'Entre Deux Mers'-Day 7
Monday, September 9th.
| The previous evening, I had looked closely at the route for this day and
worked out that the climbs via the direct route would have been too much for
both of us. It would have necessitated a climb of over 1000 metres to approach
our goal in the way I had planned. Richard and I agreed that we should follow a
route curving round to the south through Revels and Carcassonne. Fine, but there
was a mileage penalty, and I wasn't sure what that might be. I was concerned
that we might have to spend another night frustratingly close to our target, but
I was prepared to do that if necessary. |
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The view from our bedroom window. No rain today then.
Please.... |
| Monday dawned bright and cool, there having been overnight rain. We had an
early breakfast and were on our way by 9 a.m. First we had a few easy miles
along quiet roads gradually ascending along the valley of the 'Agout' towards
Castres. Then it was off to the last set of hills before the coastal plain. And
climb we did. It was a like a very big roller coaster, but with the advantage of
passing through gorgeous countryside, not unlike Tuscany with its hill top farms
and stands of Poplar trees. The temperatures were still a bit on the cool side until we made that
final downhill run onto the coastal plain where it was noticeably warmer.
Here we were really lucky as we turned towards the east in picking up a strong tail wind that pushed us
along at high speed. This for me was the best part of the journey. We were
approaching our journeys end, it was warm and sunny, the going was good with
quiet flat roads. It was quite frankly, exhilarating whizzing along at over 20
mph for hour after hour.
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Carcassonne, towards the old town
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Into Carcassonne by mid afternoon, with a pause for a couple of
Orangina's, then our tired
legs took us through the 100 mile barrier. The sun was getting low in the
sky when we finally arrived at our friend Margaret's hill top home, just 25
miles from the Mediterranean sea. We were both exhausted, having cycled
108 miles that day and a grand total of 590 for the trip. (Had we gone
straight to the Med, the mileage would have been slightly less)
We had also climbed a grand total over the 7 days of some 6100 metres,
more than half the height of Everest.
|
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Journeys end; well, for a few days. A glass
of Rose wine and a warm sun |
A wonderful meal was served by Margaret and now all we feel ready for is sleep...
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Day 7: 108 miles in 8 hrs 11 mins
Total mileage 590 (after allowing for detours)
A grand total of 6100 metres climbed over the
seven days.
That's about two thirds the height of Everest. |
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