Thursday was a jam-packed day. I had taken myself off to bed around 9:30pm the evening before (and declined all but a mere taste of the Gigondas that was opened (but don't be too alarmed -- I had already had some Sancerre and Rose). I took off around 7:30 or 7:45 and rode towards Vaison la Romaine, but then went north to Entrechaux and on through to Mollans sur l'Ouveze and Pierrelongue and to the northern route approaching Brantes. This was part of the route for the Tour de France Mont Ventoux stage and it was very cool to ride over all the spray-painted words of encouragement for the riders. There were quite a few for Bradley Wiggins and some for Contador (although he did not really need any help). It was a steady but not debilitating climb to the Col de ? (can't recall the name -- maybe it starts with an F) (655 metres), at each turn of which there was a more breathtaking view of Mont Ventoux (or Le Mont Ventoux as it is known heareabouts), then down into Brantes (very precipitous descent that) where I refilled my water bottles. I had a nice little downhill run for about 10 km or so, then a bit of climbing, and more downhill. Just after Leger de Mont Ventoux, I decided to try my luck on the Veau rode, which I had ridden in the opposite direction (all uphill) a few days previously. Quelle surprise! It is uphill both ways! Well, all but a very short bit at either end involves climbing and then the downhill portions are so twisty that I rode the brakes and gained no momentum for the climbing. I have a few photos but they do not really capture how amazingly beautiful this ride is so you will all just have to find your way here and do it for yourselves!
When I got back to the house we had lunch and then headed to Nimes, via the Pont du Garde, built in 19BC and still looking pretty good for its age. It was originally 51km in length and carried fresh water to Nimes. Agrippa was responsible for its construction (along with the Parthenon in Rome -- match that Frank Gehry!!). It was a fine introduction to Nimes which is a very well-preserved and attractive Roman city. We heard Leonard Cohen's sound check as we emerged from the parking garage and then wandered around and heard a little jazz and had some crepes and then went to the concert. We had the most amazing seats in the 7th row on the floor. He played from 8:15 until 11:20 pm with only a 15 minute break between sets. The band (6 of them) and the back-up singers (3 of them) were all extremely accomplished. And he played all my favourites (including So Long Marianne, which all the French people sang along with). Rosanna was in charge of the camera. I will post some of her photos, of the city and of the concert.
Thank you MA for the pictures of Cohen. Of all the events I have missed I am most wistful of not having been at this one. Although all this talk of rose makes me awfully thirsty.
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