If you lived here or visited often, and had ridden these roads say 63 times, this would just be another normal day. We haven’t, and although it’s our third day of riding in the Vercors and it becoming a bit familiar, it was still stunning.
We’re following another Team Anderson / Jacquie Gaudet route up to Malleval en Vercors and then right back down again through the Gorges du Nan. Ho Hum.
There’s no lengthy lead up or description for today. It was pretty straightforward; after breakfast we had our first stop after 50 m at the boulangerie to get our daily sandwich and cookies. We then started climbing immediately up the no-numbered white roads on the north side of the Bourne gorge before topping out 20 km’s and 1000 m higher just above Malleval. Easy Peasy.
It was another beautiful morning and the scenery was as stunning as always. Once again we had the entire area to ourselves. We saw one ‘white van’ probably carrying a trades person to a job, one postal van and two cyclists …. And it was a Friday before a long weekend (Monday is May Day, if you think France is shut on most Sunday’s … wait till 1st May!).
I think we hit our max elevation of the tour so far at 1280 m, but since it wasn’t a col there was no sign to commemorate the moment. We found a tree and prominent rock to stand in.
We then had a really fun and fast 5 km downhill run into Malleval where we had our lunch, by ourselves, on the side of the road, marvelling at our good fortune to be here.
After Malleval the road steepened and we were in the Gorges du Nan, or so we thought. K and I were remarking how this gorge was different but no less interesting than the others we’ve been in so far, then we came across the sign marking the beginning of the Gorges du Nan. Okay, now we get the real thing. It was a little bit of a mini replay of yesterday with amazing balcony roads built in the most improbable location, followed by a high speed scream down to the Isére valley for a final 20 km leisurely ride back to Pont en Royans.
Just another day at the office. We really like our work though! Let’s see the pic’s.
Straight up, straight down. Keeping things simple.
Scott AndersonThe water hotel! The same place we stayed last time. I can’t believe it was just last year we were here (to the day - we moved on on April 28th), it seems so long ago. Reply to this comment 11 months ago
Gilles RobertBreathtaking! So much unbelieve landscape in such a small country...compare to Canada. We can fit 18 France in our country. Reply to this comment 11 months ago
Malleval was a centre for le Resistance during WWII. This monument is by a local sculptor in honour of all of the local population that fought and perished
There are only a few bars/cafe’s open in Pont en Royans. This is the first, and only, one we’ve been to. Near our hotel and and nice little patio across the street from the bar for our post ride debriefs.
SOTD Bombay Diner by Jesse Cook. Jesse’s a Canadian Rumba / Latin guitar virtuoso having a go at a more Indian influenced piece here. Well and truly a tangle of cultures.
When I first heard and saw the Gorges of Nan, I couldn’t get the image out of my head (still can’t) of a hot, steamy, soft slightly charred and fragrant nan bread emerging from a tandoori oven.No matter that it’s the name of a French river, my image persists, as does Jesse’s tune. Cultural mash up meeting! And it’s a great turn that fits the day, slightly spicy but more mellow than the days before. Enjoy.
Here’s to another great day, our last in the Vercors. We earned our full size bevies today!
Today's ride: 52 km (32 miles) Total: 386 km (240 miles)
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Lisa BaptieOk, totally missed signing up to Cycleblaze in a timely fashion, but finally did it today 😑
Amazing scenery, thank you so much for sharing. It has definitely spurred my excitement about a trip to the area. I really appreciate your entries, it’s nice to get a little bit of “Lyle” humour!! Reply to this comment 10 months ago
Lyle McLeodTo Lisa BaptieThanks for following along Lisa!
This trip has been one amazing area after another. Such different landscapes and terrain.
Any one of the area’s you and your family would love. Reply to this comment 10 months ago
