We swap cycling for food

The Provence region is known for it winds and its food.

Consequently, we avoided its winds and sought out its food, and some of its history in a very interesting day.

But first some background.

Very, very strong winds greeted our tour group this morning and Craig, Peter, Ern and Colin set out on an exploratory ride around the city of Orange to determine if the art of cycling was a safe art to pursue today. After some 7 kilometres and many severe 'wind bullets' a coffee stop was had and the general decision was that it certainly was not safe.

We are talking winds that make the bike impossible to control and launch it sideways either into the gutter or into traffic. Following a two coffee (and tea) stop it was decided that continuing with our ride plans was not wise.

However, there was much to see and do in the region.

We arranged alternative transport and targeted Chateauneuf-du-Pape and the Pont du Gard.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a small village boasting a fascinating history of being the home of the Pope when Pope Clement V relocated his residency in 1308. This resulted in the development of the wine industry which continues today.

After a walking tour of the town, we settled down to a glorious lunch with most of us selecting whole Calamari to go with our local wine ( see gallery),

After lunch, we proceeded to the Pont du Gard and simply marvelled at the structure of some 2000 years before. One cannot help but wonder if the foresight and leadership that allowed the Roman's to develop significant infrastructure could be applied in Western Society today. If only.

Again - see gallery for photos.

Dinner was a special treat in that we were joined by Peter, John and Guy who are Business Associates of Phil H and have travelled from London to ride the famous Mt Ventoux with us.

It was a day of disappointment in that we were unable to ride to Chateaubeuf-du-Pont and Pont du Gard. However our alternative arrangements were great in that we managed to visit these icons and the food we enjoyed (and wine) was sensational.

Tomorrow we have determined we will take on the might of Ventoux, irrespective of what the weather throws at us. The subsequent update should be epic as this is one heck of a mountain with terrain quite unlike any other.

Ventoux day is looming.