My Biking Blog: 100 Col Day 18 Saint-Pons-de-Thomières

Monday 29 June 2015

100 Col Day 18 Saint-Pons-de-Thomières - Soubes 116kms 2000m climbing

“Simply maaarvellous days cricket!” in the words of Ritchie Benaud. Ritchie was a great Australian sportsman and commentator. Not sure if his family came from around here but his family name is definitely French. The ride today was more relaxed than any of the days so far, with a number of cols to cross, but none too steep or too long to slow progress to the finish. At 116km it was possible for most of us to get to the campsite by 4pm. Everyone enjoyed the day and many commented that it was the most enjoyable day of the trip since Strasbourg 3 weeks ago. For me it was a great chance to admire the views and look for photo opps. I also had a chance to chat with other riders along the way. The conditions were cool and clear in the morning, with an early start at 730am. The first climb of the Col du Cabaretou was long and steady but not too hard. The coffee stop at Murat-sur-Bevre was very pretty. That’s the great thing about cycling along all these regional roads – you get to see the authentic French country villages, not the worn out tourist trail. Ype chose a very pretty spot for lunch at the 65km mark. Alongside a river with tall trees all around to provide shade. The final climb of Col d’Engayresque was long and hot, but Ype saved the day again with water, coke and fanta at the top. I really enjoyed the day, which concluded with a refreshing dip in the river at the campsite at Soubes. Having now completed more than half the “Circuit des 100 Cols” we have left the Pyrenees and are heading towards the French Alpes. The “day of tomorrow” will take us up Mont Aigoual at 1570m. This hill has been used only once in the TDF (1987). It’s part of the Massif Central, and it’s possible to see the Mediterranean, Pyrenees, Alpes, and even Mont Blanc, if the weather is clear. It impossible to record everything one sees on a trip like this but here are a few photos to give some idea of the experience we are fortunate to enjoy. Garmin linnk here
Saint-Pons-de-Thomières Cycling by peterjkemp at Garmin Connect - Details