The best laid plans don't always materialize. We hoped for an early start on this ride up to Domme. The rain gods had thought differently surprising us with a morning shower descending from the overcast cloud layer. We know when the passing cars are using their wipers it is time for another cup of coffee to wait for the sun to dry the pavement.
A late start is not always a bad start as long as the temperatures stay cool. Knowing that the climb would be a challenge we were happy to wait as long as the rain did not resume.
Getting to Vitrac is a gentle rolling ride except for the 703 bypass past La Roque. Much quieter with few cars and a small sampling of steeper grades.
We are taking the back way to Domme which we believe is actually the front way since it takes us through what appears to be the main gate. Walled towns normally have two ways in and out to keep unwanted visitors from getting in and an escape way out. According to our friends who live along the ramparts the original fortress and castle was dismantled many centuries ago and stones repurposed into houses and shops, and a church of course.
The back (or front) way up is a tough climb but not insanely so. The town tops out at around 600 foot elevation which is high enough to have a commanding view of the valley and river below.
Jackets off for the final ascent.
A layout of the town with the famous Panorama facing to the north.
Facing west you can see the bridge at Cenac crossing the Dordogne river below.
Besides seeing the vast valley below an invading army can be spotted in the distance.
A better view of the bridge!
Good place to rest the bikes while Kim peruses the items for sale.
To our surprise today was market day so a traditional purchase of scarves is in order. Kim has one for every occasion and they make a thoughtful gift for a deserving friend. The best feature is that they are light weight and easy to pack. Bulky Tchotchkes (pronounced CHOTCH-kee) are a thing of the past. We are in the stuff reduction phase of our lives so who needs more stuff for our kids/grandkids to dispose of when we are gone.
Stopping by Ali and Robs place on our way down the hill. They are back in England but returning next week. A dinner at our place is in order.
Down the front (or back) way to Cenac for our delayes coffee break. These unconventional late starts definitely throw our schedule into a tizzy.
We have often stopped at this place before. From here it is an easy ride back home and enough time to beat the impending rain. Dodged that bullet again.
