If yesterday’s ride was a psychological and physical battle against gravity, today’s ride from Mende to Villefort was the ultimate reward—a breathtaking, sun-kissed 31.3-kilometer journey cruising across a spectacular 1,124-meter-high plateau in perfect weather.
What a difference a day makes! We rolled out of Mende with heavy legs from yesterday’s effort, but today was to be a much shorter ride and turned out to be pure delight! The oppressive heat was gone, replaced by crisp, fresh air, a light breeze, and perfectly clear blue skies.
Unlike the relentless walls of the previous stage, today’s route treated us to a beautifully gradual, rolling climb. With only 358 meters of total elevation gain, we weren’t fighting the gradients; we were flowing with them.
As we crested the high point of the ride at an incredible 1,124 meters above sea level, the canopy opened up to reveal scenery that can only be described as sublime. Up on the plateau, the world seemed to stretch out with vistas in every direction.
We cruised along quiet, smooth asphalt, flanked by sweeping alpine meadows and distant, jagged peaks cutting into the horizon. Without the blinding sweat and physical panic of yesterday, we could actually lift our heads, look around, and drink in the staggering beauty of the Lozère region.
The jewel of the day, however, was waiting for us at the very end. As we began our final descent, the trees cleared to reveal the magnificent Lac de Villefort tucked deep into the valley below. Seeing that massive, shimmering sheet of deep blue water mirrored against the surrounding green hills was breathtaking.
Spinning down the smooth, sweeping descent into Villefort with the afternoon sun on our backs, we couldn’t help but smile.
Our accommodation is: Your trip overview – Airbnb
The firrst thing we do when we arrive is try to get on the WiFi!
Then this evening the washing machine jammed shut and we couldn’t get our clothes out! I went out in the dark to go and get the bike tools to try and open it. When I crossed the street back to the apartment there was a man standing by the door. It turned out he had been sent to help us! …
I have created a GiveWheel page to support my chosen charities – Sussex Cancer Fund and Cancer United. If you would like to help me reach my target of £2,000, please visit https://gvwhl.com/QV7EB