Today is a momentous day as I have started the third week as I pedal out of Gramat and will pass the half way mark in mileage when I roll into Figeac. Having mentioned Marco Pantani the other day we can say more now about the cyclist who managed to cultivate his persona in the world of cycling and gave himself the nickname "the pirate" to reflect his trademark shaven head, bandana and earing. In the photo below he is wearing the tour leader's yellow jersey in 1998 when he went on to win the Tour de France. Quite the achievement for a sub-60kg climbing specialist. Ignoring my hefty touring bike and 17Kg of luggage I'll be hauling an extra 25kg of body weight up those hills. Ouch! I am unsure if back in 1998 teams had a full yellow jersey set of kit but certainly today the leader will likely have full yellow livery on their bike and clothing. Anything to get the sponsors noticed.
I have had repeated requests for photos that represent the ride and yesterday it was easy to fulfill those requests. Today being an easy day I'll try and stop more. These are from the small village of Reilhac and if you followed my camino walk in autumn 2022 you will know what the strange structure is for.
Update! Here is the camino walk link:
Further on and another of these cattle handling devices seeming to dwarf the small chapel behind it. I think the protective roof would have been added recently to preserve what sits beneath.
Judging by today's roads my tour guides are relishing the Lot Valley just as these sheep are relishing the fresh grass.
This is the national park I am sat in and the saddle I am usually sat on.
This isn't the best composed photo but perhaps you can make out the dark barn on the right with it's ramp upper entrance; a very common design in this region. It also highlights the sense of space that France has.
It is Sunday when things close down and although I did pass a café serving coffee sometimes you simply want a brew with a view and a biscuit or two.
A short day allows me time in Figeac to sit and reflect on my time here while doing the camino and as my directions spit me out by the bridge that carries the pilgrims I get to watch them go through.
I am having quite a soft week in terms of pedalling and reviewing my schedule there is a mix of light and harder days with two bigger days before Ventoux so I didn't quite think that through in my planning. I feel a swoon coming on just thinking about it.
This is Figeac old town.
I have chosen this photo as my link into saying that the man who decrypted the Rosetta Stone (and therefore allowed us to read hieroglyphs and unlock Egyptian history) was born in Figeac. The local bookshop carries his name; Jean-François Champollion (1790-1832). On the same square (Place Carnot) is a restaurant La Pyramide cashing on the Egyptology theme and the popular café Le Sphinx which is on the site as the bookshop owned by Champollion's father.
