June 1, 2019 Gap to Manosque

Today was an exceptional day.  We rolled out of our hotel in Gap and within a kilometer we were sailing down a beautifully paved road which was at least 15 meters wide with no center line and no vehicles.  The sun was out in a total cloudless sky which was the brightest of blues.  The road was generally downhill for the first 3.5 kms when we came to the first climb of the day.  However as it was only 3.5 kilometers of 3.5% we were over that in no time.   A fast downhill followed with lots of sweeping curves and the odd switchback just to keep a person on his brakes.  

We were headed down the valley and so every one of the curves presented a magnificent view of the fields and orchards below, capped by the distant mountains.  It was so pretty that I had to stop numerous times to make sure I captured a good picture.

Our road turned to a much busier road which had a shoulder some of the time.  So when we turned back to our side road I breathed a lot easier.  However the pavement on this road suddenly ended and we were faced with about 450 of unpaved road.  We rode about 300 of the 450 and walked about 150 but when we got back to the main road Bob was not pleased and told me that there was a mutiny brewing in the lower decks.  Bob being from the Australian navy couches things in navel terms and with an Australian accent the “e” in decks is pronounced as an “i”. Ken and I had a good laugh.

The road turned back to the no center line road for the next 35 kms and it was just beautiful. There was even a sign say that the road was a UNESCO World heritage site. I believe it as the views were truly amazing.  I would love to ride this road in the fall when all of the fresh fruit is in season.

This put us down to Sisteron which is the site of a 1200’s castle.  It is situated at an amazing place. The river cuts through this narrow gorge where the rock has been stood on edge.  The castle has had a long and amazing history from the 1200’s, to playing an important role in Napoleon’s march north and even up to ww2 when it became strategically important.  Agnes and Judy toured the castle but we contented ourselves to have lunch in the square below the castle. There was a farmers market being held there and the place was a beehive of activity.  Tables were piled high with produce, fresh fish, baked goods and homemade sausage.

After lunch we continued on down the valley sometimes on the busy main road and sometimes on quieter side roads.   There were lots of climbs which were about a kilometer in length but the road was generally downhill so we made good time.  

We stopped at the 73 km mark for some drinks as the sun was quite intense and the temperature was close to 27 C.   After we came out a wind from the south had come up and presented us with a head wind which meant that we now had to pedal even on the downhills.  

The last 25 kms into Manosque were down a very busy road and Ken and I were grinding our teeth over all the traffic.  However we made it into town. 

I had taken us through the very oldest part of town and through some walking areas which were probably only 8 feet wide. It was a lot of fun.  We emerged from the walking area to the square where our hotel is and I contacted Agnes.  She and Judy were back in the walking area having ice cream so we turned around and joined them.  We sat in a perfect little square and watched a wedding procession and had a beer.  Set your watch back 200 years and just enjoy the peace and tranquil scene. It was truly magical.

What a great day.  We covered 108 kms and climbed 975 meters but descended 1200 meters.

Terry