Rob G's day 14

Day 14 - Easy ride Aurel.

We got up and had another easy morning. God I love them. Slept in some which was so good. Cleaned my bike and went for a little ride to have an Expresso with Ross, Dave and Jo. Very nice and still amazed at how small and old this place is.
We went back and headed on our way for a 40km ride to have lunch. This has been recommended by Craig who came with us as did Ben, his friend. We headed off with Ben leading the way and setting a pace that was nice, so we were in a group most of the way.

There were a couple of climbs around 3-5 % which were approximate 5km long. Nice. We stopped for lunch in another tiny town. The lunch was superb. I had a chicken salad. Man it was big and so very very nice. It is great to be back to great salads. Some on in Bega or Tathra should do salads like these. They would make a fortune. Lots of people turned up on bikes, motorbikes and in cars only to be turned away as it was full or reserved. Lucky Craig booked for us.

Lunch was slow and easy which was very pleasant.

The ride home was so great. One very long down hill at about 1-3% seen Mark and myself in our element and lead the charge down the hill. Sensational stuff. Hmmmmmmm next came a 4km up hill that was around 5% in the full heat causing the temp to rise fast. God it was hot. I sweated so much riding up watching it drip onto my top bar at a scary rate. The water which we had got only 15mins ago was also hot making drinking it not so pleasant.

Once at the top we headed down again along the river which had lots of people laying beside or in it. The river is very rocky and surrounded by trees. Cars where parked in every available space. We drove a cross an ancient bridge to view dozens of people sitting and paddling in the water. It looked extremely inviting. Off we went, up a slight rise for the lad few ams home. We reached it absolutely dripping with sweat and enjoyed a couple of glasses of coke and water.

A shower and here I am watching the Tour having a couple of beers.
We had a rest with some driving into Malucene.

Went for a with Ross to a local winery and had a Premice light red which was very nice. Very warm again and looked like they were getting ready for a big night being Bastille day. DJ was set up etc. Walked back and ran into Mark at the bakery and had a beer before walking home and having dinner. Dinner again was nice with Prawn salsa type dish for entree and roast chicken with Ratatoulle and vege. Desert was an Apricot cream Broule. Very yummy. The Apricots were under the Broule.

After dinner discussion revolved around the triple Vontoux with 3 riders accepting the challenge. Dom, Dave and Ross. Most others seen it as to much of an insurance event for the middle of a holiday. Time will tell if the the heat distance and actual rise in elevation will win or if the boys will overcome what seem difficult odds.