Tour de Williams

 

Woke with the sunrise with a view to getting out on the road to see what the legs could do. We had some local french delicacies delivered by our host from a nearby patisserie and they somewhat delayed le grand depart.

Bryn and I then embarked on the lumpy ride over to Malaucene, one of the 3 (and apparently the hardest ..) starting points for Mont Ventoux. We were quite pleased to get those first 9 miles done and felt relatively fresh but with only trepidation as to what was to come.

Neither of us were prepared for what happened next, although we did find the first few kilometres bearable, unrelenting, but bearable. Any other ride you tend to know even after an uphill you'd have a bit of flat, or a downhill. All you could hope here was a bit of less gradient from time to time.

We did get a bit of that until about the 8th or 9th kilometre, and were enjoying the views and taking the odd stop.  Restarting after the stops was getting harder, and around kilometre 10 Bryns legs hit the jelly phase and his ride was over.

Fair dos to the lad he walked the next 3 kilometres as I persisted as best I could, but as my legs began to really feel the strain it was clear the fun side of things was fading fast.  Could we have struggled on? Half walking, waiting for some shallower gradients? Maybe, but the wind was quite intense, le mistral in full voice, and we hadn't hit the exposed bit yet.

So it was an about turn and a 20 minute whizz down the mountain with thoughts of what could have been, respect to those who can spin their way up, and awe at the guys who race this. Will I be back to complete unfinished business? Unlikely on this trip, but I could be open to offers ...

Back in Malaucene we recouperated with a coffee and a smoothie, and the girls drove over, Carys as the spare rider, but Bryn wanted to soldier the 9 miles back to pierrelongue.  Head down, with just the one stop to take a picture of the castle in Entrechaux.

I think he might have regretted that as a few of the lumps felt a lot harder on the way back but we got there, and mission sort of accomplished. We asked ourselves the question, and got the answer.  And more to the point enjoyed another father and son blast to the past.

Nice to pick at a bit of cheese, cold meats and rehydrate, before a little chill in the hot tub mid afternoon, and enjoy some AirBnB home comforts.

Move to the slightly colder pool late afternoon, be kidding ourselves if we thought that offered the opportunity to do much in the way of exercise.

It was then back up to 'buis de barrones' the town I mentioned yesterday; bit more info on that, dates and some of the style can be traced back to medieval times, and its position on the a lovely river allowed a few tidy pictures.

We found a little french brasserie where I had to do the entrocote, medium rate with frites and a bit of ratatouille. Apparently the latter, very specifically tomatoy and oniony a very particular part of the cuisine in these parts. Dessert was yoghurt, although more appealingly entitled fromage avec couslis au chocolat.

With one of us driving was keen to get back to the AirbnB and take a glass of the Ventoux Rose, raising a glass to the 'giant of provence'. It will continue to hold the mystique and respect I have held it in for so long.

Proving my exhaustion from the day before, I slept in well after the boys had set off - well, I woke up several times in between but it wasn't until around 10am that I actually got up. A mixed breakfast of pastry, bread and fruit greeted me, washed down with juice.

I spent the morning reading, having later on in the day finished the first book I brought with me which I'd started the other week, and am now starting a second. I'm trying to vary my reading spots, from my bed, to the different sofas, to the tables indoors and outdoors, to the sun loungers, and the hot tub. It's been quite successful so far, each providing a refreshing perspective to spur me on with my reading. 

Anyway, after a while, we went out to join the boys in town at the bottom of the mountain, and mum and I did another brief food shop - this time I was actually present, so took full advantage of it. We made our way back, with a slight detour due to confusion on behalf of google maps, which wanted to take us a shorter, unknown route. We eventually got back on track, and did get home much quicker than expected, including the confusion.

 We sat in the lovely weather, and indulged in the treats we'd bought - including goats cheese, a personal favourite of mine. The remainder of the afternoon was spent lounging, reading and more lounging. I went to visit the pool and the little cosy spot in which we could sit near it - I think I might have a dip tomorrow if it's warm enough out.

Then, we went out in search for dinner. I'm really appreciating the views on these car journeys, it feels like we're in the bottom of  valley or a canyon, and it really is breathtaking. The village we went to was just as picturesque and quaint as mum had described - like something straight out of Beauty and The Beast. I felt enchanted by the pretty lights and cobblestone streets. After a bit of wandering, and taking of pictures, we chose a restaurant near the river for food. I ordered the vegetarian burger, which I can now name, I believe, the nicest burger I have ever eaten, veggie or otherwise. It had cheese, onions, courgette, white sauce, tomato, and multiple other vegetables that all made it into my ideal burger. I absolutely loved it for some reason. The patty was buckwheat, which had quite  unique flavour and brilliant texture. It was accompanied by crispy chips, with very little potato inside each one, but still very tasty. I followed dad's example for dessert, in a moment of panic, unsure what to choose, and although not so much a favourite of mine, the chocolatey-yoghurt type thing was reasonable enough. 

Back to the house for a dip in the hottub, and, you guessed it, more reading. What a dream!

What a great set of results

(Carys)

Hello! Believe it or not, we're back again, with yet another instalment of 2022's adventures. This time, to France! It again feels like no time has passed since I was last here blogging (and since then, the Las Vegas musings have also been published, which I wasn't a part of, but very much enjoyed reading - maybe I'll pick up some new writing tips from all who contributed).

So, I apologise if my writing has been very similar in each of these blogs - I think it becomes instinct to use the same phrases and such, especially when there are parallels between the different holidays. But anyway, this is quite a short and sweet trip, but one I'm really excited for, as I haven't been to France for many years now. So, another early morning flight, so we got a few hours of sleep before getting up at 2am to head for Heathrow. I listened to music and tried to get some more sleep in the car as I remember how exhausting it was arriving mid-day on very little sleep last holiday. We got the car sorted and checked ourselves in - I absolutely love Heathrow so tried to soak up the atmosphere, which is always intriguing, even at 4am. 

Once checked in - which all went pretty smoothly (only Bryn was checked at the scanners, but got through then with no further issue), we settled in to - of course - The Wetherspoons. I debated going to see if Starbucks had something I wanted to eat more, feeling a little bit queasy, but decided to just have one of the Quorn sausage sandwiches. It was filling and honestly I'm glad I had it. 

Then, I let myself buy a couple books in the bookshop, as again I'm planning to get though as many as possible whilst we're here, and then off we went to the terminal. We soon were boarded, and I realised how odd it was that Bryn was here with us this time. I was grateful for his company, though not sure he feels the same way! 

Anyway, the flight went very quickly for me, no issues with ears popping or anything like that, thank goodness. Arrivals was all pretty easy too - I'm finding myself comparing all these things to how they were on our Sardinia trip, but really, both have been (and will continue to be) very good and very different experiences, and that variation I am grateful for. We picked up the car, a really cute black Fiat which I'm actually sort of obsessed with. I don't know why, but I just really love it? I'd put it up there with my favourite hire cars we've ever head, including The Beast from our USA trip in 2018. Bryn and I decided to call him Marcel, as that just seemed fitting. 

Marcel (with mum's driving) - she did very well) brought us to the Air BnB in which we are staying. It's really beautiful - with a shared pool and seating area around one side, and a hot tub and outdoor dining space in our own section. The building is lovely too, really modern and quite different to the other Air BnB's we've stayed in before, I would say. I'm hoping for a good night sleep tonight! Our host was lovely too, and being the only one out of the 4 of us who didn't do French GCSE (and A Level for mum), I wasn't able to contribute much to the attempted at conversation with her. Bryn admits he also can remember very little from his days of studying the language.

Mum and dad ventured out in search for a food shop, whilst Bryn and I chilled out at the house. I tried out the hottub, but I couldn't figure out how to work the temperature. Fortunately it was warm outside, so the cool water was quite refreshing. We'll figure out the heat tomorrow! We had our classic picnic/picky bits typoe dinner, with baguette and cheese and crisps and veg, all the staples. It was really tasty. I followed that up with some Milka chocolate bar too.

 Now, as expected, I'm feeling really drained, so making the most of the comfort of the house, and just relaxing really. Au revoir to today.

(Lloyd)

Didn't think I'd have a lot to say today, how wrong I was; the 4th foreign instalment of the Summer and the last for now, perhaps ever, we shall see.  Since the last trip a fair bit has happened in the real world which has made this little jaunt somewhat secondary, so will be playing this one by ear even more than normal. Brought covid back from the States (4 of us managed to acquire it in all), the joys of modern travel. That knocked me out for a few days and meant preparation for some big running/cycling events were ruined (and they were already on shaky territory for a whole host of reasons this year), and it was a case of getting myself right for the new job over in Bristol. So 3 days into that (and 3 very full on days) a pre-arranged trip to Provence has been very much on the backburner.

So much so, packing was done quickly before we were due to leave, which was a 2.30 am departure after 3 hours sleep.  The M4 always provides a bit of added spice in these overnight runs, with us been taken off, lane closures, and other such obstacles that are difficult to plan for (yes, we did look last night, but these roadworks are quite hard to track)

Did another car drop off, this time at the Sofitel Heathrow Terminal 5, and we were still in the terminal over 2 hrs before our departure and having to wait 20 mins or so to have the opportunity to move through security.  Little point getting to the airport too early these days as they are quite regulated in the throughput, and being non airside for a period of time hardly holds the same excitement.

Anyhoo, we were quickly through the drop off and checks (must have been one of the lucky ones in that regard this Summer SO FAR), and scoffing a bit of breaky down in Wetherspoons all in good time. Couldn't get our usual place, a little more on the perimeter, but they served us, all good.

Made it to the gate 'on time' lets say and quick push back in the air onto Marseille. Flight of just under an hour and half, a bit cramped, a bit turbulent, but most importantly, a bit quick and a nice landing, doing a full 180 over the Med and over the city of Marseille into the airport.

It was as we came off the runway and mobile phones turned on that Bryn showed us his confirmation from Bournemouth Uni that he is now officially on their books. Definitely the best result of the day, and what a time/place to find out.  As he got on the wi fi we all celebrated the confirmation of his grades as we disembarked the plane and headed into France.  Another big change over the next few weeks, we are so proud of the lad, how he has negotiated the last couple of years, made the most of college, work and friends and now determined his plans for the next 3-4 years; a natural communicator, leader and motivator, I'm confident he will make the most of his Sports Coaching degree and experience as it evolves.

Passport control much quicker in France than it had been in Sardinia, the Brexit queue not a hindrance this time.  Baggage all appeared nicely although 1-2 others didn't seem to have the same luck.  Bit of a wait at Avis for the car, their fast track a little more 'lentement ' than the brand suggests.

Followers of the blog will recall the psychological damage I suffered a few years back in a manual car in Europe, so always down to Chrissi to negotiate the first bit of driving if we are provided that kind of vehicle, until I can find a side road to get my bearings!  Turned out that we waited until later in the day for that, and Bryn and I were the navigation team as Chrissi took us into deepest Provence.

The journey itself quite unremarkable for the first 45 minutes or so, and then the Ventoux began to loom into view. The mystique, the mystery, the beauty of this great mountain has been absorbed by Bryn and myself on many a watch of the Tour de France, and seeing it in all its imperious glory was a joy to behold. Being a passenger certainly had an added benefit today, the second big result for sure, and there will be more of that in the days to come.

We pretty much wound our way around its base as we moved more and more north to our allotted Air Bnb in Pierrelongue  Delphine our host met us and showed us around the pool, the hot tub and the hugely spacious abode that will be our home for the next few days. Rarely do Airbnbs disappoint, but this hits the upper echelons, another result for sure.

To make it a home Chrissi and I popped a few kilometres up the road to get some groceries from a nearby town of Buis les Baronnes  Only chose it for the shops but on finding the beautiful, almost fairy tale town nestled into the mountains, we took an hour or so to look around. So quaint, so remote, so well formed, we were disappointed Carys and Bryn weren't with us to explore further and try one of the lovely little restaurants that were both adorning the pavements and hiding amongst the narrow streets.  We took many photos, hope they give a sense of what proved to be the 4th big result of the day.

We did our shop eventually, almost secondary, Ventoux Rose catching our eyes.  And transported it back to our holiday home, me now firmly back at the wheel.

A cool hot tub where I could drift and daydream for a while saw out the afternoon, and was much appreciated after all the travel.

We used our shop well, lovely french cheeses, wine and beer for a bit of home al fresco dining. We had to stay at home as I was getting some bicycles delivered to allow Bryn and I to further explore the region tomorrow.  My french language skills put to the test as we talked to our delivery driver as he helped us set ourselves up en francais.

Bryn and I did a quick 5K up a few of the nearby climbs just to warm our legs up, god knows where we will get to tomorrow, but in the spirit of this suck it and see trip, we will see what we will see.

Ended the day, relaxing outside our Air Bnb, supping a few beers,playing a bit of cards, toasting the current life trajectory of our boy, see how far he can coach us up the Ventoux tomorrow. We have many plans, getting to the base being the first!