Etape du Tour Day 5 & 6 -- combo post

Combo post today -- internet access has been spotty.

Saturday -- quick spin out to Tavel (Rose capital of the world). Great 1.5 hr. spin.

Great group of people.

Riding out through the limestone canyons:

Kent and his castle / estate.

Pete and Jonathan crusing through the vineyards.
Joan setting the pace through Tavel.

Her husband Neil right behind (perma-smiles all around).

Then to Montelimar to pick up the race numbers. On start village trip-- note to self: don't walk into self-cleaning public restroom with "friends" standing outside with change in their hands. Jay found out the hard way -- free 'shower'. ;)

Today -- quick cruise (yes, more vineyards). Wine tasting (is this how the pros prep?).

Eric in heaven -- chocolate and wine tasting (Eric and I are now in the wine business together -- more on that later).

Going to bed now. Up at 4a for the bus to the start...say a prayer for me. 105 miles, 11,500 feet of climbing. Mont Ventoux.