"Today we begin weeth a leetle bump."

So off we went up 4 km !  The guides, Alexandre and Dominic tell us a it isnt a hill until it's 8 km....
We soldiered up, enjoyed the ride down and then stopped to visit the sanitorium in St. Remy de Provence where Van Gogh lived for a year-- producing 180+ paintings. 

That was a nice break, then back on the bikes for 17 km to an olive oil mill for a demonstration and some retail therapy.  Our group happily contributed to the cause purchasing olive oil, tapenade and various beauty products made of olive oil.  Then we enjoyed a yummy lunch in the olive grove. 

After lunch came a decision point-- turn left and head back to the hotel for a 28 mile ride?  or turn right to visit the Abbey de Fergoli for a 44 mile ride?  We happily sorted ourselves...

Craig with his angels, Edith, Danny and Jill after a long hard day of riding.

The group who did the longer route loved seeing a beautiful abbey on the hillside, and a great ride back to the hotel, 15-25 mph winds notwithstanding.

I will leave it to someone else to describe the petanque...

A great day in the Alpilles

Today we cycled 40+ miles in the Alpines Mountains, south of Avignon. Beautiful weather, good roads and super friends.

The photo shows why we climb hill. That is where the best views are. 5 km out, here is out view.

Jill met a special friend Vincent. Quite a charming friend, even if a bit mixed up.

Several stars on the Hill Climb. Merrell, Mary Gwen, Karen and David

Merrell and Mary celebrated their trip to the top!

Mary was enjoying one of her favorite foods, fresh Figs!

It was our first full day, but a super one. Tonight we rest and tomorrow we have 50 miles in front of us. More to come.