Last night we dined at a local farmhouse up in the hills with sweeping views out across the valley. A massive pate terrine kicked off yet another great meal, followed (of course) by beers enjoyed outside in the square.
Today's ride was a 70mi one-way to the sea, ending on the beach at Leucate. We had two pretty good climbs and many "small rises", which is how our guide Paul describes everything that is more than a 100' bump but less than a Tour de France hors categorie climb. It was a great day to say the least, even though Matt wilted on the Col du Cantaloup following yesterday's strong effort (ok, that was a joke). The ride took us through several climate zones, starting in the vineyards of the Aude and ending among the olive trees in the hills above the Mediterranean.
Today's coffee stop was in Villerouge, at the edge of the moat of an ancient Cathar castle. The sight of ten high end bikes (ok Peter, maybe just nine) leaning against the wall of the square attracted a fair amount of attention from the local cycling cognescenti. One guy walked along the line staring at each bike admiringly. Then he got to the White Princess and of course pronounced it his favorite.
The finish at Leucate was amazing. While most of us changed into proper swimsuits to take a dip in the sea, Martin donned an atrocious speedo. I didn't have my camera on me, but fortunately I had a tourist snap a photo of Martin and email it to me:
I have been accused of having a bit of a map fetish (It has been suggested that my internet dating profile read simply: "My name's Rich, and I like maps"). So at the risk of yet more ridicule, I present today's map and ride profile.
Today's ride was a 70mi one-way to the sea, ending on the beach at Leucate. We had two pretty good climbs and many "small rises", which is how our guide Paul describes everything that is more than a 100' bump but less than a Tour de France hors categorie climb. It was a great day to say the least, even though Matt wilted on the Col du Cantaloup following yesterday's strong effort (ok, that was a joke). The ride took us through several climate zones, starting in the vineyards of the Aude and ending among the olive trees in the hills above the Mediterranean.
Today's coffee stop was in Villerouge, at the edge of the moat of an ancient Cathar castle. The sight of ten high end bikes (ok Peter, maybe just nine) leaning against the wall of the square attracted a fair amount of attention from the local cycling cognescenti. One guy walked along the line staring at each bike admiringly. Then he got to the White Princess and of course pronounced it his favorite.
The finish at Leucate was amazing. While most of us changed into proper swimsuits to take a dip in the sea, Martin donned an atrocious speedo. I didn't have my camera on me, but fortunately I had a tourist snap a photo of Martin and email it to me:
I have been accused of having a bit of a map fetish (It has been suggested that my internet dating profile read simply: "My name's Rich, and I like maps"). So at the risk of yet more ridicule, I present today's map and ride profile.
The gang at the farmhouse. 
Rich and Matt head up the Col de Villerouge.
Paul shares a few stories at our mandatory coffee stop.
The Dixons demonstrate why Villerouge is French for the "City of Brotherly Love"
Local man checking out the BMC, before pronouncing to us that his favorite was Le Princess Blanc
Team Endurance
Vineyards give way to olive trees as we approach the Mediterranean.
Climbing the Col de Feuilla.
At the top.
Downhill to the Sea.
Arriving at Leucate, quite possibly the best finish to a ride ever.
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