Rob G's day 17

Day 17 - Quiet ride

Raining today and a bit chilly. Up not so early and lazed around after breakfast until ride time of 10.00am. Headed off on a reasonably flat ride but had a slow start due to people stopping often. Got to a place called Gargas Grotto. Rode up the hill to have a look and found a place with a very large cave that you can tour through. Lots of rock painting etc. We didn't do the tour as it is cold in there and we had our cleats non. We shall see if we can get back.

Again headed off with Mark and I leading the way. We got to a main intersection and waited for the others. They didn't turn up son we thought they must of turned earlier. We headed along the main road, turned in a rode through a little village but could not find road to the left so headed back to the main rode where we seen them way out in front. We both put in a big effort and rode to catch them doing over 50kms/hr for a long way till we got them. The boys Spent a fair amount of time studying the maps to work out where we should go. We ended up heading to Valentine via some small roads that were only one car wide. No cars so i figured they must be bike tracks. We found a little steak house where the steaks were cooked over an open fire that was at bench height. They would drag coals out and place under the mesh holders that would have the meat inside. All the smoke etc would go up the chimney. Damn they looked soooo good. We only had some entrees with myself going for the duck again while others went for mussels, others ham and salad. The meal was very nice and it was very pleasant to have everyone on good behaviour. No alcohol may be the reason.

Headed back riding nice and fast along the flatter sections which I really enjoy. Sitting watching the tour now relaxing.
Cleaned the bikes and sat around talking to the other guests, Tom & Courtney, Russell & Dan, and two guys from the UK. Had a lovely dinner of a small salad with bread that had honey and goats cheese on it. So yum. Then came a Toulouse pork sausage stew that was also very nice followed by a lemon tart with Creme Fresh. All very nice. A walk around town a bit, watched the tour highlights and off to bed.

Goodnight all

Van Velo