Conscious that we'd be in the cars for 16 hours tomorrow, we took the Montclus ride and adapted it via a shortcut from Goudargues to Cornillon.

The weather was altogether more conducive to riding today, so we left at a more civilised time and almost enjoyed the early climbs and the sinuous descent down to Verfeuil. Goudargues provided coffees and some rain, so we converted elevenses in lunchtime and had some excellent nosh!

When the food and rain were gone we diverted up to the hilltop town of Cornillon to up the climbing count, to find the amphitheatre was sadly closed. Onwards.

Some climbs ensued, included the magic climb where I finally found my legs after two weeks of looking. Better late than never.

Nick left us at Cavaillargues where the rest stopped for a drink at the bizarre bar with local downing shots as if their lives depended on it. As we came back through Vallabrix, we could see the remains of the wildfires that had raged earlier in the week. The whole Gard area has had 35+ Celcius temperatures for the preceding 6 weeks and at the time of writing it looks certain to continue for another week. There were wildfires pretty much every day we were in the area.

Back in Uzes for end of holiday beer, Nick rejoined us in civvies. Great holiday - thanks everyone for chipping in and being chilled!