60 miles ridden – 5420 feet climbed – temperature 20C (occasionally)

The weather today was spectacular – a few high clouds which made the sky interesting but absolutely not threatening. The road surface was generally great. Sometimes the wind was behind us. It was a bit cool – I had arm warmers on for most of the day. Today was all about climbing but the scenery was spectacular.

We climbed pretty much from the moment we left Aubusson but on roads that were deserted. The scenery was very alpine which is not surprising as we edged our way into the Massif Central and the ski resort area.

Our first tea stop was in a small hamlet of three houses. Aside from the noise we made there were just insects and birds to hear – it was beautiful. The next section to lunch followed the same trend although it did give us sone ideas for our lunch menu:

We had a fabulous lunch in a small cafe. A delicious buffet of cheese, salami, ham, quiche, pizza, and a multitude of salads. Just what we wanted – lots of flavours but nothing too substantial. If only such lunches were available on American rides!

Our second tea stop was on the edge of a meadow that would not have looked out of place in The Sound of Music. It was getting a bit chilly as we were climbing but everyone was in cheery mood and there was some especially good fruit cake.

As with many small rural villages all over Europe and the USA de-population is a problem and many buildings are just left to disintegrate. Such a shame as they definitely seem to have tales to tell:

The day’s big challenge was the climb up over Col de Guéry from Rochefort-Montagne to Le Mont Dore. It was a long climb – about 10km – but the gradient was relatively gentle, the road quiet, and the scenery stunning. I quite like climbing hills but Sue was not convinced prior to the climb and I’m not altogether sure that the experience helped clarify her view in any way.

I guess she is smiling or is it grimacing? Tomorrow is our 7th day. One week through already- how time flies when you’re climbing hills!!!!