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!
