May 24, 2025
To Pont-en-Royans
Another travel day – we were leaving Grenoble bound for Pont-en-Royans, following the Isère river as it wound around the Vercors Massif. Rachael and Janos were taking the car and luggage over to Pont-en-Royons, leaving me, Scott and Suzanne as the cycling trio. There was some discussion of my taking a more direct route up from Grenoble and down to Pont-en-Royans through the Gorges de la Bourne – a stunning ride as reported by a slew of CBers too numerous to name. It was a tougher route for sure, but one I was keen to try. I was dissuaded however when Scott mentioned the option of up and back through the gorge during our stay in Pont-en-Royans. His promise of wonderful views along the river and the opportunity to spend another day cycling with he and Suzanne made my choice a no brainer – it was the river route.
As Scott related in his entry for the day, the route along the river wasn’t exactly as he remembered. The cycle path was bordered by trees and views were limited, but it was easy riding in enjoyable company. No apologies needed, Scott – the Gorges de la Bourne awaits.
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Suzanne had plotted a variant of Scott’s route that left the river at Saint Gervais and followed the V63 cycle route up through Vinay. By the time we reached Saint Gervais, we were all hungry for a change in scenery and bite to eat. The detour through Vinay was just the ticket. The route took us along small roads through groves of walnut trees and we arrived in Vinay just as the Pâtisserie Laurent was opening up for the afternoon hours. I couldn’t resist the walnut chocolate cookies, a house specialty, and we found a shaded bench by the church to enjoy our mid-afternoon snack.
The remaining miles to Pont-en-Royans went quickly as we made our way back down to the Isère and crossed the river near Saint-Romans. The team split up for a few miles, with Suzanne sticking to the mapped track on a smaller road that took her up and over a hill while Scott and I were content to go around the hill on the larger road. Amazingly, we arrived simultaneously at the junction where the two roads met.
The approach into Pont-en-Royans provided stunning views of the Vercors massif rising from the confluence of the Bourne and Vernaison rivers. I understood instantly why this was such a special place for Scott and was excited that we had several days to explore this region.
Adding to my excitement was the meet-up with fellow CBers Jacquie and Al, who were at the beginning of their tour through the Grand Alps. I immediately spotted their bikes in the garage and we arranged to get together for a drink on the terrace before dinner. These real-life encounters are always special and this one was no exception. All seven of us convened for dinner at our hotel, sharing stories and histories, recapping old rides and planning new ones. What else would you expect from gaggle of CycleBlazers.
Today's ride: 42 miles (68 km)
Total: 606 miles (975 km)
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