Day 2

Day 2 Sunday July 13th 2014

Orange is bright and warm and pleasant this morning as we all eagerly unpack our bikes, load them up, and head in different directions. Dave and I head towards le Mont Ventoux into a wind on a flat road through Cotes du Rhone vineyards with the giant of Provence looming ahead. I decide that it looms a little too much and take a different route that is really beautiful with lavender fields, butterflies, castles and so on. Dave tackles the giant. I get our rooms sorted out in a hotel high up above Montbrun with its own little Alpe D'huez type climb. The young couple who run it are very friendly [he is an ex music industry worker from Paris; she inherited the building and together they run this new venture] he gives me a beer, and puts on Le Tour for me to watch. Dave arrives having cycled strongly up Ventoux. We walk into the hill top magic of a village that is Montbrun and have a great meal in a little cafe, after a carrot juice in a juice bar [yes really]. Good hot bath in the hotel too.