Day 10 Vallon to Sault

My plan was to walk to the river for a swim yesterday but it was 37c and the air conditioned room was just too inviting - zzzzzzz
Dinner was at a nearby restaurant and although my Ardeche trout was delicious, the meal took far too long  on a very hot evening. The walk back to the hotel was beautiful and the air conditioning even more so.

I really struggled to get going this morning and there was a lot of conversation about dodgy tummies at breakfast. The ride was planned to be 96 miles with another furnace forecast so my cycling enthusiasm was hard to find. 
However the first part of the ride was really enjoyable along the side of the Ardeche gorge with spectacular views.



One of the other riders sent a warning message ‘goats in tunnel’ which was very exciting and I had a great chat to these friendly chaps.





We then crossed the Rhine and into Provence, following a bike path along the river but mostly in full sun.



I struggled to eat lunch, not sure if I have the group tummy bug, I’ve drunk too much electrolytes or my brain is overruling my body, but the wheels were starting to fall off. 
I cycled on to Chateauneuf du Pape trying not to look at the temperature on my Garmin going relentlessly up.

At 36c I called Luc the guide, body and mind said no more pedalling thank you. I thought I would be disappointed with myself but I’m more relieved that I made a sensible decision (for once!)







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