Killer Climb and Relaxing Lunch

 

Our morning ritual is to check on the many (six +) balloons floating by the window - going up, going down to the river, and floating along as fast or slow as the wind will take them. They only have two controls - up or down and the wind does the rest. 

We decided that we will end the ride with a relaxing lunch near the end of the route. Seems that shorter rides are more challenging as we try to trim mileage with shortcuts up and over killer climbs. 

A common sight is massive stacks of logs near the side of the road, sitting out there while the wood air dries. Unsure where they cut and haul these trees from but obviously at a convenient location to take them to their final destination. 

We have been t his way before and knew what was up ahead. 

Before conquering the 16.4% grade waiting for us at the next turn we knew that shedding close was a must even on this chilly morning.

When the hill was no match for pedal power we slogged our way to the first crest. It is hard to believe that the folks living on the farm at the top do this climb every day, maybe multiple times. We are in good shape but they must be super human. 

Flowers are always worth a photo and great opportunity to stop and catch our breath. 

After descending from "on high" and down the frightning 16.3% down grade we earned a coffee and bread break along the river in La Roque. 

The "S.S. Tourist Trap" offers leisurely rides up and down the river. Not sure how far you can cruise but have not seen any rapids or dams to slow the progress. An interesting fact about the Dordogne is that there is no canal with locks to navigate up or down river. This is unusual for most French rivers of this size. Turns out that eons ago they transported goods downriver by boats and cut them up for fire wood instead of hauling the boats back up for another run. My guess is that there was little commerce to justify the construction of a canal. 

Our lunch spot was less than two miles from home in a lovely orchard, expansive seating area, pleasant music, and enough sun to keep us warm. 

We shared the only two items on the menu - a flatbread with veggies, and boneless pork cutlet. More than enough for a lunch but might come back for an evening meal which features Spanish Tapas selections.