Bazas to Tarbes

Started the day foggy cleared but stayed humid.  Got really warm, might have hit 80.
54.7 miles with 2328 feet of climbing.
Wonderful rolling hills down some very back roads.  Fields of Sunflowers and corn dominated the ride. I continued to find these small single lane roads in the country that defy description. No cars, a few tractors, just cycling like you (I) dream of.
Downside of routing through the tiny roads and villages is there are no markets for food and water. We passed a sign for a market that was 10 minutes away. 30 minutes later it was only 3 minutes away. The Evian was delicious.
Came across several good cyclists on our run in to Tarbes.  Our Fridays always get attention.
Tarbes is a busy town, no problem getting in. Debbie decided a reward was called for, so a four star hotel in town center.

Pix

Pictures that would not go

Bazas to Eauze

Perfect day. Slight uphill most of day, with some actual hills in the last 10 miles. 50.49 miles total with a mere bump of vertical at 800 feet. The pine forests continued with an amazing ground layer is ferns.  I saw more ferns today then I have in all my life.
I routed us down unused roads. Some a lane wide.  It is hard to describe how perfect the riding is around here.  One stretch of road was in a very dark tree tunnel, one lane wide, with a 20% grade. Just hold on and pray that the surface was good, cross the creek and downshift as fast as possible to tackle the 20% uphill.
Eauze is a neat little town with three hotels.  Two were closed.  Lucky we found a room in the remaining open one. 
Having a blast in this beautiful countryside.

Bazas

After a jet lagged day yesterday we decided to do some exploring of Bordeaux.  We had an apartment in the older part of town.  The outdoor cafes were only a few blocks away.
Today we picked our way through the southern and industrial part of Bordeaux and into the wine country. Wow. The vines went for miles. Had to ask directions a few times.  All folks we approach are polite and helpful.  When they say bon jour, they are happy.
Occasionally the forest was allowed between the vineyards.  Lush pine and happy ferns.
My routing took us through Sauternes. Liquid magic happens here. Super sweet butter taste .  Should not be considered in the same class as wine.
Found a resort hotel in the small town of bazas.  48.55 miles. Feeling good.

On our way

First leg of the journey

Last training.

Our last training ride up Mt Bonnell before the Fridays are packed up.  Borbeaux here we come!

I am well into my newest project. cycletheparks.com explores the rural scape surrounding selected Texas State Parks. I select a park based on some simple criteria: camping, showers, rural roads, near major cities.

For a nominal yearly fee, you and your entire car full of buds and bikes can park (or camp) at a state park and take off for a ride. Upon your return, showers await.

But where do you ride? I have explored the roads and give you maps, que sheets, altitude profiles, alt gained, water holes, even Garmin routes. All roads are suitable for skinny, high pressure tires.

I have been exploring desolate roads since I was a teenager. I recall finding a bridge out, shouldering my bike across the creek, riding though a field (dirt county road), then onto pavement. So I do this site as an extension of what I have always done. The research is fun.