Ride 14 - last ride Bourgonne Valley

Not a cloud in the sky for what was feeling like a crisp fall day (similar to those late morning rides you take on thanksgiving day as the smell of turkey penetrates the house). The lighting was different this morning,softer and lower in the sky. Wow, fall had seemed to fell overnight.

Big plans to "suck the marrow" out of our last day riding in France we planned a sizable loop from Clo du Columbier out the Bourgonne river valley,turning south just about 15k from Dijon.

We rode the back way out of Pommard through several little valley towns giving our legs the much needed warm up on such a cold and chilly morning. I decided to take our chances on a little dash road that climbed up the plateau from the little town of Morrissey. The climb quickly turned to triple chevron (steep) and it sustained itself for about 1km at 15% (at least!). Once at the top we had a great view of the entire Bourgonene valley. Catching our hearts and breath...we proceeded on the little road, which turned to dirt, then rock, then boulders and back to dirt again. It was actually a really great, quiet French country road. When the road dumped us out (after 3k's) it took a minute or two to located ourselves on the map. Got it!

We then rode for about 25-30 miles dead into the wind. Bill pulled or I should say shielded me for all but 1 or 2 Km of the northward journey; thank goodness for Midwest guys that know how to ride in wind - cause I'm horrible.

For much of our ride we paralleled the Bourgonnene canal, rolling into charming little town after town. We had a brief 45 minute lunch stop in La Forie spending a total of 3-4 euro at the epicure and Bolangierie for afilling lunch.

After reaching the terminus of the canal we climbing up the plateau again (to ensure we ascended at least 3500 feet each day) we strolled through the town of Urency. The ride back toward town was fast and furious. I was feeling strong, rested and with the wind now at my back I could climb like the billy goat I've become on this trip. Yes!

Racing through Beaune and back to pommard I was absorbing the smells of the country, the fresh air and the warmth of knowing I am heading home after a GREAT trip.

The stats for the day:
Temp: 45F at 9am, warming to 67F by mid afternoon. Sunny and Windy
(probably 20mph)
Distance: 67 miles
Ascend: 3580 feet
Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
Calories: ? Misplaced chastised - but lots!