Spring 2012 - SW France - Day 3

I was up early this morning; the traders in the market were setting up their stalls at around 5:45 and there was much activity. I decided to work on today's route which was fairly complex following the Dordogne gorges. Dave had originally decided that we'd leave at 9am but called to suggest 8:30 instead. I was ready!

We headed east along an excellent D road towards Argentat and once again we were smiling as this was a terrific biking road; smooth; quick and with lovely long sweeping bends. Definitely GT terrain. At Argentat we re-fuelled and then set of for the gorges; initially heading north and then zig-zagging as the roads snaked its way up into the hills. The views started to open out and there were some spectacular bridges and dams. It was now more GS than GT terrain and we were rarely out of 3rd gear with quite variable road surfaces. By 11am, Dave was becoming a little agitated; why? Because he had declined breakfast and was now seriously hungry. My bum was getting sore so we stopped; had a stretch and decided that we would stop at the next town. Little did we know than a few hundred metres up the road was the village of Chalvignac where there was a delightful "Bar-Tabac". We parked up and went inside. Did they have any food? Well not really but would some cheese in a baguette do ? It was Cantal cheese (of the region) and this served as lunch ! It was an extraordinary place with local workers having a drop of wine and the owners dogs and cat wandering around the customers. From here we continued our route and now started to head south; this time on better, faster and more "GT" style roads towards Mauriac. Dave had mentioned that he was concerned that his bike was making a rumbling sound; so we swapped bikes to test this out. This also had the benefit of my Dave and Janet being able to try out the pillion intercom capabilities of my set up. This will be important when Chrissie comes because we will be able to communicate. I will need to buy the kit to for her helmet though (post script; already purchased !)

The road from Mauriac back to Argentat was fantastic; beautiful rolling countryside with fast (60+) sweepers that bring a smile to your face each time you swing from right to left as you negotiate the road.

Our hotel, the Sablier du Temps was again booked up last night using Booking.com and it's great. I am sitting outside in the garden; it's 22C, clear blue sky and free wi-fi; what more can a man ask for ?! Dave and Janet have gone off into town to see "what's what".

Tomorrow? Well; we're really not sure. One thing's for sure; I am rather hungry !