Today, along with Erik and Anne, I climbed the Pass of the Meadow of the Lady (some things should not be translated), a climb of nearly 15 km, 1000 meters and around 6.5% average gradient.
That’s it really. It is an excellent ascent if you’re in the area (it even has those little cycling kilometer markers that seem to be all the rave these days). Just bring along your wind-breaker. The wind is vicious at the top. Here’s that top, looking back from the descent.
And looking back even further, on our way back to Bessèges, where we started the ride.
That’s Mont Lozère, where our col lives.
Same view, with obstruction in foreground. I forgot my helmet today. Glad I live in France – nobody gave me any grief, or even shot me a sideways glance.
Every time I ride in the Cévennes (the rugged, rural, southern portion of the Massif Central) I am taken by the rustic beauty of the place, not to mention the near complete absence of cars on the smaller roads. It’s one of France’s best kept cycling secrets…and let’s keep it just between you and me, okay?
Here’s my Strava stats, because that’s what you do. http://app.strava.com/activities/53563859
The Vicious Cycle 
I won’t tell anyone.
Thanks. We appreciate that.
Sounds like a great ride to me. What a veiw!
It would have been better if my camera was still alive to take it.
now you’re just showin’ off !
you are a lucky man Gerry Patterson
see ya soon (not soon enough)
We have to do this one, Stephen. It’s a great ride.
Couldn’t agree more…. and even a near absence of cars on bigger little roads…
True, Suze. The main road from Ales north is also a great cycling route.
And King of the Mountain! I guess Erik is the prince? Looks like a hard but rewarding ride. Prep for the Haute Route?
I’m racking up the KOMs on the most obscure climbs around here! Yes, definitely prep for Haute Route. I am trying to get as many long, sustained climbs in as I can. The new car helps a lot!
Have you got arm warmers on? I’m guessing the day warmed up as you went along. Love that scenery.
Yep, unseasonably cool here, still. It was freezing cold at the top of the mountain. Very happy to have those arms!