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8th Jul 2009 Bike 4 Cancer Blog : 4th - 7th July
Tuesday 7th July The team are now in the heart of France having enjoyed the rest day. They left later than normal so RG could buy some new wheels - thanks to the ongoing support of Andy Colquhoun, a pair of 'extra round' Mavic wheels are now resplendent on the Planet X bike and have enabled RG to stay a little bit closer to RMW. The story of the day has however been the weather - Limoges was overcast but the heavens soon opened and it wasn't long before the riders reached for their Endura waterproofs. The temperature never got above 20°C. The rain and sun then took it in turns all day making it hard to keep warm or cool. Fortunately this is a transition stage with rolling countryside not dissimilar to Hampshire. The cumulative climbing was still over 2000m but this didn't stop the riders averaging over 30kph for the 196km stage. The run into the finish was exceptionally fast across the French prairie lands - given the wide open spaces; it was surprising to then come across a futuristic Louis Vuitton factory. The support boys have now made friends with another English team riding le Tour and it is expected that some riding will he done together. Energy used 8350kcal, max speed 64kph (RG now also knows his gears won't allow pedaling at more than 60kph)
Monday 6th July Rest Day - PHEW!! Sunday 5th July The riders set off from the outskirts of St Girons on an overcast and wet Sunday morning to tackle on of the most famous ascents in the Tour de France's history, Col du Tourmalet. The weather once again suited RG; however on the climb of Col D'Aspin the rain stopped and the team were treated to spectacular views of the Pyrenees. Col D'Aspin, at 1489m was a good challenge but was nothing compared to what was to come.
RG has ridden Col du Tourmalet 3 times in the last 3 years, including a memorable trip with the Kingpins who rode L'Etape in 2008, and once again the 16km ascent to 2114m did not disappoint. RMW made easy work of the climb and powered his way through the fog battling sheep and a lama along the way!
The descent down the other face was once again cold and scary requiring nerves of steel to avoid the sheep, cars - and riding off the edge! The final few kms into Tarbes were ridden as a mini peloton with the riders sharing the work and averaging 45kmh to finish strongly. Tomorrow is a rest day and the team are very grateful for the hospitality of Jenny & Gordon White near Albi. Laundry and sleep are much needed. Saturday 4th July
The riders left a sunny Andorra for a Category 1 climb to 1204m. The climb was a real slog especially for RG whose legs were still aching after the monster climb the previous evening. Around the sweeping hairpins at the top a large number of wild horses galloped across the road. The riders were treated to a 50km descent which included crossing the border back into France. As RG was approaching the lunch stop and RMW had begun the climb up to the summit of the 1250m Col de Port the heavens opened as a very large thunder storm unleashed its energy. This was initially refreshing but with the temp still 29°C it was not unlike riding in a sauna.
The final challenge was another Category 1 climb to the Col D'Agnes. RG climbed this in the rain and was relieved to finally see the summit - the view was however well worth the pain as the sun broke through the clouds unleashing an Amazonian landscape. A final 40km descent was just rewards at the end of another long day. Stats: 176km, 8530kcals, 10 hours on the road. For further information: |
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Bike 4 Cancer Blog : 1st - 3rd July
Groomie's videos