Sun, Sea & Snow

Thursday, June 18th, 2009 | France

MONTREJEAU to VIVIERS DU LAC

Leaving Montrejeau, we continued in the footsteps of our ancient Christian pilgrims. Slowly, the peaks of the Pyreenes peaks gave way to flat (ish) farmland. The sun came out, and the riding was blissfull. We passed by the fairytale city of Carcassone, then crossed the stunning Alpilles down to the coast.

Riding along the Cote de Azur was much better than we expected. It wasn’t that busy (yet) and the scenery was just spectacular. The road literally clings to the seaside cliffs! We passed by secluded coves, gawked at the mansions and super yachts, and pretended that we were rich & famous.

We were fortunate enough to stay with four French families on our way to Nice. On each occasion, our hosts went out of their way to make us feel welcome. It was an incredible experience and gave us the opportunity to see the “real” France. We thank – Saubine & Vincent, Fabrice & Sandrine, Tristan & Laetitia and Regine – for their kind hospitality. We hope that they got something out of the experience too!

From Nice we headed north into the Alps. The transition from sea to mountains happens very quickly. We were excited, the weather was perfect and the passes were open. Like Tour de France pros, we crossed six of the Grand Cols – Cayolle, Vars, d’iZoard, Lautaret, Galibier and Telegraph. It was hard work on heavy touring bikes – your legs ached, your breathing was heavy and the top was always just out of your reach. But once you got there, you know you had earned it. That’s what makes mountain riding so special… not to mention the great views and the downhill too!!

Incredibly, we have now clocked up 10,000kms on our bikes! It has been a fantastic journey and a great achievement for us both. To celebrate, we will spend a week in Italy (without the bikes)! We then head north into Switzerland and Austria… I think after all that pizza and gelati we will need the exercise!

Thanks for all the comments and support – it’s been fantastic!

Jules & Jess