Yves Oban, musings and meanderings

Explorations:  Velo and vignes; there really are few explorations as enjoyable as cycling through vineyards.  This time through northern Côte du Rhone.  I was centered in Touron, riding north to Ampuis, and the Côte Rotie, and south through Condrieu, St-Joseph, Croze Hermitage, Hermitage and finally south of Touran to Cornas.  Lovely small roads, some very steep climbs.  Wide variety and exposure between the regions, especially St-Joseph with its 50 km or so of length.  Côte Rotie, Hermitage and Cornas, are small discrete vineyard packing their respective hillsides, a bit like the beauty and quality of the Corton hillside in Burgundy. I was happy to have the hybrid bike for its comfort and climbing gears.  Ride in the morning, relax and enjoy the wines and food of the region in the evening, I have found few better ways to spend time in this life, once we are out of bed.  Four days this time, but much left undone.