We start Black Friday with a pretty amazing sunrise.
This was the best sunrises of the trip thus far so you will need to endure a few photographs.
Lauret early morning.
What a view!
It is supposed to be warmer today and tomorrow so we have that going for us.
Actual sunrise.
It’s getting harder to find but there are a few fall colors still around.
Okay, this will be the last sunrise shot.
Next up, we head for the mountains!
Looking down on the Lauret Valley.
In the distance, Pic St. Loup, we will be riding away from it today and head straight north.
We stop at the market in Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort for a stroll around. This market is relatively small but still has that French charm.
After a brief stop, it was into the mountains for a loop.
This is the famous viaduct over Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort. It used carry the train tracks but now hosts a rail to trail.
The climbs in this area are off the charts, gentle grades, narrow roads, incredible views, and no traffic.
Anne and Mark working their way up the grade.
The temperatures were in the high 40s on the accent but dropped into the low 40s on the decent.
Summit! Col de Bantarde.
Belle Noir stops for a break on the decent.
This is the view near the mountain looking eastward.
More fall colors!
This is an international sign which everyone can interpret.
Anne makes her way to the rail trail tunnel after dropping back into Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort.
Once we dropped off the mountain, the valley was considerably more comfortable temperature wise.
Anne and Mark make their way back to Lauret.
Along the way back to Lauret it is hard not to stop in Pompignan for some photographs in the town square.
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