Hi All!
We’re blogging on behalf of the boys for Day 3 as they didn’t get in until late after a problem with one of the A-roads which involved them taking a detour – an extra 900m uphill. Late last night Ant and Giles finally got to give us the scoop whilst Ben ‘the blog dictator’ took a cold bath for his aching muscles. So, awakening to the now familiar hum of Ant’s razor, they set off at 0800 to conquer ‘The Beast’ - or Col de la Madeline as it is better known. To cut a long story short – it’s a hard grind and very steep at 2000m, they did well. Check out the photo above of the victorious three at the top for proof!
Now, wait for it, Ant was FIRST of all of the fireflies to reach the top and though we all know it’s not about the winning for you boys (?!?) - we’ve got to say ‘WELL DONE ANT!!!!’. He was neck and neck with a young slip of a thing (a 26year old, he would like us to point out) and ‘as a 44 year old man’ he is well chuffed with his achievement. As a result of his amazing ascent, Ant was rewarded with the longest lunch-break; 2.5 hours to enjoy his salmon and chips which he described as “delightful”. And it didn’t stop there, he was first up the other mountain later on – sardine power! Understandably, Giles was not - at the time we spoke to him - particularly looking forward to that night with Ant, particularly as they are sharing two single beds which, at time of writing, would not pull apart for love nor money. [Ant in the background: ‘We’ll be spooning!’] Linda, if you’re reading, Giles and Ben did have a little catch up today and they do sympathise with what you must go through at home.
By 5pm, our boys descended to Valloire at up to 45mph and when we spoke to them they were sore, bruised and aching but on top form otherwise. Giles explained that he had a 3inch saddle mould in his bottom (bit more detail for the blog) which didn’t look to be fading much – not suprising though, he also explained that they’re now climbing the equivalent of half way up Mt Everest each day! See below for their responses to comments. News from the boys re Friday 15th soon.
Click here to watch day 3 of the ride!
To Linda:
I miss you too but I'll be alright tonight as I am sleeping next to Giles.xx
To Natashka:
Thank you for the message- NO this doesn't feel like a holiday! If it was there would be rosé at lunch time. I 'm looking forward to seeing you at the finish line in Cannes.xx
To Neil:
No crying or vomiting yet. But Ant's daily shaving makes me want to cry a little too!
To Tory:
Yeah Ant's legs look like plucked chickens. We have a good diet over here: meat cheese, bread, pasta...but we are all suffering from wind!
To Austen:
Just because you fancy me (Giles) doesn't make me gay. Maybe I do know how to work the camera...
To Paul H:
So sorry you couldn't be here mate - seriously though you would have hated it! Its a lot more hilly than Kent. We are thinking of you and will save you a spot for next year. Thanks for your support.
To Wendy:
Our legs ARE like steel! Regarding your comment about Ant and the sardines.... Let's just say when he is finished in the bathroom it smells like feeding time at the sea life centre!
To Andy B:
Your comment made us laugh! We are interested in knowing the exact elevation of "Col De Faringdon Road."
To Phil Crow:
Thanks mate. You can join us whenever you like, but take it easy on the In-And-Out burgers!
We’re blogging on behalf of the boys for Day 3 as they didn’t get in until late after a problem with one of the A-roads which involved them taking a detour – an extra 900m uphill. Late last night Ant and Giles finally got to give us the scoop whilst Ben ‘the blog dictator’ took a cold bath for his aching muscles. So, awakening to the now familiar hum of Ant’s razor, they set off at 0800 to conquer ‘The Beast’ - or Col de la Madeline as it is better known. To cut a long story short – it’s a hard grind and very steep at 2000m, they did well. Check out the photo above of the victorious three at the top for proof!
Now, wait for it, Ant was FIRST of all of the fireflies to reach the top and though we all know it’s not about the winning for you boys (?!?) - we’ve got to say ‘WELL DONE ANT!!!!’. He was neck and neck with a young slip of a thing (a 26year old, he would like us to point out) and ‘as a 44 year old man’ he is well chuffed with his achievement. As a result of his amazing ascent, Ant was rewarded with the longest lunch-break; 2.5 hours to enjoy his salmon and chips which he described as “delightful”. And it didn’t stop there, he was first up the other mountain later on – sardine power! Understandably, Giles was not - at the time we spoke to him - particularly looking forward to that night with Ant, particularly as they are sharing two single beds which, at time of writing, would not pull apart for love nor money. [Ant in the background: ‘We’ll be spooning!’] Linda, if you’re reading, Giles and Ben did have a little catch up today and they do sympathise with what you must go through at home.
By 5pm, our boys descended to Valloire at up to 45mph and when we spoke to them they were sore, bruised and aching but on top form otherwise. Giles explained that he had a 3inch saddle mould in his bottom (bit more detail for the blog) which didn’t look to be fading much – not suprising though, he also explained that they’re now climbing the equivalent of half way up Mt Everest each day! See below for their responses to comments. News from the boys re Friday 15th soon.
Click here to watch day 3 of the ride!
To Linda:
I miss you too but I'll be alright tonight as I am sleeping next to Giles.xx
To Natashka:
Thank you for the message- NO this doesn't feel like a holiday! If it was there would be rosé at lunch time. I 'm looking forward to seeing you at the finish line in Cannes.xx
To Neil:
No crying or vomiting yet. But Ant's daily shaving makes me want to cry a little too!
To Tory:
Yeah Ant's legs look like plucked chickens. We have a good diet over here: meat cheese, bread, pasta...but we are all suffering from wind!
To Austen:
Just because you fancy me (Giles) doesn't make me gay. Maybe I do know how to work the camera...
To Paul H:
So sorry you couldn't be here mate - seriously though you would have hated it! Its a lot more hilly than Kent. We are thinking of you and will save you a spot for next year. Thanks for your support.
To Wendy:
Our legs ARE like steel! Regarding your comment about Ant and the sardines.... Let's just say when he is finished in the bathroom it smells like feeding time at the sea life centre!
To Andy B:
Your comment made us laugh! We are interested in knowing the exact elevation of "Col De Faringdon Road."
To Phil Crow:
Thanks mate. You can join us whenever you like, but take it easy on the In-And-Out burgers!
8 comments:
Sounds like a gastro tour of the alpine eateries - do they do spag bol I wonder, and how long before you succumb to a bottle of vin rouge a piece at lunch time .... Looking forward to seeing you snaps. Juzza
erm, giles. you look really bent when you pout in photo's. i don't care how hot it is up there. please stop. austen.
Hampshire I want reports of you singing Land of My Fathers as you’re speeding through the valleys of France. Remember France is just like Wales but with nicer birds, better weather, less sheep, longer valleys, good wine...actually its bugger all like Wales. Keep peddling
Hi fellas,
It sounds like there is not nearly enough blood, sweat and tears! Whats going on? Are you all out for a sunday jaunt or something? All this talk of hot tubs and vin rouge, I don't know i thought this ride was HARD :)
Seriously though, the view looks amazing in one of the pics, (not the semi naked Ant shot) less of those please :) and more of the amazing vistas. I'm feeling rotten about not being there as well, so carry on sending the pics so i can be there in spirit. Keep spinning those wheels and munching those figs, they'll get you through the worst.
Paul
hey you firefly guys - how's it all going?? looking forward to seeing those thighs of steel next Wednesday! Ben how are the 'special' pants holding out?? Glad to read Ant is keeping his intake of omega-3s up with the large quatity of sardines he's got going on up there...wouldn't like to muck out his stable in the morning though....keep going! Wend x
This morning, as I impressively pulled away from the peloton of Bickertons and took a healthy lead at the top of the Col-de-Faringdon Road, I thought of you chaps. I really might have to show you how its done next year. Miles Petite and I are already sourcing parts on E-Bay for our classic Italian iron tandem.
Keep it up chaps. We're proud of you !
PS. Ant - I notice you've quoted Lance Armstrong ('Its not about the bike'). Quite right. Clearly its all about the shaving foam.
Go on boys!!!!! although you do look like your on the way to a communards gig... but im very proud of you chaps!
I managed 2km in your honour on a perfectly flat cycle path by the beach this morning....you know its a start!!!
i heard it said that by day three you ride yourself fit... what say you to that theory lads, today being your third?
every pedal, every penny of this ride you are undertaking is saving lives, that's what i remember when i think of what youre putting yourselves through.
giles, whisky on wednesday my friend!
becs x
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