Day out rebuilding high intensity riding skills after the winter lay off. Hazy sunshine and a bit fresh up Mt. Sainte Baume at 650 m. or so altitude; not much traffic this weekday so pleasant riding. Yes there's a sinous hill at the end of the road to the right of the photo, down to Nans-les-Pins, not quite as challenging as the Col de l'Espigoulier (723 m..) up from Gemeos but a good workout nonetheless and a change: I ride the Espigoulier a lot!
Warm sunshine on my face for a lunchtime stop for a Tarte Tropezienne and coffee at a friendly roadside boulangerie at St. Maximin. Another stop at La Roquebrussanne for an interesting conversation with an artist-potter making reproductions of Roman ceramics. Then back on the RR for a brisk ride back past the gates of the Paul Ricard track at Le Castellet. Wearing a hi-viz jacket over my ventilated (summer) leathers works well for a practice day where the tendency to balloon isn't a problem as I'm only working at lowish speeds. Keeping the body core warm is definitely an advantage.