Day Four

Baume les Dames

89 miles 3287ft climbed

The big test today was the climb of the Ballon D’Alsace which we started almost from the campsite.

Rather than take the main road up we took the secondary Route du Grande Langenbourg which whilst longer and not in such a good condition had the advantage of zero traffic. As soon as the climb started mountain goat Dominic disappeared and neither Richard or I saw him again until we got to the top. This secondary route led up through a farm over halfway up the mountain where we heard cow bells ringing making us really feel we were in the mountains.

Of course we had arranged to meet Nigel & Monica at the top where our coffee and croissants were waiting, as was Dom who made it to the top well before Richard and then me bringing up the rear.

It was noticeable that the vegetation had become alpine and we saw many butterflies. One aspect that is annoying when climbing slowly up ( I took over 50 minutes) is that you are surrounded by a squadron of flies attracted by your sweat – not pleasant.

We were unable to get our passports stamped as the tourist information was closed and the local bar refused.

Leaving the summit we then had a fantastic descent swooping down taking the racing line for over 8 miles – what a thrill!

To cap this great descent we were then able to get our passports stamped at the Mairie in Giromagny. Once again running mostly on cycle paths we then headed into Belfort without having to ride on the road.

Luckily the Tourist Office didn’t close until 12.30 and with passports stamped we took a brief tour round this attractive town including all managing to negotiate the water feature – though none did it as well as Dom!

We did manage to see the Belfort Lion ( the town’s symbol and that of Peugeot too) although sadly the nearby Peugeot museum at Sochaux was closed as it’s Monday.

Leaving Belfort on more cycle paths and passing the TGV station nearby ( which had new dedicated cycle paths) we then headed down back to the canal Rhône à Rhine and to our lunch stop.

Whilst it has mostly been sunny so far on this trip this afternoon was forecasted to be wet so we arranged for a tea stop in case the predicted rain arrived.

The next section was tough as once again the wind got up and as usual was right on our noses. Dom volunteered to head the peloton and Richard and I were happy to follow.

What was noticeable about today was the change in scenery as we had left the Alsatian plain, climbed the Vosges mountains and then headed into the territoire de Belfort and the Doubs valley.

Nature

In the mountains we saw many butterflies and insects as mentioned earlier. Our bird of the day today was the Heron. One field had 5 in and another Heron just stood his ground next to the cycle path as we went past. We also saw a Pine Marten with some smaller creature in its mouth dart across in front of us. Later whilst chatting with Richard I let out a shriek as I almost ran over a large Snake warming itself on the path.

As we left tea it started to spot with rain and we still had 20 miles to cover so Nigel said he would wait half way in case the heavens truly opened. Luckily it didn’t so we pressed on. However with seven miles left the rain started to pick up so we all took turns and accelerated the peloton so we were not too wet when we got to the campsite.

Dinner was luxury Duck and salad which our resident chef Nigel ( Driver, mechanic and camp commandant too ) rustled up whilst we showered and drink beer.

The rain has started again and the forecast for tomorrow morning is not good but we are keen to get back on our bikes so are keeping our fingers crossed.