Stage 13, 186 kms. Cap D' Agde to Orange....recalculating...recalculating...

Studying the GPS's....





Sunday 29th May:  ...recalculating...recalculating... This became the kind of theme at times today on our scheduled 185km ride but in reality it turned into a 197 km ride on stage 13 to here in Orange. We got off course courtesy of our guide and the GPS system about seven times and did an extra 12 km's and one small climb more than anyone else in the process. The day was again beautifully fine and the wind gods were being kind to us yet again. A tail or cross tail wind for this long flat stage. The temperature also got up again and the average high was 29 deg C for the day. The stage started off for me with my fourth puncture of the ride - today after just 1 km! I changed the front tyre yesterday and I think I may have pinched the tube as it blew out so quickly. Anyway a quick change and away we went. However it was short lived action as we managed to get lost in a suburb of Cap D'Agre and ended up in a cul de sac! Eventually we got back on track and enjoyed an interesting first 50 kms right on the coast then it became a little boring as we headed inland...town after town, roundabout after roundabout and the french motorists on a Sunday having their driving day being interrupted by a bunch of cyclists. We also passed by plenty of vineyards that I am told are renown for making very expensive wines and we just bypassed the famous Rugby towns, Beziers and Montpellier. We had lunch at the 120 km mark in a food hall of what in essence was Mega bulk retail place that fortunately was open. Most retail stores in France are closed on Sunday - even the big barns similar  Bunnings are closed too. We arrived in Orange a bit late at about 5.30pm after nearly 7 riding hours in the saddle but it was mostly flat terrain and it was fine. A Ok but slightly frustrating day but you get them on these sort of things. The town of Sete we passed through was particularly nice on the coast early in the day- see pic above . At about 25km's to go to Orange we caught our first sight of tomorrows big climb. The mighty and famous Mt Ventoux. More on that tomorrow though. So into the last week now, legs holding up OK and health good. Into the Alps now - move hard riding and plenty of it uphill! Bonsoir!