Epic day today guys, epic day. Our legs are ready for food and massage and nothing else. Those of you who’ve got the impression we’re on a wine-tasting holiday – you can forget it!
We woke in Valloir with the cloud sitting like a lid on top of the village (that is better than Wordsworth Ben, ed) It was raining when we set off but nothing compared to the comedy ‘bible’ weather to come as we began the ascent up Galibier (2640m) one of the most famous alp climbs which takes you above the tree-line and into the snow. Pretty soon it was raining so hard that our faces felt like they were being hit with gravel – for a long time. Then came thunder and lightening – the only thing missing was Gandalf’s face laughing at us from the clouds, grim. It was -4° at the top and some of the team were, by that stage, mildly hyperthermic. Ant gave up his climb today to stay at the back and help (shout at) one of the struggling team-members to the summit.
From the top, we descended 12k to a restaurant where, soaked to the skin (and nicely chilled from riding at speed) at least 40 of us huddled around 1 hand-dryer with the bar owner donating his towelling dressing gown to the most deserving cause.
It picked up as we continued our descent into La Grave, situated at the foot of a beautiful valley where the snow-capped peaks are currently bathed in sunlight, check out our pic!
Directeur Sportif, Ollie, decided against the planned team ascent of Alpe d’Huez today (another 30k down the valley) but actually, after warming up a bit later on, Giles and I made a trip there on our own experiencing it’s 21 switchbacks (each named after Tour-de-France winners if you’re interested) by then in much improved conditions. That’s a picture of me on the way back down.
Thank god it’s a rest day tomorrow, we can relax tonight - off to a place called Edelweiss for dinner where I’ve a feeling it could get messy.
Thanks for all of your support - more news from us on Sunday. B,G and Axxxxx
We woke in Valloir with the cloud sitting like a lid on top of the village (that is better than Wordsworth Ben, ed) It was raining when we set off but nothing compared to the comedy ‘bible’ weather to come as we began the ascent up Galibier (2640m) one of the most famous alp climbs which takes you above the tree-line and into the snow. Pretty soon it was raining so hard that our faces felt like they were being hit with gravel – for a long time. Then came thunder and lightening – the only thing missing was Gandalf’s face laughing at us from the clouds, grim. It was -4° at the top and some of the team were, by that stage, mildly hyperthermic. Ant gave up his climb today to stay at the back and help (shout at) one of the struggling team-members to the summit.
From the top, we descended 12k to a restaurant where, soaked to the skin (and nicely chilled from riding at speed) at least 40 of us huddled around 1 hand-dryer with the bar owner donating his towelling dressing gown to the most deserving cause.
It picked up as we continued our descent into La Grave, situated at the foot of a beautiful valley where the snow-capped peaks are currently bathed in sunlight, check out our pic!
Directeur Sportif, Ollie, decided against the planned team ascent of Alpe d’Huez today (another 30k down the valley) but actually, after warming up a bit later on, Giles and I made a trip there on our own experiencing it’s 21 switchbacks (each named after Tour-de-France winners if you’re interested) by then in much improved conditions. That’s a picture of me on the way back down.
Thank god it’s a rest day tomorrow, we can relax tonight - off to a place called Edelweiss for dinner where I’ve a feeling it could get messy.
Thanks for all of your support - more news from us on Sunday. B,G and Axxxxx
Temperatures of -4, hyperthermia, frostbite, sunburn, chaffing, dehydration, bruises and sleeping with Ant !!!! - just look at what our team are going through for a worthy cause - got to be worth a few quid...
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******DONATE TO LEUKA HERE**************
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http://www.thefirefliesride.com/donate/
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To Juzza:
If I see another slice of salami at breakfast, I might snap - where's the Frosties?!? I'll bring you back a big cold sausage.
To Daff:
Giles has been cuddling sheep, does that count? Thanks for the message Welshboy! Keep em coming - we need the support, it's tough!
To Becs:
Did the Whisky last night. Never drinking again. Until Cannes. Stu turned up last night, we're determined to get you on the ride next year so start training Sister.
To Tory:
I managed to beat Ant back to the room for the first time last night, but only because he got lost in the mist. He's now sleeping in the bath which is OK until you want to take a leak in the middle of the night "Mornin' Ant, don't mind me" usually does the trick tho...
To Jeff:
Giles and I romped up it yesterday after a -4 ascent of Galibier. Have never been so cold on a bike before. Giles had to abandon his bike on the descent before frostbite kicked in. Rest day today, I'm sure you remember how good it feels to spend a whole day out of lycra. 1.05 but we took a wrong turn at the top. Brilliant climb, one of the best.
To Beth G:
Biere, or Chartreuse which is all helping us to sleep like babies!
To Darren:
Thanks Dazz, you're all heart!!
