5(2) - Tremolat

Monday 26 September / Foggy morning with a sunny afternoon onwards
Distance Log:  Geno 82 for 82, Lisa 44 for 44
Map for Day 1,2 and 3
My Favorite Photo of the Day

(Remember the menu to the left has albums of photos)

(Remember for the panoramas at left, once they finish downloading, moving the cursor to the bottom right of the photo allows you to view it full size and scroll and explore.  The detail is amazing, eg. you can actually see a stop sign...)

After a great breakfast, we were off cycling (a 44 km trek) riding through Limeuil (where Doug skinny dipped) heading for the caves at Grotte de Grand Roc to see paintings around 14000 years old depicting Neanderthal life.  This was also where we had our first picnic.  Not knowing exactly what to expect - wow - we didn't expect a feast such as we received.

The ride back was a bit shorter (esp. for Lisa who took the van) at around 38 km, good thing, as there were a few climbs.  The first one was described as a very gentle climb and a pretty ride of 2.3 km.  Yes it was - all of the following: a climb, pretty, gentle for the first 2.2 km and then it was followed by 6 km more not so gentle, yet just as pretty.  All in all, I may have provided some drama, but it was relatively easy and very pretty and the reward was awaiting me at the top - the trip down the other side.

Now one thing you learn quickly is that when you get to the bottom of one of these big hills, there is only one place to go - up another big hill.  The trip back included 2 more not so gentle climbs.  I saw a few goats, they were fitted with chains for traction.  However, Cathy the sweetheart stayed with me and kept me company going up and down the hills multiple times while I hummed and hawed and pedaled (and even dismounted for a few walks) and sweated big time trying to get to the tops.  I remember Cathy saying to me "you are as stubborn as an old boot" - because I was not going to give in.  Felt good that I did it, even with the few lifesaving walks.  Back at the ranch, we iced all knees and Achilles tendons.

Later that evening we meet for dinner across from the hotel at Le Bistro D'enface where once again the food was great, the wine was great, and of course the company was great.  I of course had the canard (chef's specialty) and my favorite salad that John helped me special order.  Salad greens with oil, white vinegar and water.  Thanks John.

On our way back to the room, we briefly spoke to an older Aussie gentleman (no not you Ross, I said older) who was having a cigar out front.  Very nice guy.  Off to pack and into the sack.  More riding tomorrow.

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