Alyscamps: Roman and Medieval graveyard (first 7 photos). Others were taken at the Roman Amphitheater.

Strong winds (15-20 mph) steady from the north posed a challenge for this 50+ mile ride through an Everglades type terrain to the Mediterranean coast. The consistent morning tail wind became a persistent afternoon headwind for the return ride. Features of the day: pink flamingos, wild white horses, salt flats (barely a glimpse, but the color really was purplish), and a fine patisserie/boulangerie for lunch.

Stats

Distance: 54.8 miles

Elapsed time: 6 hours 45 min

Average speed: 11.3 mph

A feast for the eyes…

Today’s short ride included the Alpilles. In Arles, we’re staying three nights in a nice one bedroom apartment in the heart of the city. Final 4 photos are from Church of St Trophime, Arles.

Stats

Distance: 19.1 miles

Elapsed time: 2 hours 45 min

Average speed: 10.2 mph

Short riding on a hot day with multiple adventures: navigation error, bee sting (just below the neck, while riding), another flat (actually just a failure of my first patch), and a visit to an abbey dating from 1133.

Stats

Distance: 21.3 miles

Elapsed time: 4 hours 30 min

Average speed: 10.2 mph

With hindsight, we would have been wiser only to spend 2 nights in Avignon. The core is small and the single day of rest was sufficient. We’re spending this second full day exploring more deeply, which has its own rewards. First photo is of our planned road leaving town tomorrow (oops). Others are observations from the past 24 h.

No cycling today. Walking around in this historic walled city instead.

Second phase of our trip starts today. We’re seeing Alison off to Marseille; Ingrid and I begin a week mostly off the bikes in Avignon and Arles. Here are a few morning shots before departure, an arrival shot outside the city walls of Avignon, and a later view of Pont de Avignon, over the Rhône.

Stats

Distance: 20.0 miles

Elapsed time: 2 hours 15 min

Average speed: 11.6 mph

Riding was congested semi-urban, but it got us quickly from point to point.

Gravity was our friend on a beautiful ride through Gorges de la Nesque.

Stats

Distance: 40.2 miles

Elapsed time: 4 hours 40 min

Average speed: 13.6 mph

Flat tire, two butt-kicker climbs, beautiful scenery, and (thank goodness) short mileage.

Stats

Distance: 28.3 miles

Elapsed time: 5 hours 50 min

Average speed: 9.2 mph

(We’re 500 m higher than we were this morning.)