I planned this bike tour of Provence last September, so it seemed to take "forever" to wait for this September to have the time arrive. Ususally, I try to plan my bike tours for the fall so I have all summer to ride my bike to be prepared for "real" riding, instead of the tour following hours spent indoors in winter spin classes. No matter how fit I am for the first outdoor ride, climbing real hills feel like a shock to the legs. Becoming fit for biking this summer was complicated by knee bursitis that began plaguing me in late June, requiring me to completely lay off the bike until September 1! I crossed my fingers and traveled anyway... hoping I didn't have to ride around in the sag van each day.
I did some "weather homework" for the area and decided that it would be a good idea to knit a light weight sweater to have something warmer to wear in case of cool evenings. Began knitting it July 4 while watching the Tour de France, which seemed particularly fortuitous. The pattern is Sprossling, by Anne Hanson, and if you want more details, those are posted on Ravelry here.
Ironically, this sweater would have been perfect for their "normal" weather, but the weather was so unseasonably hot for Fall that I only wore it once.
I had a wonderful time biking 12-40 miles most days, and walking 2-9 miles the other days. The French can be rightfully proud of their cuisine... I have never had so many consistently delicious meals!
My trip began with 2 days to explore Aix on foot, 4 days to explore the St. Remy area biking to Arles, Les Baux, and the surrounding farmslands and countryside of Les Alpilles. Then on to 2 days near Avignon with a ride to Pont du Gard one day and Avignon itself the next. My biggest regret was not being able to see everything!
Fast forward, literally, to Paris by train, a very fast trip for 3 days and nights to explore the city. For me, it was really a trip of a lifetime.
If you are interested in seeing more about where and how I traveled, you can see the details at Vermont Bicycle Tours. If you're considering a more active travel vacation, I would highly recommend this tour group.
Here are a few photos of Aix.
Your Sprossling is beautiful! It's in my queue, but I'm waiting for the perfect yarn. The bike tour sounds like a lot of fun and a great adventure.
Posted by: Sonya | October 28, 2011 at 08:21 PM
Carolyn- Wow- it looks like you had an awesome time. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Lorraine | October 31, 2011 at 07:03 AM
Hello Carolyn, looks like you had a fantastic time. I thought I commented on your photos and trip but I guess I was remiss. Anyway Great sweater and great Post! Happy knitting and cycling.
Posted by: Toni | October 31, 2011 at 09:58 AM
OMG, that sounds fabulous! 12-40 miles any day is pretty darn good. Those photos really do say it all!
Too bad about Sprossling though!
Posted by: Carrie#K | November 11, 2011 at 02:21 PM
What fun! I spent my Junior year of college in Aix, and your post brought back wonderful memories. Did you see the quatre dauphins fountain? And a cafe on the Cours Mirabeau? How I long to go back. Glad you had a great trip.
Posted by: Frances | November 13, 2011 at 06:26 PM