Day 13 - St-Céré to Figeac

October  1^st, 2002

climbing, climbing, climbing

Our day started with a brutal 8km, 500m climb. That set the tone for the rest of the day. We cycled on flat roads for no more than 4km, the rest was either straight up or down. We’ve done much harder tours in the past, but that was after months of training. I was not prepared. This was by far the hardest day on this trip and my legs were hurting. My memories of this day are of struggling up a hill, teetering from one-side to another, trying not to tip over. Did you know that the slowest one could climb a hill on a bike without actually tipping over is a whopping 4.5 km an hour? Spiros, on the other hand, was a tiny dot off in the distance, no struggling, no sweating…nothing…I’m not bitter, nope…not me. Spiros is one of those people who seeks out hills, the steeper the better…yes, he is a nut!

Such efforts never go unrewarded in France. Quercynoise villages, ridge-top riding, majestic views and fabulous wine…it’s all good. The route is lined with wonderful walnut trees, pretty farmhouses and enchanting forests.

We ended our day in Figeac. Situated on the banks of the Célé River, this old city, dating back to the 9th century, is a great stopover. We strolled around the narrow streets of the old quarter, and later enjoyed our café crème at a coffee shop located at Place Carnot.