommieres

This was another biggish day. I say biggish because it was the longest distance to date for the other group. For us 'Pyreneans' it was a tad shorter than out longest day of 140km. The profile was also much kinder: a mere 1500m of climbing involved. The weather has been getting warmer however so that long sleeves, arm and leg warmers are disappearing back into the luggage.

After a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, bircher muesli, croissants, ham, cheese, jams, fresh fruit etc we rolled out of Olargues on a rail trail for a few kilometres before going quiet back country roads, but not before crossing the bridge and riding up a steep little pinch in the heart of Olargues - a great opportunity for some staged photos of those game to tackle the steep little climb. Mick and I stopped at a local market to buy a nectarine because they looked so good. This also gave everyone else an opportunity to pass us so we could play catch up along the route.

Mick tackles the steep climb in the heart of Olarges

Rob too

sensational fresh fruit at a local market

Four of us managed to miss the coffee stop at 50km and decided to keep riding to the next town or the one after that, eventually finding a nice little square at the back of a small village for our coffee. Lunch was had beside a grotto complex and,with the temperature rising, we were spoiled with ice cream cake and various sweet pastries in addition to the usual baguettes and fruit. 70km down and 70km to go. Scenic rural France with another stop for refreshments at 100km: another quaint village square with shady tree under which to relax.

Just a pretty bridge with lovely reflections, somewhere in rural France

The final 36km into Sommieres were a bit strung out as many of the riders were tired. I stopped to take some pics and had a bit of a chase into a headwind to get back on, passing a tandem bike where the stoker was a blind fellow. Chapeaux lads.

On the last leg into Sommieres

Sommieres is a very pretty two with an old Roman bridge (although it looks to have had some pretty extensive and recent renovations) and there is a lovely eating precinct under shady trees along the river, but the highlight for us is the fabulous Auberge du Pont Romain -  the hotel of the Roman Bridge. Beautiful, old, lovely period furniture, old tapestries, rooms with 15 foot timber panelled ceilings and magnificent food.

Dinner last night was bittersweet as it was Rob Rix's last with us. He leaves before dinner this evening in Mazan. The following day the other Pyreneans will also leave us and head for home. Aaron, Mick and I will then get to know those from the other group who are going all the way to Rome. I believe we will also get one or more newcomers going us for some or the rest of the way. Libby has decided she will return for weeks three and four and we will catch up with her again in Alba.

From time to time I will add some extra photos to prior posts so, if you would care to look back, you may find additional pictures of this wonderful journey. I have a few pictures of Sommieres to add on this occasion but run out of time right now.

All the best