Sept 17th Day 9 Beuil - col de Turini

Beuil - Col de Turini

The trip notes read - from Beuil ‘descend Gorge de Cian’ but the hotel manager who had recommended that route from the previous occasion tells us that the Gorge de Cian is undergoing repairs and that we will not be able to use it. So a little bit of re-planning and we climb back out over the col we had ridden so briskly the day before. Only a few kms before descending back onto route.

We climb a cliff side road up and onto the Col St-Martin and the ski resort of Colmaine.  I have a issue with a split in the tire and leigh manages to pinch flat a couple before we get one to work. By this time the rest have gone down to lunch in Saint-Martin-Vesubie where we catch them.

The day is to finish on the hill top of the Col de Turini and during the clothing and photo stops on the way up Mike slips away (looking for a col to put his name on)  But it doesn’t go un-noticed and JR, Dave and Geoff follow at a distance.

The road twists it way up a hill side like a snake - climbing steadily.  A logging truck descends, blowing loudly on his horn as he approaches the corners.  We give him room, but he uses every inch of the corners and he is not a big truck.

Climbing steadily with Mike ahead. Dave goes up to him and then JR and I follow, and we begin a old ‘one two’ on Mike.

He is climbing really well and does not respond - so we lift the pace a fraction at a time but we don’t shake him, and suddenly I spie a building ahead, but Mike does as well. No one says anything but I do drop back and give Dave a wink and point, so we are aware of where we are.  Suddenly Mike attacks but Dave jumps hard and with me on his tail we open 50 meters instantly and now the col is apparent - another few pedal strokes and we crest the Col de Turini with Mike now 100 meters back.

We all are smiles - Mike, JR, Dave and myself as all have enjoyed the game and the ride.

We circle a couple of times talking to the motor bike boys while the others come up and then check into the hotel. Mtn top finish today can only mean one thing  - it’s downhill to Nice tomorrow.