Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Lake Cap de Long
Is this the best ride in the Pyrenees. We think so.
From Saint Lary Soulan we climb gently up the valley in the cool of the 9 o'clock morning. Gently spinning - JR, Leslie, Dave and myself.
Turn right at Fabian and start climbing the tight little gorge - first on the left and then the right as we climb steadily (that means above 8%) We can’t tell as all computers are down - or is that worn out.
It’s cool and slowly the mtn tops reveal themselves rising high above us. The forest thins and we start coming out into the open - we feel like in high California high country or New Mexico - but no it’s the high Pyrenees.
The first lake appears behind it’s barrage but up ahead is the high wall of the Barrage-de-Cap-de-Long. Impressive. Surrounded by the high peaks with snow remnants in the gullies. The road finally eases and we stop for photos. Already this feels like one of the best rides, but more to come as the road zags back and forth through the high rocky slopes below and alongside the barrage. It’s a pleasure to ride but watch the sheep shit. They are hiding in the shade of the high built-up road terraces. We pop suddenly onto the barrage level - the high mtn lake surrounded by big mountains rising to over 3,000meters.. The lake is at 2161m
I read this story after the ride and agree 100% with everything he writes.
http://www.cycling-challenge.com/lac-de-cap-de-long-and-la-route-des-lacs/
Coffee time. The weathered face of the owner appears in the doorway I ask for a tarte and expresso. A gruff answer. Seems like we will get the service and no more.
How wrong we are. Francis warms to us and we are soon great friends. A couple friendly taps and i’m guided inside to see pictures of Carlos Sastre at the same table as us, the badges that qualify him as a senior UIAGM mtn guide, heli rescue certificate and the big dog Athos that graces the cafe has saved 4 people from avalanches.
We have a great time with him and are shown some of his climbing history - Annapurna, and another mtn in Peru. He brings out his telescope and points it at the high peaks and sure enough on the far peak above the lake are two climbers standing on the summit.
With some reluctance we say good by to Francis and Athos, and he assures us that we must go to Lac d’Aubert as well. Why not. It’s only another 5-6kms of climbing.
But it sure is worthwhile - another stunning lake set high in the mtns surrounded by bare rocky peaks and grassy meadows at their feet. We roll down onto the grass - kick our shoes of and walk into the 17 degree water up to the knees, before curling up in the shelter of some rocks and trees and snoozing for 10 mins or so with tops off.
Holiday riding.
We are again reluctant to leave and peddle slowly away before gravity takes over and we start descending on a closed road back down to the low lake and then back down the bumpy road in the gorge - Watch out for the sheep shit and piss on the road, the occasional rock as well.
14kms later after a couple stops to let the brakes cool and we roll into another roadside cafe for baguette with fromage and jambon before our standard after lunch downhill time trail to home.
The melon, grapes and chocolate pool side was great.
Col d’Aubisque here we come
It’s on the list to tick so we combine transport with Di and Lindsay and at 0830 we are off in the two cars.
Down the valley, up and over the Hourquette d’Ancizan, turn left at Saint-Marie-de- Campan and up the Tourmalet. Easier in the car, and over the top. Once we start descending we remember the floods that hit the valley two weeks before the tour. They had wrecked utter devastation to the valley of the Bastan. It had ripped houses and roads away and a major reconstruction is still under way and it is very slow going down with multiple stoplights.
Once out we turn right (with some confusion) and proceed to find our way to the tiny village of St Savin (my designated start point for the ride over the Aubisque.
The backroads are quiet but a little confusing as we skirt around the shoulder before getting on the main valley road. Everyone is hungry and a small shop provides a snack to get everyone up the Soular - the col that you have to cross to ascend the Aubisque.
In fact the Soular is the main climb - 6 - 8.5% gradient with ramps up to about 15%.
(about 7kms from the flat valley)
A couple cafes of course on top of this pass and a slight dip leads to a balcony road cut into and through the cliffs around towards the col d’Aubisque Still 6km more but all easy climbing and Leigh takes his second col of the day.
A little crowded on top with a large English tour doing a west / east crossing of the Pyrenees. But a chance to take some photos of the three big bikes (JR on top) and then lunch.
The planned route home involved another col but everyone in relaxed mood so it’s decided to simply roll back all the way to the cars.
Leigh scares a motorist on the balcony route back to the Soulor who then stops in the middle of the road for JR and myself. We have to tuck our elbows in on the fly to avoid his wing mirror. He was last seen stationary and unmoving by those at the back - totally traumatized (note : the road is only 1.5 cars wide here)
We roll down the valley in our customary time trial mode before enjoying the quiet back roads back to St Savin and a drive home.
The upper Hourquette is so nice we stop and enjoy the quiet ambiance of the meadows and forest.
Another beautiful day in the Pyrenees
Sunday, September 22, 2013
A day ride in the Pyrenees Just under 6 hrs in the saddle.
A day ride in the Pyrenees
Just under 6 hrs in the saddle.
We left town in the cold of a 9.00 o’clock start in the autumn in the Pyrenees. Leigh with a newspaper stuffed up his front (old style) and the rest of us just cold - knowing that as soon as we hit the climb it is jackets off.
down to Arreau - the start of the Col d’Aspin. This col has been used 69 times in the tour and rises from 704m in Arreau to 1489 at the top of the col in 12km ( a gain of 779m with a average of 6.5% and max of 8%.)
As the group stop to take jackets come off I elect to continue and then later take my off on the fly when i warm up. Riding solo with no maps, just the road signs - 6kms 8.7% to the summit. The signs give the grade for the next km and how far to go so it is easy to gauge effort on the way.
the pedals are turning easy and I continue to tap away up the hill and this sets the tone for the day. I’m enjoying the individual ride and when the top comes, I stop for a few photos of cows wandering around the col, don wind jackets and push off - no sign of the others but everyone knows where they are going.
The climb up Aspin feels very west coast - beach forest on the mountains rising through green pastures to steep mtn tops (or so it seems)
The descent of course is a joy (aren’t they all) -hairpins, flowing open sections, and a long valley descent before turning left towards the col du Tourmalet.
Lots of rides going the other way - ascending the Aspin.
The ascent of the Tourmalet begins deceptively easily through farm yards on gradients of 3.6% and 4% but this changes as we enter the forest areas and the gradient jumps to 8% and stays there. The climb is steady but not really to demanding until it ramps up again to 10%below the ski resort of La Mongie. Perhaps it will flatten through this modern ski station but no - it stays at 10% for the next 5 kms to the top.
At least now you can see to the top - the twists and turns of the top zig zags. Quite a lot of mtn bikers on the tar - the first time we have seen that. I feel for them on the heavy bikes and I move past.
Lots of cars parked around the top - people out walking the high pyrenees to the Observatory on the Pic du Midi de Bigorre.
A group of Americans are lined up for a photo and I ask their guide to take one for me on the iPhone (10 euros for one photo sir - is his quick reply. One only then please.)
He takes three photos of me at the top of the col with the steel bike in the background and the col signs and memorials.
I wander through the ‘souvenir shop ‘ for a look and then with jacket on its out the door and down. I meet the others still ascending in La Mongie and tell them i’m heading for crepes and coffee.
I still into the solo ride so after 4 sugar crepes wrapped around my banana and two expresso’s I’m on my way again.
Descending has it’s own dangers - besides going from bright sun to shady forest there are always the cars passing other cars and cyclists to watch for - as courtesy as every one is you still have to keep your eyes open.
Before the crepes a possession of exotic cars passing others on my side keeps me close to my side of the road - was that a yellow Mclaren leading them , or just a old Ferrari.
Down in the valley it is a right turn back to rds the Aspin. Easy gradients lead to the turnoff to the Hourquette d’Ancizan. This is a delightful climb through open grassland scattered with camper vans , cows, horses and donkeys. Many on the road so I pat a couple of little baby donkeys on the head as i pass upwards.
the camper vans only inhabit the lower section but the open meadows lead all the way to the top. Easy delightful climbing - although I do wonder if the low gears are going to need changing when we get home - they are getting a awful amount of work.
Descending the Hourquette d’Ancizan has the sunlight / shade problem . Dropping fast from the sun into a shady corner - it’s really hard to see the road and how sharp it turns, but no mistakes nd I’m soon at the bottom and heading up the flat valley to home.
Still some action in the legs so I drop onto the aero position on the bars - hands pushed out in front with elbows on the bars and time trial home
2.50 in town ( I had guessed at 3.00 when i left the bottom of the Tourmalet)
The other shad a more cruisey day and a long lunch and then a beer on arrival in town sees them arrive 2.30hrs behind me ( I had begun to wonder if they had a problem) but the beer has JR all jumpy and I’m lucky to survive the first contact.
Col du Tourmalet
73 ascensions in the tour
Length 17.2km
Gain 1268m
Average 7.4% Max 10%
Just under 6 hrs in the saddle.
We left town in the cold of a 9.00 o’clock start in the autumn in the Pyrenees. Leigh with a newspaper stuffed up his front (old style) and the rest of us just cold - knowing that as soon as we hit the climb it is jackets off.
down to Arreau - the start of the Col d’Aspin. This col has been used 69 times in the tour and rises from 704m in Arreau to 1489 at the top of the col in 12km ( a gain of 779m with a average of 6.5% and max of 8%.)
As the group stop to take jackets come off I elect to continue and then later take my off on the fly when i warm up. Riding solo with no maps, just the road signs - 6kms 8.7% to the summit. The signs give the grade for the next km and how far to go so it is easy to gauge effort on the way.
the pedals are turning easy and I continue to tap away up the hill and this sets the tone for the day. I’m enjoying the individual ride and when the top comes, I stop for a few photos of cows wandering around the col, don wind jackets and push off - no sign of the others but everyone knows where they are going.
The climb up Aspin feels very west coast - beach forest on the mountains rising through green pastures to steep mtn tops (or so it seems)
The descent of course is a joy (aren’t they all) -hairpins, flowing open sections, and a long valley descent before turning left towards the col du Tourmalet.
Lots of rides going the other way - ascending the Aspin.
The ascent of the Tourmalet begins deceptively easily through farm yards on gradients of 3.6% and 4% but this changes as we enter the forest areas and the gradient jumps to 8% and stays there. The climb is steady but not really to demanding until it ramps up again to 10%below the ski resort of La Mongie. Perhaps it will flatten through this modern ski station but no - it stays at 10% for the next 5 kms to the top.
At least now you can see to the top - the twists and turns of the top zig zags. Quite a lot of mtn bikers on the tar - the first time we have seen that. I feel for them on the heavy bikes and I move past.
Lots of cars parked around the top - people out walking the high pyrenees to the Observatory on the Pic du Midi de Bigorre.
A group of Americans are lined up for a photo and I ask their guide to take one for me on the iPhone (10 euros for one photo sir - is his quick reply. One only then please.)
He takes three photos of me at the top of the col with the steel bike in the background and the col signs and memorials.
I wander through the ‘souvenir shop ‘ for a look and then with jacket on its out the door and down. I meet the others still ascending in La Mongie and tell them i’m heading for crepes and coffee.
I still into the solo ride so after 4 sugar crepes wrapped around my banana and two expresso’s I’m on my way again.
Descending has it’s own dangers - besides going from bright sun to shady forest there are always the cars passing other cars and cyclists to watch for - as courtesy as every one is you still have to keep your eyes open.
Before the crepes a possession of exotic cars passing others on my side keeps me close to my side of the road - was that a yellow Mclaren leading them , or just a old Ferrari.
Down in the valley it is a right turn back to rds the Aspin. Easy gradients lead to the turnoff to the Hourquette d’Ancizan. This is a delightful climb through open grassland scattered with camper vans , cows, horses and donkeys. Many on the road so I pat a couple of little baby donkeys on the head as i pass upwards.
the camper vans only inhabit the lower section but the open meadows lead all the way to the top. Easy delightful climbing - although I do wonder if the low gears are going to need changing when we get home - they are getting a awful amount of work.
Descending the Hourquette d’Ancizan has the sunlight / shade problem . Dropping fast from the sun into a shady corner - it’s really hard to see the road and how sharp it turns, but no mistakes nd I’m soon at the bottom and heading up the flat valley to home.
Still some action in the legs so I drop onto the aero position on the bars - hands pushed out in front with elbows on the bars and time trial home
2.50 in town ( I had guessed at 3.00 when i left the bottom of the Tourmalet)
The other shad a more cruisey day and a long lunch and then a beer on arrival in town sees them arrive 2.30hrs behind me ( I had begun to wonder if they had a problem) but the beer has JR all jumpy and I’m lucky to survive the first contact.
Col du Tourmalet
73 ascensions in the tour
Length 17.2km
Gain 1268m
Average 7.4% Max 10%
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Alp d’Huez Sept 4th Day 6 Dictated by Leigh
Alp d’Huez Sept 4th Day 6 Dictated by Leigh
As we stop at the bottom we remember the story that leigh has told us his last ride - our 2007 Rugby quarter finals loss sticks in his memory. Arriving at the bottom he unloaded with his cycling companions and headed straight up
Today we have cycled from just below La Grave. Leigh warns us that the first couple kms are steep but that does not stop him taking off in a big gear heading for the top to only make the first two or three corners before pulling the lever back.
Then was passed by Geoff before we we were both swamped by Dave
Dave had sat on the bottom chatting to Jef D for 3 mins - thinking that was it was enough to get us well up the hill - of course it wasn’t and he screams past us after about the third turn of 21.
Leigh’s original ride was with a french team mate and the top was reached in around the mid 50’s but this time he struggles to break the hour mark.
Dave went on to make a 50mins and 40secs Geoff went on to a 57min ride and Dallas with a very good 62 min to make third on the podium. (which is of course set up at the top)
For the record the other times are below.
Our team passed multiple riders from different countries - the orange dutch, the accountants from . . . . . .. . . .. . . .. ., but the combined strength of the kiwi’s - boys and girls were by far the strongest on the day.
The ride is a mythical 21 corner 14 km ascent that serves as a test for the tour de france (multiple times) with the fastest time going going to marco pantani in 37 mins (after riding the Telegraph and Galibier) Froome in 2013 was 40 mins, Quintana was 39mins
After coffee, baguettes and a shouting match from the skinny waitresses and buying spree (Mike and Jonathan) we rode up and over the Sarrenne col (used by the tour this time - probably the only time) A rough narrow descent drops us back into the valley (with a quick stop for ice cream on the way)
Drive back to Briancon (Dave had considered riding this but the drive out had changed his mind)
Leigh - was super impressed on the drive out to see the mythical off piste ski area of La Grave. With the glaciated peaks above the ski area and no ski patrol to pick you if you get yourself in trouble.
The times
Dave 50.40
Geoff 57. 50
Dallas 62.00
Leigh 1.06
JR 1.08
Leslie 1.10
Mike 1.17
Jonathan 1.20
Barry 1.23
Robina 1.28
As we stop at the bottom we remember the story that leigh has told us his last ride - our 2007 Rugby quarter finals loss sticks in his memory. Arriving at the bottom he unloaded with his cycling companions and headed straight up
Today we have cycled from just below La Grave. Leigh warns us that the first couple kms are steep but that does not stop him taking off in a big gear heading for the top to only make the first two or three corners before pulling the lever back.
Then was passed by Geoff before we we were both swamped by Dave
Dave had sat on the bottom chatting to Jef D for 3 mins - thinking that was it was enough to get us well up the hill - of course it wasn’t and he screams past us after about the third turn of 21.
Leigh’s original ride was with a french team mate and the top was reached in around the mid 50’s but this time he struggles to break the hour mark.
Dave went on to make a 50mins and 40secs Geoff went on to a 57min ride and Dallas with a very good 62 min to make third on the podium. (which is of course set up at the top)
For the record the other times are below.
Our team passed multiple riders from different countries - the orange dutch, the accountants from . . . . . .. . . .. . . .. ., but the combined strength of the kiwi’s - boys and girls were by far the strongest on the day.
The ride is a mythical 21 corner 14 km ascent that serves as a test for the tour de france (multiple times) with the fastest time going going to marco pantani in 37 mins (after riding the Telegraph and Galibier) Froome in 2013 was 40 mins, Quintana was 39mins
After coffee, baguettes and a shouting match from the skinny waitresses and buying spree (Mike and Jonathan) we rode up and over the Sarrenne col (used by the tour this time - probably the only time) A rough narrow descent drops us back into the valley (with a quick stop for ice cream on the way)
Drive back to Briancon (Dave had considered riding this but the drive out had changed his mind)
Leigh - was super impressed on the drive out to see the mythical off piste ski area of La Grave. With the glaciated peaks above the ski area and no ski patrol to pick you if you get yourself in trouble.
The times
Dave 50.40
Geoff 57. 50
Dallas 62.00
Leigh 1.06
JR 1.08
Leslie 1.10
Mike 1.17
Jonathan 1.20
Barry 1.23
Robina 1.28
JR locked it up THE CORONA MOMENT !! Pyrenees day one
JR locked it up THE CORONA MOMENT !!
Pyrenees day one by Geoff
A beautiful morning greeted the peleton of 5 + 2. Di and Lindsay being the two, and Leigh, Dave, Leslie, JR and Geoff the last remaining from the 13 who left Geneva.
We have our hotel apartments, Les Arches, in the town of Saint Lary Soulan, and the Williams joined us as we departed downstream on the banks of the Neste river. At Arreau (just before) we turned and proceeded up the road towards the col de Pyresourde. (1563m) After a k or two we looked back and the peleton had doubled in size. We had been joined by a English group of 5 who had been staying at a gite run by a English man living here for 9 yrs and running cycling tours
The tour leader Chris went to the front which was a bit unfortunate as we had probably thought the day would be a group ride to the top. Leigh was first to react and he went straight up to him. I was busy encouraging Dave to go but he held back. Leslie stopped for a quick pee and disappeared, leaving Dave and me to go with JR.
We quickly closed Chris and Leigh on great smooth tar riding and a gradient that dropped back to 6 degrees. More chat about local terrain and good rides, and where this road and that went, which way the tour went etc before Dave steadily with ‘no effort’ put his power into the pedal and we rode away from Chris and his group.
The Pyresourde - as famous as it is, is easy climbing and not long or high and we are soon all sitting in the sun enjoying crepes and omelets and coffee. Served to us by a young girl just back from 5 months touring New Zealand.
A quick descent on smooth tar back down the road we have climbed and with Chris leading we don’t miss the turn off that leads us towards the Azet col.
The exactly same story applies on this col. Chris jumps away and is left to dangle out there. Leigh closes him down, then Dave and me and JR and Lindsay, before his puffing disappears behind us. Smooth road climbing - at about 8 degrees - so steeper climbing than the alps but a lot shorter,
Don’t take the ski field turn - follow the yellow tour de france arrows on the road and we are soon at the top.
We gather all / share a story or two with the poms and then we are off.
What Chris didn’t say was that after 3 - or 4 kms thee was a hard left turn hairpin.
THE CORONA MOMENT !! JR brakes hard - slides the back wheel sideways - lets it run - pulls hard again - almost high sides, lets it runout into the grass verge and saves the day. One foot out - no stopping - clips in and away again.
Thar story will be told a few more times over the years - JR’s Corona moment. He of course takes the pukeko award.
And then we are back in town.
Of course Dave has not had enough and soon I find that i’m going up hill again with him.
Up the valley towards Spain and the tunnel. One hour of climbing and Ive had enough of the valley road climbing that kicks to 10 degrees a couple times and I head home.
Dave of course goes up another 6kms at 8 percent grade.
It is only 18 mins to home to find JR / leslie by the pool sunning and enjoying a Corona.
Pyrenees day one by Geoff
A beautiful morning greeted the peleton of 5 + 2. Di and Lindsay being the two, and Leigh, Dave, Leslie, JR and Geoff the last remaining from the 13 who left Geneva.
We have our hotel apartments, Les Arches, in the town of Saint Lary Soulan, and the Williams joined us as we departed downstream on the banks of the Neste river. At Arreau (just before) we turned and proceeded up the road towards the col de Pyresourde. (1563m) After a k or two we looked back and the peleton had doubled in size. We had been joined by a English group of 5 who had been staying at a gite run by a English man living here for 9 yrs and running cycling tours
The tour leader Chris went to the front which was a bit unfortunate as we had probably thought the day would be a group ride to the top. Leigh was first to react and he went straight up to him. I was busy encouraging Dave to go but he held back. Leslie stopped for a quick pee and disappeared, leaving Dave and me to go with JR.
We quickly closed Chris and Leigh on great smooth tar riding and a gradient that dropped back to 6 degrees. More chat about local terrain and good rides, and where this road and that went, which way the tour went etc before Dave steadily with ‘no effort’ put his power into the pedal and we rode away from Chris and his group.
The Pyresourde - as famous as it is, is easy climbing and not long or high and we are soon all sitting in the sun enjoying crepes and omelets and coffee. Served to us by a young girl just back from 5 months touring New Zealand.
A quick descent on smooth tar back down the road we have climbed and with Chris leading we don’t miss the turn off that leads us towards the Azet col.
The exactly same story applies on this col. Chris jumps away and is left to dangle out there. Leigh closes him down, then Dave and me and JR and Lindsay, before his puffing disappears behind us. Smooth road climbing - at about 8 degrees - so steeper climbing than the alps but a lot shorter,
Don’t take the ski field turn - follow the yellow tour de france arrows on the road and we are soon at the top.
We gather all / share a story or two with the poms and then we are off.
What Chris didn’t say was that after 3 - or 4 kms thee was a hard left turn hairpin.
THE CORONA MOMENT !! JR brakes hard - slides the back wheel sideways - lets it run - pulls hard again - almost high sides, lets it runout into the grass verge and saves the day. One foot out - no stopping - clips in and away again.
Thar story will be told a few more times over the years - JR’s Corona moment. He of course takes the pukeko award.
And then we are back in town.
Of course Dave has not had enough and soon I find that i’m going up hill again with him.
Up the valley towards Spain and the tunnel. One hour of climbing and Ive had enough of the valley road climbing that kicks to 10 degrees a couple times and I head home.
Dave of course goes up another 6kms at 8 percent grade.
It is only 18 mins to home to find JR / leslie by the pool sunning and enjoying a Corona.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Sept 16th day 8 Barcelonnette - Beuil
Sept 16th day 8
Some changes to the program today as the col de la cayolle is closed
After checking out the options we elect for the highest main road in Europe col de Bonnette 2807 m
Thats only 32kms of climbing
The first 10kms go easy up to Jaisers but immediately we turn there it goes uphill.
climbing at 6-7% now is easy and we settle into the work and Dave decides it is his day to help Robina stay at the front and pushes her on anything below 8 degrees. His legs must have been burning at the top of the col
We climb for more than 3 hrs -out of the wooded countryside past small villages and into the upper valley - 9 kms to go =- seems impossible that it can be so far
We are all in our own zones - JR riding with Leigh until he runs out of surf stories and then he is gone and he rides on his own to claim the col for himself.
Dave is with Robina, Geoff and Leslie ride together, Mike by himself mostly in the upper stages and Jonathan with Barry but they split near the top
At 2807 it is high in the world - nothing higher ( a lookout point) and a way in the distance the snow covered alps. Below we can see 2okms of snaking road, but it is not until we are on it we realize how good the surface is- Perfect is one word but event that is not good enough. Ultra smooth tar, twisting flowing corners the road disappearing for ever.
On the first curves in the upper section following Dallas i seem to free fall down through a abandoned town 9or could be barracks for the gun emplacements scattered around the col (don’t want those Italians sneaking over the ridge
We are in the Mecantour Park and it runs along the Italian border.
The road keeps descending - down and down until finally after 20 + mins of high speed descending we stop to regroup
But there is more - it takes another 20 mins to descend a tightening valley until we reach anything like a main road.
now it lunch time 1200 and we pull into the first available spot and enjoy a slow lunch in .. . .. . .. . ..
After lunch its more descending and the A team stops to adjust clothing levels
(JR has finally warmed up)
Down some more but only at 3 % and we form a train and each takes long pulls on the front as we whistle down the gorge - riding slowly after lunch - just under 50kms hr.
A paved bike path provides some additional fun as it twists and turns alongside the road.
Soon it is climbing time again - from . . .. . . . .Tirree it is 1000m of ascending up a small country road Mike and Jonathon enjoy a van ride and leigh the occasional door pull
At he pointed end dave, Geoff and Dallas ride tempo up the hill- the banter ‘get a cup of concrete in yar’ style soon brings the pace up from 11kms -to 12kms/hr and more banter pushed that up to 14kms hr uphill.
Riding three abreast we top the col and descend to Beuil and the fabulous hotel Escapade where we enjoy a 2 star Michelin meal that leaves us all full to the brim
The best fine french dining we have had
Some changes to the program today as the col de la cayolle is closed
After checking out the options we elect for the highest main road in Europe col de Bonnette 2807 m
Thats only 32kms of climbing
The first 10kms go easy up to Jaisers but immediately we turn there it goes uphill.
climbing at 6-7% now is easy and we settle into the work and Dave decides it is his day to help Robina stay at the front and pushes her on anything below 8 degrees. His legs must have been burning at the top of the col
We climb for more than 3 hrs -out of the wooded countryside past small villages and into the upper valley - 9 kms to go =- seems impossible that it can be so far
We are all in our own zones - JR riding with Leigh until he runs out of surf stories and then he is gone and he rides on his own to claim the col for himself.
Dave is with Robina, Geoff and Leslie ride together, Mike by himself mostly in the upper stages and Jonathan with Barry but they split near the top
At 2807 it is high in the world - nothing higher ( a lookout point) and a way in the distance the snow covered alps. Below we can see 2okms of snaking road, but it is not until we are on it we realize how good the surface is- Perfect is one word but event that is not good enough. Ultra smooth tar, twisting flowing corners the road disappearing for ever.
On the first curves in the upper section following Dallas i seem to free fall down through a abandoned town 9or could be barracks for the gun emplacements scattered around the col (don’t want those Italians sneaking over the ridge
We are in the Mecantour Park and it runs along the Italian border.
The road keeps descending - down and down until finally after 20 + mins of high speed descending we stop to regroup
But there is more - it takes another 20 mins to descend a tightening valley until we reach anything like a main road.
now it lunch time 1200 and we pull into the first available spot and enjoy a slow lunch in .. . .. . .. . ..
After lunch its more descending and the A team stops to adjust clothing levels
(JR has finally warmed up)
Down some more but only at 3 % and we form a train and each takes long pulls on the front as we whistle down the gorge - riding slowly after lunch - just under 50kms hr.
A paved bike path provides some additional fun as it twists and turns alongside the road.
Soon it is climbing time again - from . . .. . . . .Tirree it is 1000m of ascending up a small country road Mike and Jonathon enjoy a van ride and leigh the occasional door pull
At he pointed end dave, Geoff and Dallas ride tempo up the hill- the banter ‘get a cup of concrete in yar’ style soon brings the pace up from 11kms -to 12kms/hr and more banter pushed that up to 14kms hr uphill.
Riding three abreast we top the col and descend to Beuil and the fabulous hotel Escapade where we enjoy a 2 star Michelin meal that leaves us all full to the brim
The best fine french dining we have had
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