Nadine sent me off this morning with scrambled eggs, a sandwich for the road, and a big hug. A great start to delightful day of cycling. The 25 mile ride to Millau began with a two-mile climb up to Saint-Victor and then a glorious, winding downhill back to the Tarn River. It was a warmish, mostly cloudy day but the brilliant displays yellows and oranges were on full display.
I crossed back over to the south bank of the river shortly above Saint-Rome-deTarn. The valley continued to narrow, with more rock outcroppings appearing on slopes awash in dazzling colors. I passed through a handful of small towns, but none was as stunning as Peyre, a village of light stone houses strung and stacked along a steep cliff. With its ancient troglodyte church and stone houses, Peyre evoked a more ancient time, which was in marked contrast to the very modern Millau Viaduct that almost loomed over the village.
Completed in 2004, the Millau Viaduct spans a 2460m gap across the Tarn Gorge, and until recently was the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. The deck soars 242m above the river, and is supported by just seven stacked pylon piers, with the highest stack reaching a height of 342m. It is a wonder to both behold and bike beneath.
I rolled into Millau in mid-afternoon, and took advantage of some free time to relax, journal, and walk-about town a bit before dinner, a fine meal at a restaurant recommended by the hotel. As splendid as today was, I was looking forward to tomorrow’s ride into the Tarn Gorge, one of my most eagerly anticipated rides of the year.
Colorful butterflies decorated small alleyways of Millau
