It’s been a long while since I’ve posted a ride just for the sake of it. It’s also been a very long time since I have ridden in rain. That makes this an unusual post.
John, Anne, Erik and myself decided to do a hilly hundred this morning over by Pic St Loup. Not that you should need a reason to ride in this awesome area north of Montpellier, but at least one of us did – there is a chance John and I will be racing (not ‘racing’, racing – it’s not a sportive) over there next week. After seeing at least three teams (vehicle support and the whole shebang!) training there this morning, we agreed that it’s not such a bad thing still being on the waiting list.
Erik and John at the top of our 2nd climb.
John at the bottom of our 3rd climb. If you are entering this village, you have no excuses not to know its name.
Me, standing on the pedals only because I was told to.
Even with the phone camera, I think you can get a sense of the loveliness of the area. This valley, Vallée de la Buèges, is nearly completely cut off from the rest of the world, with only the two tiny roads we were on flowing in and out.
Anne taking the lead on the top of our 4th climb, before descending to Montpeyroux.
More rain forecast for tomorrow. Keep your expectations low.
The Vicious Cycle 
Pretty–even with a little rain (what’s the temp? Surely better than frigid 10F in Chicago, the only place in the world without global warming)
Heard about the freezing temps you were getting over there. No, 6C average today and we were well bundled up. Hang tight, spring is just a few months away 😉
Well we were warmer than you today which can’t happen too often. I didn’t cycle quite as far though.
Was it sunny, too? That’s would be one for the books.
It was (in parts).
Pretty! And I like the visual on hilly that the graph provides.
I’ll be you know at least a few of those roads, Suze.
Great landscape!
Frank, I couldn’t agree with you more.
Wait..are you on the Bianchi? jesu cristo…
Well, what’s the use of having ‘the other bike’ if you can trash it in the rain!
Out of the saddle on a climb? I had to do that last weekend as it kept me from having to walk!
Only did it on the orders of the photographer, Ron!
Ahh great post Gerry. This is exactly the area where I’ll be spending 4 weeks this July. I’m getting married in Claret right near this route. You can imagine my excitement 😉
Hope you new wife is either a cyclist or very understanding before the roads around Claret are pretty good for riding 😉
Not a cyclist despite a few attempts but she’s quite understanding thankfully… also, we’ll be surrounded by family so I’m hoping to use that as a distraction 🙂