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Stats for day 11

Trip 78.8m

Average 13.1mph

Max 34.1 mph(round the hairpins)

Time 6.00hrs

total 829m

Think we are getting the hang of this now - pity there is only one day left!!

Our Hotel last night was the only one in Peyrolles en Provence and seemed a little strange when we arrived - run by the Golightly family - madame was about 5ft 2in and about the same across, husband slightly taller but same proportions! However they were very friendly and helpful - even cleared a space in their garage for the bikes.

Dinner in the hotel restaurant, which was surprisingly busy, and the food was great - despite the disconcerting regular 'ping' of the microwave. Madame was the first waitress I have ever seen who actually need the double swing doors to get in and out of the kitchen!

Since we were on the 'Cote de Aix en Provence' we had a very pleasant white wine from a chateau which we cycled past this morning. Bit of route planning discussion with the husband which proved invaluable - very accomodating chap who brought a bottle of cognac to the table for me and only charged for one drink. Over a glass or three (Oli was back on the red wine) of the cognac, we came up with a new plan which would get us to Frejus and back on schedule.

As has become our habit, it was up the crack of the sparrow, quick breakfast of bread and homemade jam and on the road as the sun rose to our left. A cool clear morning - after spectacular thunder and lightning in the early hours - with mist hanging in the trees just beneath the mountain ridges.

I know I said this yesterday but without doubt this was the prettiest part of the route - as the sun rose and warmed the air, we were still high enough for the temperature to stay very pleasant - even while climbing the hills. As recommended we planned our elevenses stop at Barjols (our host had described it as 'un de la plus belle villes en France') and rode down the steep hill into town found patisserie (for cake and lunch), pharmacy for some more dressings for Oli and the cafe only to find that our next road was back at the top of the hill - it was a pretty place but a bloody great hill!

Carried on across the hilly countryside always expecting the really big climb but it never materialised. We did have a couple of tremendous downhills - one with some great hairpins - pity that the cars coming up got in the way of the perfect line! As a result - even after a stop in Lorgues for cold water and a glass of Provence Rosé ( which they claim to have been making since 600 years BC) - we arrived at the hotel in Frejus at 4.30. Oli's wounds are starting to heal but it is embarassing walking down the street with the 'Mummy'.

Planning early start again tomorrow with 66m to the finish - and 12m back to Nice for the hotel (Monte Carlo hotels were way beyond our budget - even the Ibis was over €240). still with our experience of the last few days we could be done by lunchtime!