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Length of Stage 141 km
Altitude to climb 3180 m
After an early jog
along the Aude and a breakfast-buffet, we are already on our way
to Limoux, together with two other Bikers. First through corn and
vine culture, but soon we are in the Hills again, up and down to
Limoux. In a store with a wine shop we buy our picnic. Blanquette
de Limoux is the specialty of this region, but the tasting has to
wait until evening. We escape the busy traffic and on a lonely
street we bike, first through vineyards, later only bushes,
uphill to the Col de Festes. From here it goes speedily downhill
to Puivart. Finally - time for an extended break! Back on our
small street we ignore the „Route Barré" sign. Turn
after turn we get higher up: suddenly there are big boulders on
the road, which control the traffic. A narrow trail with a small
gap and we are carrying our bikes to the other side. For the next
hour the road belongs to us until we reach a plateau with a
panoramic view of the Pyrenees. In search of a coke bar we sink
into a valley, again up to the next plateau, over a Pass and
down, down to the River Aude. Finally - Coke in sight - and well
deserved! Afterwards the long, but considering the gradient very
pleasant, ascent to the Col de la Quillance begins. In
Formigueres we make another short stop - where do all these cars
come from? - before we reach the top. Short descent, Mont Louis,
Col de Perche and as indicated to us by „Madame" we
find her cosy Hotel. Excellent supper, walk through the
Skivillage, a very good sleep.
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