This morning seemed a little earlier than the other mornings. The free wine at supper last night was a little much and I felt the effects this morning! I headed off with a new group today which is always interesting who you get to ride with and what kind of experience they have. Some riders ride so much better than others and it is a real treat to ride behind them.
The ride today was again spectacular – I cannot get over how beautiful the views are from the bike. All the little villages that you enter are so quaint and are right out of a story book. The aim today was to arrive in Millau so we could see the famous Millau bridge. I have copied the link that tells all the history of the bridge for your reference. Millau Bridge
We were fortunate today that we stopped a few times in some great little villages for something to drink and a bathroom break. The little cafes are beautiful. You could stay there all day long under a canopy of shade trees or in some cases vines. I could sit there and watch all the people as they go by. Today is Bastille Day in France so there were a number of celebrations going on in many of the villages that we passed through. The town people were all in awe as we travelled past with smiles on our faces and waving to the children who were very excited to see us wave to them.
Arriving at the famous Millau Bridge is truly awe inspiring! We stopped underneath it as you get a better view of it rather than riding over it (plus it costs to ride across). I believe on the return trip from Valencia to Antwerp we will be riding over the bridge so it will be a totally different perspective! We had to waste a little bit of time at the bridge due to the fact Millau was closed for entry due to celebrations of Bastille Day. We were able to fuel up for the morning and arrived at the hotel in time for a shower and supper which was served at 8:00 (really 9:00) by the time you actually get to eat.
Tomorrow is the “Monster Ride” which starts at 6:00 am!! (yes that is correct). It is tradition on Posse Rides to leave the village as quietly as possible before the sun rises to see the sun rise as we ride out of town. Could be interesting to see if they actually mean quiet or not! We are in for more surprises tomorrow – one being a picnic breakfast on the road as we will be too early for breakfast. I am sitting out on the balcony doing my blog and overlooking a specular view and listening to the drums going through town in celebration. WOW!!!!
I was just about to finish the blog for the night and then the fireworks began. Amazing – I am a very lucky girl to have such a spectacular view for the night as I am sitting here in awe as the firework display has just gone on for at least 15 minutes. Just when you think it is over and you here some of the other people on their balconies close their doors then open them again to more fireworks bigger and better than the ones before. Thank you Posse Team for giving me a night I will soon not forget! Amazing!! OMG now a band is playing and I can hear as clear as day! How am I ever going to get to sleep after all this excitement – just missing a nice glass of wine and my husband to enjoy this beautiful night!
