Étape 9: Lyon to Valence (130km)

Bonsoir. There is palpable joy in France tonight as Frenchman Pierre Rolland finally secures a stage win in the ongoing 100th Giro D’Italia (Étape 17- 219km). Meanwhile just across the Alps it was a very long and hot day in the saddle as we continued to push south. I felt a lot better this morning after going for a swim yesterday evening in order to help sooth various aching muscles – I only did about 150m but it was enough to make a difference, and the outdoor pool was too much to resist! Both of us and our bikes starting to look tired after close to 1,000km being clocked-up.

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T​oday was Part 1 of a 3-part section of the tour that routes south through the Rhône-Alps and down into Marseille. It got off to a slow start with heavy traffic and plenty of stop/starting at red lights as we meandered our way out of Lyon and its suburbs, which stretch out south along the snaking river.

We finally made it out shortly before midday, however by then it was already 25C and we therefore sought shelter with a stop for lunch, and some much needed shade in Givors. Back on the road we made use of a fast (and moderately busy) D road to get back some time, and then crossed to a considerably quieter voie verte after Vienne, which at times was quite fast (30 km/h).

The scenery at this point became incredibly striking & beautiful, with the steep sides of the Rhône valley covered on the southwest facing side by yet more vineyards, and the other by densely packed woodland. It also became more and more obvious that we were approaching the Mediterranean with the soil becoming increasingly dry, and a widening variety of plants and fruits growing by the roadside.

As we approached Valence, weary in the still hot evening sun, we spotted the Alps come dramatically into view!

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Tonight’s track needs no introduction (but I’m going to give it one anyway). Loosely translated as fast fashion – Depeche Mode released “Enjoy The Silence” which I dedicate to every Pete Crookes free shift at Wattisham! Also I don’t think Ian Jameson has forgiven me for refusing to play it at the 80s night (No6 in February 1990!)