Étape 6: Chaumont to Dijon (137 km)

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Today was the longest route of the tour, a fairly gruelling up and down ride of 135km starting in Chaumont, entering the Burgundy region, before sweeping down into Dijon, and then sauntering along acres and acres of vineyards on our way towards our much anticipated resting place for tonight with Mark’s brother Graham.

It couldn’t have been a more perfect day with excellent roads, perfect weather ( a 10 kph headwind ), amazing scenery and light to no traffic, which meant we were able to make very good time. This despite Mark picking up the first 2 punctures of the tour in the morning – but even this could not bring us down. It looks as if a sharp stone had wedged its way into his rear tyre. Anyway that was soon sorted..

After arriving in Crécey-sur-Tille, there was the steepest gradient so far of approximately 11% over about a kilometre or so, which took some effort. However equally there were steep declines which allowed us to approach 60 km/h, with cars struggling to overtake the bikes!

When we arrived at Graham and Karen’s we were treated to a refreshing cold beer, and then an evening of wonderful food and drink (bbq’d Côte de bœuf!) under the beautifully warm setting sun in the garden, joined by their daughter Louise and her partner Jeremy ( who both live near Dijon also).

Thank you to Graham and Karen for putting up (with us!) food/drink and accomodation for tonight, and for a much-needed freshening up of our cycling gear/travel clothes! Bon nuit!

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