You could hear the wind whistling between the buildings most of the night. Pat informed me that the Weathernetwork was reporting wind gusts of over 65kms from the north by the time we will reach Uzès this afternoon. Although today covers only a short distance it may become a tough ride...
The wind was very apparent as we left our hotel to gather our bikes from the parking facility just down the block. Although it is a warm feeling wind, we have both added an extra layer today. We decided to shop at a patisserie on the way out but unbelievably!! we did not come across one on any of the busier roads that ring the old town. So, we had to make a detour into the old part of the city and found ourselves back at the market where we had lunch yesterday. Pat picked up some sandwiches and other goodies and we were finally on our way.
Route planning always makes so much sense, and seems so logical when you see it on your device but the execution is seldom so simple in practice. After a few false starts we found ourselves on the fairly busy D928 Route d'Arles and a few kilometres later happily turned off onto the less travelled D418 Route de Russan. This road wound its way up into the vacant hills with signs on both sides of the road warning you that it is military land and you risk "mort" should you decide to go exploring! We saw few cars or people as we rode along into a fairly strong headwind. The scenery was lovely and the low level trees throughout the countryside are quite beautiful. We noticed that we needed to pedal down the hills as the wind was taking away what would be a normal coast - but still easier than the ups!
We crossed over the Gardon River just before Russan and stopped at Chez Cathy for a coffee. It was a busy little diner but they did not make the cappuccino that Pat likes, so we carried on. With no other coffee shop in town, we ended up taking shelter from the wind in a bus stop enclosure while we enjoyed our snack. The sun was shining directly upon us and it was nice and warm.
Leaving Russan we followed signs to Uzes missing our planned road and found ourselves on a main artery D22 which runs through farm land and heads in abit of a northerly and easterly direction. The wind really picked up over the open farmland and was hitting us in front and at times on the side with big gusts. At times it was like you would lean side ways into the wind to offset its force. But the worst was when a semi truck passed and the vortex created left us scrambling to control the loaded bikes. Fortunately there were only a few of these but the ride was becoming a real struggle as we counted off the last kilometres to Uzès.
We had thought about going to our hotel, leaving our panniers and riding on to Pont du Gard but the wind was too fierce even without a load to enjoy the ride. We elected instead to see Uzès on our bikes and we both thought that was a great decision as it is a wonderful medievil town. Using our bikes we were able to see most of the town and we rode the short distance back to our hotel after a nice dinner. It was very dark by then but we had our lights to keep us visable. There are no pictues of our ride today (blame that on the windy conditions)only of Uzes.
The Cathedral, Saint Théodorit d’Uzès, was first built in 1090, but rebuilt in the 17th Century. The only part remaining from Medieval times is the bell tower.
Uzès, like many Medieval towns, was built in a circle around the Duchy d’Uzès or the Duke’s Castle. You can go inside for an 18 euro fee. The family has occupied the castle for the most part of the last 1,000 years!
This the room at the top of the stairs. Quite plain, it is known as a PMU, which stands for the French state controlled betting organization, otherwise known as the betting shop! You pick your horse and place your bets here.
Today's ride: 35 km (22 miles) Total: 897 km (557 miles)
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Steve Miller/GrampiesWe learned early on in our trips to France to avoid the 900 level D roads, the lower numbers are much better, although you also can hit some busy ones . Isn't riding into the Mistral great? Reply to this comment 5 years ago
