Day 23, Friday 29 September
Figeac to Entraygues-sur-Truyère
64k
Feeling: Good! Great day’s cycling.
First job – shop for picnic:
Picnic shopping in Figeac
Doug and I decided at the last minute to take a slightly more northerly route to avoid the steep hill out of Figeac. It was a great decision. We cycled up the Célé valley to Bagnac-sur-Célé in absolutely perfect conditions: Autumn sunshine, no wind, and piercingly clear light. After a coffee stop at Bagnac we turned south and climbed about 1000 ft up to the ridge that divides the Célé and the Lot valleys. But it was a gentle climb compared to the original plan, so was fairly easy going. Once we reached the top we had fine views out over the Aveyron. It was then a long freewheel down to the Lot.
There was then about a 37k ride up the Lot valley to Entraygues but the road followed the river very closely, so no steep climbs. We ate our picnic in a shady spot at Saint-Parthem, and stopped for some photo opportunities.
Doug dans Le Lot
Lot village
At Entraygues we are staying in a fifteenth century house run as a B&B by an English couple – she’s from Putney and he’s from Tooting. Small world. The house is extraordinary. The original door opens from the street, through an arch, and into a courtyard from where you climb external stairs to the living rooms.
Courtyard at La Porte Valette
The main living rooms have ceilings which must be 15ft high and the original floors and cupboards. Astonishing place. We love it – but daren’t even ask about the heating bill.
Sounds amazing, will done both of you. For me, working in Reading today the only uphill was the drive to the second floor of the carpark. Keep the posts coming.
Malcolm, your enthusiasm is infectious. Life in Wimbledon is going to be dull in comparison. Enjoy meeting up with Liz and cycling without panniers. Love your stories about all the B&Bs. Have a good ride today.
Sue
Keep going Malcolm – you must be super fit now 🙂 I’m back in China after my round the world trip which I think is much easier than your ride!!…I guess you are into the hilly part of the ride now, good luck !!
Three days to go, and possibly more hills to tackle than all the rest of the trip put together. Are we ready…….?
Hi Malcolm
wonderful pictures
You are looking very trim and fit
hope the mountains go well; beautiful scenery to give you an excuse to get off for a breather!!
Jules and Ant xx
Eating very well but undoubtedly losing weight. I’m cool with that.
Greetings from the USA again. I was showing this blog to my husband Tom last night and he said he would be willing to travel the same route with you next year but in golf carts.
Keep the postings coming and eat some good food for me. Anita
I’m sure that can be arranged.
We’re doing our best with the food, but actually not having to try very hard. Day after day, wonderful food is put in front of us – and we eat it!