Today is my longest distance so far. During the afternoon the wind pushed me for while which was great because the scenery was a bit repetitive.
I had an okay sleep. I’m still getting used to sleeping outside. It is 7:22 am and I’m on the road. I left Stephane behind who woke up after me but we had time to say good bye :-)
I’m riding right along the train tracks for now. Yesterday evening, a lot of trains passed by while we were talking with Stephane. He was a bit worry about the noise for the night but personally, I wore my earplugs and did not ear much.
I’m cycling along an artificial canal which is parallel to the Rhône.
Crossing the river called l’Eyrieux.
And crossing the Rhône again. The cycle way goes along the Rhône but keeps changing side.
That’s la Voulte-sur Rhône.
Kiwi fruit trees! I used to see kiwis coming from New Zealand and more recently coming from France. Now I see the proof that indeed, kiwi fruits grow here :-).
Passerelle VioRhôna blocked
I’ve met few cyclists this morning.
A young french guy who was cycling up north. He lives in Montpellier and works in Paris. He took a week off to cycle from his home town until Lyon. Then he will catch the train from Lyon to Paris. He told me he has been cycling 1000 m up and down for a week. He also did another trip around north Europe.
While we were talking, a couple of cyclists stopped by. They told us they are 70 years old and coming from Belgium with non-electric bikes. Pretty good :-) They were going down to Sainte-Marie de la mer. That’s a 1000+ km. They saw a sign that says “road blocked” and asked if that was really the case or not. Personally, I did not pay attention. The young cyclist told us the road was fine.
The couple left few minutes before me and 10-15 minutes later, I see them again in front of a bridge. The actual bridge was blocked because they were redoing the floor. The only solution was to follow the river upstream and cross the next bridge which was about 6 km away.
I did take a different way compared with the Belgium couple. They use a paper map while I use an app called GeoVelo on my phone.
I’ve crossed the bridge 2 km ago and I’m not going down south again.
Break time
Arriving in Montelimar. This city looks definitely like the south of France.
Short break
Since I left Montelimar the wind is pushing me straight down south.
The road is straight, flat and not very interesting so that’s a good thing that, at least, I’m cycling fast :-)
I’ve seen that boat yesterday too while I was talking with those people who said they we musicians.
Crossing the Rhône one more time.
I wanted to stop longer but the windy is in my favour :-) Let’s keep going a little more then!
Short break
Phew! that wind is helping a lot but I need a little rest.
Another break
What we see on the top of that rock over there is the statue of the Archange Saint-Michel.
A little while later
I just found a driving license and an ID card in the middle of the road while entering the small town of Donzère. Both belongs to the same guy.
I’m going to the Mairie. They will certainly find a way to reach that person.
Arriving in Bollène
Snack time? No, Too much sugar.
Beautiful bread :-)
Time for early diner. It’s 5:30 pm.
Early diner
Now that I’m full I want to leave Bollène and find a spot for tonight.
So far, I don’t find any good place. There are wineyards all over the place and not much trees for my hammock to hang. Let’s keep going then.
That place could be but it’s quite visible and close to the road. I’m sure I can find better.
Am I going to find something interesting here?
Looking around that village
Finally! I’ve found another perfect spot. First I stopped at a rest area in the center of the village. There was a pizza truck so customers were coming and going. I went on the opposite side of that small rest area, behind a closed shop but I was not entirely satisfied.
I looked at the map and saw a cemetery (that’s good to get water) but then I spotted something way better, a playground. This place is situated a little away from homes and it’s on top of a hill. It should be very quiet and, and… there is a tap with drinkable water! I’ll be able to refill my bottles, take shower and wash some clothes. Perfect! 😅
I’ll hang my hammock between that tree and the pole of that basketball field.
Setting up camp
Here we are. Perfect set up.
It’s all clean, quiet. I cannot try to update my blog if my 4G is good enough, which was not the case earlier. Good night!
One response to “Soyons > Lagarde-Paréol”
Entre un arbre et un poteau de basket, en travers du chemin, non mais, Damien 🤔. Heureusement que tu te lèves tôt !