I got up pretty early this morning. I forgot (or rather remembered too late) to order stuff for breakfast last night, so there was no hanging around and I was on my way by half 8.

I immediately turned the wrong way out of the village, but realised pretty quickly so turned around and was soon going in the right direction. And that direction was up!

It was a steady climb at about 6 or 7% It went on and on! Every time I thought I couldn't get any higher, I turned a corner and there was more up.

There was a really steep bit before it eased off towards the top, at which I was informed that I was at nearly 800 metres!

Of course, what goes up must come down and I had an amazing 5 mile descent! It really was spectacular and great fun. In fact, the road continued in a generally downward direction for 10 miles or more. I had to stop and put another layer on as although it was sunny, I wasn't doing anything and the constant rush of air was making me cold.

I stopped in some town to get some bread and a pan o to keep me going.

By now I was on the road following the Rhone and I made good progress towards Valence.

When I got there I found a proper cycle path. It seemed like ages since I'd been on one of those! So I followed it for a while until it inevitably just stopped in the city centre.

I took that opportunity to get some lunch, which was a sandwich jambon complet and an eclair chocolat.

I did a bit of map studying and worked out I needed to keep following the Rhone, then turn right at the Islere.

I managed to find the cycle path again and it was really good. Brand spanking new surface. The river is really impressive at this point with lots of dams and power stations and stuff.

Of course, the cycle path suddenly disappeared again and I was back on the road. This was ok as it is more direct anyway.

As I ate away the miles, the Vercluse (or whatever they're called) mountains loomed large in the distance. I found the campsite no problem and pitched up. The ground is very hard and I now have even fewer straight tent pegs! I also remembered to get my breakfast order in just in time!

Just having dinner now outside looking over a small lake...