For a change of pace and relief from our ride to Malaucene we opted for a leisurely ride through the Rhone valley. Vineyards dominated the landscape which always makes for a appealing scene. On our way out of Sablet we took a detour into town for the first of our daily breads. Biking without a bread in your pack it tempting fate should you come up empty handed when time for a "bread snack".
As with all self designed routes it is sometimes difficult to determine the quality of the roads depicted in the route planning software. I routed us off a paved road onto a muddy beaten path for a short jog. Since it rained our tires and shoes were encrusted with the sticky stuff which required a stop to get back to rideable condition. Fortunately it was only a short segment where pavement gave way to gravel.
A memorial plaque commemorating American airmen who crashed in this field in 1944. We have come across many similar commemorations throughout our extensive riding in France. Some are for allied forces and others resistance fighters who were killed fighting for their freedom.
We have seen these statues elsewhere in France but the female version was new gender appropriate compliment to the male versions normally displayed
This Ken and Barbie duo are on opposite ends of the crosswalk waiting for a chance to get to know each other better.
On of the many water crossings that crisscross the Rhone valley floor.
This chocolate shop is not a UNESCO world heritage sight, but maybe it should be. Just a photo of the sign but no window shopping or browsing.
My route planning website assured me that this "footbridge" would get us from one side to the other but we have been led astray more than once.
This pedestrian tunnel was the real deal. No way a traditional railroad crossing would have worked considering the frequency of trains whizzing by overhead.
What works for the mister often works for the misses.
Midway through the ride at the farthest point we pulled into this town in search of a Tabac. This place was also a Vietnamese restaurant - the first one we have seen in France. After the coffee arrived we broke out the bread making for a lighter snack today.
The proprietor appeared moments later with a plate of sliced prosciutto and a few moments later a package of butter for a complete repast. Even though this Vietnamese couple were probably not born here they were So French!
Even though "velo routes" are not always our preferred option this one proved a winner.
Especially the overpass exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians.
We skirted around the city of Orange after our coffee stop in Piolenc. The congestion and traffic made this our least favorite section. Gladly, we missed the heart of town staying in the outer suburbs.
Heading back into familiar territory and our hilltop lunch.
The climb to the town of Gigondas required all the remaining strength we could muster. We were not disappointed relaxing on this patio dining area and ordered some of out favorite dishes... duck over a salad for Kim and steak prepared "bleu" (very rare) for me. With a steep downhill to the main road and about 2 miles home we knew that our indulgence would not override our ability to make it home.
Sablet - home sweet home.
Offsetting our heavy midday meal a lighter dinner was in order. Tonight's charcuterie included the traditional pate and cheese plus a tongue terrine (which was a great and first time find). A compliment of olives and abundance of bread made the end of day meal a perfect finish to an outstanding day.
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