To start from the beginning, last night's storm was mental. Non-stop vivid flashes of lightening, thunder crashing around, torrential rain and the wind tearing at my tent. Not my most relaxing night!
I knew my mileage was low today so there was no need to rush this morning. In fact, I only cycled 100 metres from the campsite into Abondance before promptly sitting down to a well earned cuppa and pain aux raisins!
I then just climbed seemingly forever. I climbed through the Abondance valley - so pretty - to Chatel which is a huge outdoor sports resort, Summer and Winter. I then started the climb proper up Col de Bassachaux (1783m). I'd met an English guy at the campsite in the morning and we'd chatted about cycling. Once I'd reached the top of the col, I heard a voice booming "now THAT'S what I call impressive!". He was there out hiking with his family. Neither of us knew each other would be there so that was a lovely surprise. I had lots of "bon courage" from the French today as I battled my way up.
The whole area around the climb is one huge mountain biking area. None of the mountain bikers actually cycle up as I was doing. They stick their bikes on a chairlift and cycle down. Cheats! Actually, the descents were crazy and very technical, there's no way I'd switch places with them. They probably think likewise with me!
The next part of my route was a very adventurous off road section. The guidebook said 75% of this route was passable by those on road bikes with slick tyres. I would argue not even 25% was passable. I bounced down the tracks as much as my poor bike. Various bolts loosened and rattled as we descended to Les Lindarets which I've now fixed.
Clearly I deserved a chocolate crepe with my cuppa in Les Lindarets! This was an interesting village dominated by goats which were causing chaos in the streets!
And then a simple descent on a normal road (phew!) to my campsite this evening in Montriond near Morzine. The mountains in the distance are already engulfed in grey rain clouds so let's hope it doesn't reach here tonight. A storm free night would be appreciated!
I've just heard another British cycling team has won on the track at the Olympics - fabulous!
I forgot to ask, was Linda on Calendar the other night?
Looking forward to hearing from you all soon!
Andi xx
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone on O2
Wow you are amazing!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of chairlift up and cycling downhill. That is my kind of cycling!
Hope the weather calms for you. Take care and look forward to the next blog.
Mandie x
Wow - what an awesome and very adventerous trip you are having - off road, camping and being able to maintain your own bike - I am very impressed!! Keep up the stunning work and blogs!
ReplyDeleteThat was quite a day you had!! i hope the weather stays away for you. We had lots of rain and thunder yesterday, makes you wonder where it comes from!
ReplyDeleteI have to say where i had my lunch was no match for your wonderful view!! it was stunning.
How you are getting up half the hills and mountains i have no idea, i feel tired just thinking about it!
Going into work this morning then home by lunch time, thought i would show my face for a change!!
I can manage around the house now without my crutches which feels wonderful, still using them when i venture outside, but improvment all the same.
Keep up with your wonderful blogs and stunning pictures, i look forward to your blogs every morning to see what you have been up too.
Take care and much love
Mum xx
Well I had lunch at Eton riverside watching GB bring home 2 bronze and a gold. There is nothing quite like singing your national anthem at the Olympics. Something I won't forget in a hurry. I agree with your new fan, YOU are impressive! Love the goat story, made me chuckle. Off to Lancashire now, will be stopping in to pedal power to pick up some more cycling kit. Looking forward to your next instalment and wonderful pictures jxx
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