October 27, 2019
Day 3 : Caunes-Minervois to Limoux
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After a quiet night in a very quiet old hotel, I had another great breakfast before setting out.
Of all of the days I thought would be difficult with hunters, Sunday was the day. So I set off with some trepidation.
My first goal was the Allée Couverte de Saint-Eugène. I had some beautiful roads on the way there.
I got to the point where I needed to turn left up the hill toward the dolmen and - you guessed it - more gunfire. Along with baying hounds. That always means a wild boar hunt. Which usually means fleeing wild animals (with tusks) in addition to the usual gunshot risk.
I wearily turned right instead. And just then out of the corner of my eye, I saw a dog streaking toward me. Oh no - just what I need right now.
But he wasn't barking or biting. He was bored and looking for a friend. We were instantly the best of friends and for the next 5k I had a touring buddy! Just when I was getting worried he was too far from home, he turned around and headed back.
After Laure-Minervois there was a section of dirt road I had seen on the map and was looking forward to exploring. Unfortunately as I approached it, I saw a collection of white Renault vans parked along my intended path. Nope. Not gonna happen today... I stayed on the paved road, cursing under my breath.
Over a few hills and dales and I was in Malves-en-Minervois, where my next and final goal for the day stood. Just across the river, again with a small dirt parking lot and a short trail. It just sits there, silent, as it's sat for millenniums. Kind of gives me chills. I wonder what it was for?
After taking about a million pictures, I was pretty done. At this point I was fed up with hunters and just ready to be home. It's my usual state at the end of a tour, whether it's 3 days or 10 days. I don't understand how so many folks can spend months on the road - this is a tribe of humanity that is foreign to me. I just wanted to be home.
My path took me along the Canal du Midi for awhile. We've ridden this section on the tandem (between Trebes and Carcassonne) and it's always a treat.
Unfortunately they're cutting down all the beautiful old Plane trees. The canal looks so empty without them. I don't understand the history or science of it, but I hope they find something else to plant soon. The boat rental companies can't be happy about this!
I rode through Carcassonne and took a break under the Cité. I'll spare you a picture - others have taken much better ones than I have.
I was in head-down mode now, so it was paved roads all the way home. Fall colors were showing in the vineyards and the blue sky made for a beautiful picture when I bothered to look up.
Finally, back home! The bike did great and the bags worked perfectly. Of course, a 3 day tour isn't much of a challenge, but still...
I got to the airport the next day to pick Robin up - no problem!
Today's ride: 62 km (39 miles)
Total: 192 km (119 miles)
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