We have come to Lambesc. The reason for that, in one sense, is that it is the start of the return home. However, we have only moved about 60 kilometers from Peynier so, if we keep that up we will get home in December!

But the real reason was because Meryl found a cycle guide and details of a cycle route. Now you might have gathered that we have done just a little bit of biking on this trip. Unfortunately Meryl found the hills around Peynier too much of a challenge. eg having taken one look said, "No". This meant moving as she was missing her cycling and, as its part of a general keep fit programme, we needed to find an easier place to cycle.

Now PACA ( Provence Alps Cote d'Azur) offer some assistance here by publishing guides and this was the one that Meryl found. It was encouraging. At "only" 20 kilometers and discribed as 'facile' and 'for the whole family' it looked inviting. The campsite, unfortunately was a little distance from the cycle route so this added another, only (?), 8 kilometers to the route. Oh, and its in the valley of the Durance, or, well perhaps one might say, above the valley. And the route descends to the river. However the route profile looked fine with the steepest bits being downhill so what could go wrong!?

Lambesc is a pretty town built on a hill so we had to ride up to it. And then down to the road to Rognes, where the route began. Well, that wasn't too bad except for the cars and trucks flying past as we struggled up the slopes towards Rognes. Even when we turned off onto a country lane, the road still continued to rise - and quite sharply at times. Oh the agony of it!

Never mind, we made Rognes so we could start the route! Rognes is a small village, and it was market day so we had to stop and admire but not buy (where to put anything one bought?). Now the plan said that from Rognes the route rose a little for a short distance before a long descent to the river and canal. Well, the rise was a little steeper than expected and Meryl was not enjoying it much! " Bloody hills" she said quietly as yet another slope loomed in front of her/us. Mind you there was much to see including some fascinatingly coloured butterflies, one of which may have been a Clouded Yellow.

At this pont I suggested to Meryl that we stop and go home. We had done 8 miles and if we continued we would simply end up further from the finish. She was tempted but, she declined and we set off again.

Well, now we started the descent, about 5 kilometers and on a roughish road that was not easy. It twisted its way down to the valley floor between steep rocks known as 'Crete'. Some are sandstoneish in colour and others, just like on Mont St Victoire, have a reddish tinge similar to Devon. As we neared the end of the drop others were just beginning the climb (and good luck to them!). Meryl's comment at that point went along the lines of, "If that think that's suitable for children then...", but I can't repeat the rest. Thus the worst was over.....

The next part of the route, in total contrast to the part covered so far was along a fastish road with trucks and cars rushing past. However, a left turn took us once again onto a country road and a more controlled gently rise back up towards Rognes. One of the slightly unusual aspects of this area is that a canal has been built to provide water for a hydro power station. And to supply the canal they built a large lake which now provides a scene of tranquility.

The journey home was not without its difficulties as the length of the ride was beginning to take its toll on legs and mind but eventually we made it back to Lambesc and the camping. Meryl has decided that she would not like to repeat today's ride although she has suggested that I might. And do it in reverse so that I can 'enjoy' the benefits of the climb that we rode down! I have studied the map and it tells me the gradient is between 5 and 9%. She obviously thinks I am completely bonkers!

Whilst recovering at the campsite a much fuller guide to provence cycling appeared and it gave details of a cycle ride that we might just tackle on Friday. This says that the steepest climb is 0 meters!! Sounds appealing!! Roll on Friday