Last night was really hot and humid and the accommodation was boiling so sleep was at a premium.
After yesterday's accident and technical issues we were 3 down at the start and if honest I was running at about 70% so wasn't full of the joys of spring as I knew it was going to tough.
Nevertheless we set off in good spirits and I felt quite perky. After about 6 miles or so the road started to gently climb and that set the tone for the first half of the day.
Burtie and I plus Ross and Nick stayed together but Robin and Kev headed off into the sun. After about 10 miles we regrouped at a dam and then continued along a newly laid temporary road around a beautiful lake. Once past the roadworks we continued to climb at a relatively easy rate in terms of percentage but both Burtie and I were really feeling it in our legs and it became a bit of a slog.
We stopped a few times to take some photos as it was once again spectacular and then arrived at the top of the Col de Lauterat and both almost instantly agreed we were not fit for the Galibier which was another 8km with a horribly steep finish.
After a relaxing drinks break we spoke to Robin who was at the top of the Galibier and arranged to meet for a coffee half way back down the climb.
The descent was a much more relaxed affair with sweeping bends, some more challenging switchbacks and the odd tunnel just to spice things up.
We stopped for a drink as arranged and Kev and Robin caught is up and then we headed down for 55 minute descent topping out at about 40 mph. There was only one notable incident when a numpty in a car decided to overtake us in a two lane tunnel on a blind right hand bend and came very close to us. He was lucky that we didn't see him again or he would have had learnt some basic Anglo Saxon!
At the bottom of the ride we headed into town for lunch then back to the campsite to relax. Tonight we are out for dinner in town so that should be fun.
Today's stats
Miles 59
Climbing 1931m
Max speed 38mph.
Onwards and upwards.
No comments:
Post a Comment