Another long climb to 1700m today to the Col de Joux Plane. I was grateful for the cool and cloudy weather as I creaked and groaned my way up the mountain, sweat gushing from every pore. A few cyclists went past me today, all with messages of "bon courage" and I also had my first "chapeau" of the tour! The highest accolade from the French so I was absolutely delighted. This was from 1 of 2 young lads who cycled past me close to the top. They cheered me in with a round of applause and gave me a banana energy bar for my efforts!
Two more amazing things happened today: one was a cyclist WALKING up the mountain (come on, I'm lumbering what feels like thousands of kilos up) and I also OVERTOOK a man today as we pedalled the steady climb to my campsite. Wow!
I'm in the jaw-dropping Gorges des Tines tonight. None of my photos do it any justice. You can look it up on the internet. You should be able to find my campsite too: Camping Le Pelly near Sixt Fer a Cheval. You'll see the enormous rocky cliffs towering over us and all the waterfalls. Mad!
I have a lot of respect for tomorrow's ride (code for I'm terrified!). It will be a much longer day mileage wise with the 17km ascent of the Col de la Colombiere. I've cycled that on the road bike before. And I think this col featured in this year's Tour de France? I'll be doing it at a slightly slower pace!
I'll be in touch tomorrow! xxxx
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone on O2
Just a quick message to say you now have 1 vote for ACCA council. Have forwarded copy of statement to Jan and Kevin.
ReplyDeleteThis whole adventure is so impressive, not just the physical effort but also the reporting from the front line! Keep it up Charlie x
Hey, just catching up on your blog at Norrey's as we haven't brought any internet access with us on our Yorkshire holiday, so I especially requested laptop access here to see how you're going. Hope all the campsites are working out well for you with no issues. Hope that today's ride has been OK, rest day soon?? Keep up the cake/chocolate crepe consumption and a big 'chapeau' from us all too!!
ReplyDeleteMary
x
ps it's quite nice weather - we did get soaked in Harrogate today but generally quite pleasantly warm and the sun's definitely been making a few appearances! Hope the thunderstorms stay away so you can get a few good nights' rest!!
Well done on another great day cycling. you sound to have had lots of support on the way to your campsite! How lovely for people to encourage you onwards, such a nice network of people.
ReplyDeletei hope today has been better than you thought re hills mountains and anything else! Your bike did look exhausted poor thing! i bet it will be glad to have a rest day soon.
Keep up the good work you are amazing.
Lots of love
Mum xx