July 12, 2006
Day 14: Aoste - Beaurepaire: Hot climbs
We're on the road a little earlier than usual. It is worth the effort and we can tackle the biggest climbs before the sun gets really hot.
A steep climb to les Abrets, then more of the same. We try following a smaller road which follows the River Bourbre, expecting it to be less hilly. Alas, the hills are shorter but steeper. The hottest climb is before we reach Burcin.
Eventually we cross a watershed and have wonderful downhill rides and flat stretches for the rest of the day.
In Cote-St-André we stop for our picnic lunch in the park and discover we are in the birthplace of Hector Berlioz.
We now have a landscape with open fields - expanses of dazzling gold wheat, dark green corn stalks and brilliant yellow sunflowers. Today is my birthday and this is my best birthday present. If I can keep this up for a couple more years, I'll be very happy.
Beaurepaire isn't terribly interesting and only one hotel is open, but one is enough. For supper we have pizza ... and try the local wine.
Today's ride: 68 km (42 miles)
Total: 858 km (533 miles)
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