I’ve been dreaming of going on the Backroads Toulouse to Bordeaux cycling tour for years. I made it happen last September! We assembled at the train station in Toulouse in the morning for the bus transport to Albas for bike fittings and lunch. I wasn’t feeling 100 percent, but I was totally stoked and excited! The beautiful castle shown above is the 13th century Chateau de Castelnaud near the Dordogne River.

This is our route for the week.

An aerial view of the medieval village of Albas by the Lot River.

Albas was very quiet when we arrived.

A sobering World War 1 memorial to the town’s fallen.

After our bike fittings and lunch, one of our guides explains the days route.

I had very little serious training this year, so I opted for a E-road bike.

My good friend Gary was totally stoked to begin the ride!

We are excited to begin the week of new discoveries!

I love riding through ancient villages!

The beautiful Lot River.

This is an aerial view of Chateau de Mercues, our hotel for the night.

We arrived at the 13th century chateau. It was the former residence of the Bishops of Cahors.

A view of my room.

The chateau is also a winery producing high level Malbec wines.

Sadly, I had to excuse myself early as I was feeling sick! It was a tough night and I had to miss the next day’s ride. Thank goodness it only lasted a day!

Our hotel for the next 2 nights was the incredible Chateau de la Treyne on the banks of the Dordogne River.

The 14th century chateau was truly magical!

We gathered for libations and dinner on the terrace. I was feeling about 75%, which was pretty good considering. Gary, on the left, is a total animal and opted for the longest ride options each day!

Morning orientation and route descriptions.

As I was just beginning to feel semi-normal again, I road slowly and took lots of photos. This is the beautiful Chateau de Belcastel near Lacave. The oldest part of the castle was constructed in the 9th century.

I’m not used to riding in the back as I’m usually in the front. I’m sure it was good to calm down my ego.

We stopped at one of my favorite villages of the whole trip, Carennac. It is classified as one of the “Les Plus Beau Village de France”, the most beautiful villages of France.

I walked up in the ancient village to see the 11th century Saint-Pierre Church.

Gary and I in front of the church.

I love this old stone building in Carennac.

I could have stayed longer in this village.

We cycled from Carennac to “The Padirac Chasm” (French: Gouffre de Padirac) a cave located near Gramat. These are vintage posters advertising the caves. The Gouffre de Padirac is one of the largest chasms in Europe. Discovered by the famous French cave explorer Edouard Martel, it was opened to the public in 1899. More than 24 million+ visitors visit this natural wonder.

We rode the elevator down to the bottom of the chasm.

To be honest, I’ve never been a fan of caves but this place was very special.

Gary and I walk down towards the underground boat dock.

The cave has a magical feel and is truly fascinating!

We got on the boat and the guide took us on a winding journey to explore the fascinating cave.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.