Wednesday, 18 June 2008
Day 8: Digne les Bains to Grasse, 168km
Brilliant day today, all 60 riders rode out as a giant peleton.
Giles was leading until he got to a roundabout and took a wrong turn, Adam took over and lead the entire peleton out of the village of Digne but Giles took yet another wrong turn, bringing him without any effort, back to the head of the peleton!
We stayed together until Chris went for a cheeky climb, he was feeling much better today!
At the top the peleton stopped for a lunch of 40 lasagnes, it was beautiful!
The descent was the fastest yet and made their eyes boggle! Down through the grand canyon Du Verdons, an amazing greeney blue river lay below with a mile high drop to one side!
The three of us rode together at 48mph until the next climb (1km) , a big push of 16mph, pushing us all to out limits. Chopper was left behind halfway up the hill but in a heroic sprint moved from the rear to the front - he likes to sprinkle a little magic, mixing and matching, keeping them guessing.
In the valley lay the highest non-suspension bridge, it sits 480 meters from the gorge floor. The weather started to change, it got wetter and colder before the thunder and lightning came in, Adam stayed at the back of the peleton on his steel frame feared that he would be struck and no-one would notice…they got an absolutely hammering and their shivering made their bikes shake.
But a warm hotel beckoned and they made it except by the time adam got back to the hotel, Chopper had used all of the hot water.
Everyones watching france vs italy and they are taking an 80km detour so they don’t get into cannes too early, with the promise of cold beer, swimming in the sea, and better warmer weather!
We're nearly there!
Amazing fact
The Mill Fireflies have now climbed 12.5 miles in total, the same as sea level to the o-zone layer and over twice the height of Everest!
Giles was leading until he got to a roundabout and took a wrong turn, Adam took over and lead the entire peleton out of the village of Digne but Giles took yet another wrong turn, bringing him without any effort, back to the head of the peleton!
We stayed together until Chris went for a cheeky climb, he was feeling much better today!
At the top the peleton stopped for a lunch of 40 lasagnes, it was beautiful!
The descent was the fastest yet and made their eyes boggle! Down through the grand canyon Du Verdons, an amazing greeney blue river lay below with a mile high drop to one side!
The three of us rode together at 48mph until the next climb (1km) , a big push of 16mph, pushing us all to out limits. Chopper was left behind halfway up the hill but in a heroic sprint moved from the rear to the front - he likes to sprinkle a little magic, mixing and matching, keeping them guessing.
In the valley lay the highest non-suspension bridge, it sits 480 meters from the gorge floor. The weather started to change, it got wetter and colder before the thunder and lightning came in, Adam stayed at the back of the peleton on his steel frame feared that he would be struck and no-one would notice…they got an absolutely hammering and their shivering made their bikes shake.
But a warm hotel beckoned and they made it except by the time adam got back to the hotel, Chopper had used all of the hot water.
Everyones watching france vs italy and they are taking an 80km detour so they don’t get into cannes too early, with the promise of cold beer, swimming in the sea, and better warmer weather!
We're nearly there!
Amazing fact
The Mill Fireflies have now climbed 12.5 miles in total, the same as sea level to the o-zone layer and over twice the height of Everest!
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Day 7: Le Sauze (Barcellonette) to Digne les Bains, 122km
We had a better day than yesterday- full of laughter, pain and cheers! They are coming out of the Alps & the terrain is closer to Provençe now.
Chris has got knee trouble - it is an old training injury that has been re-awoken in the last couple of days. And the runs – which is also draining his energy. But he is picking up masses of French
"Chris et le poisson est dans la maison!"
The boys took on an 18km climb together today but after 4km Chris (a shadow of the man he normally is) falls apart & they have to drag him up. Chris would like to point out that they did not have to follow him!
Adam cycled slowly today – helping others at the back with a mixed group of riders. He did not recognise anyone – but he had a great time. This group formed a “peleton de gourmet” concentrating on lunch. An excellent leisurely break was had – ending with cinchaça all round.
Such dedication to gourmet pursuits meant that they were last to head off up the last mountain
Giles & Chris had very little lunch – 4 of them went into a restaurant & they ordered sandwiches. Half of them did not come as they had run out of bread, ham & tomatoes. (jambon, tomates et pain, Chris says)
The last mountain of the day – ending at 1600m above sea level - was the last mountain in the Alpes - they are heading into Provençe.
Lots of people were spraying the road – sponsors names – messages etc - for which you can get locked up – but it is all part of cycling!
Chris & Giles sped hungrily off to the hotel – arriving at 2.45 – but there was not food till dinner time!
Chris was poorly, chronic wind & his knee hurt – so he resolved to drink beer in the sun! - Quelle dommage
Food:
Charcuterie
Ravioli
White Fish – poached
Glazed peaches & pears.
Not at all tasty – but probably excellent nutritionally!
Bedtime Stories
The sleeping arrangements have changed as the Mill Peleton is broken
Chris is with Dan
Adam with Phil
Giles with Aussie Alex in the smallest beds ever with a 4” gap between them!
Mill Speed
Giles did an average of 33mph today - very fast.
Lost Property
If anyone fancies going back to the restaurant – Giles has left his jacket behind.
Mill Blood
Adam almost injured himself on a chewy sweet. It was a tense moment – cars stopped – Dr Bob took a look! Giles has a sore arse – But the Brave soldier cream is working wonders!
Off to bed now – Giles is asleep already – again.
Chris has got knee trouble - it is an old training injury that has been re-awoken in the last couple of days. And the runs – which is also draining his energy. But he is picking up masses of French
"Chris et le poisson est dans la maison!"
The boys took on an 18km climb together today but after 4km Chris (a shadow of the man he normally is) falls apart & they have to drag him up. Chris would like to point out that they did not have to follow him!
Adam cycled slowly today – helping others at the back with a mixed group of riders. He did not recognise anyone – but he had a great time. This group formed a “peleton de gourmet” concentrating on lunch. An excellent leisurely break was had – ending with cinchaça all round.
Such dedication to gourmet pursuits meant that they were last to head off up the last mountain
Giles & Chris had very little lunch – 4 of them went into a restaurant & they ordered sandwiches. Half of them did not come as they had run out of bread, ham & tomatoes. (jambon, tomates et pain, Chris says)
The last mountain of the day – ending at 1600m above sea level - was the last mountain in the Alpes - they are heading into Provençe.
Lots of people were spraying the road – sponsors names – messages etc - for which you can get locked up – but it is all part of cycling!
Chris & Giles sped hungrily off to the hotel – arriving at 2.45 – but there was not food till dinner time!
Chris was poorly, chronic wind & his knee hurt – so he resolved to drink beer in the sun! - Quelle dommage
Food:
Charcuterie
Ravioli
White Fish – poached
Glazed peaches & pears.
Not at all tasty – but probably excellent nutritionally!
Bedtime Stories
The sleeping arrangements have changed as the Mill Peleton is broken
Chris is with Dan
Adam with Phil
Giles with Aussie Alex in the smallest beds ever with a 4” gap between them!
Mill Speed
Giles did an average of 33mph today - very fast.
Lost Property
If anyone fancies going back to the restaurant – Giles has left his jacket behind.
Mill Blood
Adam almost injured himself on a chewy sweet. It was a tense moment – cars stopped – Dr Bob took a look! Giles has a sore arse – But the Brave soldier cream is working wonders!
Off to bed now – Giles is asleep already – again.
Monday, 16 June 2008
Day 6: La Grave to Le Sauze (Barcellonette), 143km
Today was a long day – we did 146km and it seemed to be all uphill.
we are all f***ed.
Col du Lauteret – Col d’Izoard – Col de Vars- Le Sauze!
Lauteret was 15km – all up hill –grey & chilly & at the top there was no sun, the descent was even colder and Giles just did not have enough on!
Fingerless gloves, exposed legs, a gilet – he was in bits & shaking. Then they got hailed on and the water sprayed up from the road & soaked through their shoes.
At the bottom they drank hot chocolate and an ex-racer told them to wrap their feet in newspaper to dry them & insulate. It worked.
Then off up d’Izoard.
An iconic climb – the most beautiful scenery – very different to the scenery before. - less lush – acid soil- firs – rock – flowers like the south of France.
It was a good road, steep, hairpins.
New techniques to distract from the pain were employed. Chopper & Giles played “the A-Z of animals”.
Rules involve the mimicking of animals – the other must guess the animal – offerings included Ant Eater, Salamander, Vampire Bat & Great Crested Newt.
They laughed so hard they nearly fell off!
Meanwhile further down the Col, Adam was being a hero helping Pete with his climb. The motive may be that Adam is after his bike!
Nat King Cole & Neil Diamond featured & Sweet Caroline was a high point!
There is a real difference of ability here. Some people are spending a lot of time cycling alone – just them & their ipod – It makes a difference if you can hang back & help them. Stick together & we will get through it together. It is not a race.
The top was amazing but freezing.
We were still wet & cold. The pads in our shorts were soaked with frozen rain. It rubs - not comfy!
Izoard is a crazy descent – you can see the first 20m of road then it is so steep it drops away. The road was cold & windy & cut into the side of the mountain – a 50’ drop on the other side. There are no barriers here – if you don’t make the turn you go straight into the Abyss -
New Speed for Chopper – 46.8mph. Giles over took a Saab Convertible & a Jeep, the cars beeped & cheered in appreciation.
Todays lunch stop was a disaster; 2pm on a Sunday in France, in the mountains, forget it! Man can not cycle on a Croque monsieur & a Cornetto alone – but they did!
17km Col de Vars was hard on a poor lunch. Plus breakfast was substandard too – with no rolls to take as snacks!
At the top 14 fireflies did not stop – they formed a peleton to limit the head wind & sped down – they just needed to get back & get warm - the final 4km was a climb of a 10% gradient. After a freezing & wet day with 144km already in your legs – that is tough! They sprinted.
High Points – Giles & Chopper saw Marmottes - Giles got a close up experience, complete with a squeak!
Boogie Nights – They are all in a room together tonight! Pushing the beds together for warmth!
Speed Talk- For some perpective on speed another Firefly recorded a massive 70.2mph in a previous year on one descent!
Mill Blood – Adam sneaking in to his room late last night – did not want to wake roommates – went into bath room in darkness! Hit his nose!
we are all f***ed.
Col du Lauteret – Col d’Izoard – Col de Vars- Le Sauze!
Lauteret was 15km – all up hill –grey & chilly & at the top there was no sun, the descent was even colder and Giles just did not have enough on!
Fingerless gloves, exposed legs, a gilet – he was in bits & shaking. Then they got hailed on and the water sprayed up from the road & soaked through their shoes.
At the bottom they drank hot chocolate and an ex-racer told them to wrap their feet in newspaper to dry them & insulate. It worked.
Then off up d’Izoard.
An iconic climb – the most beautiful scenery – very different to the scenery before. - less lush – acid soil- firs – rock – flowers like the south of France.
It was a good road, steep, hairpins.
New techniques to distract from the pain were employed. Chopper & Giles played “the A-Z of animals”.
Rules involve the mimicking of animals – the other must guess the animal – offerings included Ant Eater, Salamander, Vampire Bat & Great Crested Newt.
They laughed so hard they nearly fell off!
Meanwhile further down the Col, Adam was being a hero helping Pete with his climb. The motive may be that Adam is after his bike!
Nat King Cole & Neil Diamond featured & Sweet Caroline was a high point!
There is a real difference of ability here. Some people are spending a lot of time cycling alone – just them & their ipod – It makes a difference if you can hang back & help them. Stick together & we will get through it together. It is not a race.
The top was amazing but freezing.
We were still wet & cold. The pads in our shorts were soaked with frozen rain. It rubs - not comfy!
Izoard is a crazy descent – you can see the first 20m of road then it is so steep it drops away. The road was cold & windy & cut into the side of the mountain – a 50’ drop on the other side. There are no barriers here – if you don’t make the turn you go straight into the Abyss -
New Speed for Chopper – 46.8mph. Giles over took a Saab Convertible & a Jeep, the cars beeped & cheered in appreciation.
Todays lunch stop was a disaster; 2pm on a Sunday in France, in the mountains, forget it! Man can not cycle on a Croque monsieur & a Cornetto alone – but they did!
17km Col de Vars was hard on a poor lunch. Plus breakfast was substandard too – with no rolls to take as snacks!
At the top 14 fireflies did not stop – they formed a peleton to limit the head wind & sped down – they just needed to get back & get warm - the final 4km was a climb of a 10% gradient. After a freezing & wet day with 144km already in your legs – that is tough! They sprinted.
High Points – Giles & Chopper saw Marmottes - Giles got a close up experience, complete with a squeak!
Boogie Nights – They are all in a room together tonight! Pushing the beds together for warmth!
Speed Talk- For some perpective on speed another Firefly recorded a massive 70.2mph in a previous year on one descent!
Mill Blood – Adam sneaking in to his room late last night – did not want to wake roommates – went into bath room in darkness! Hit his nose!
Day 5: REST DAY AT LA GRAVE
Got completely twatted on the eve of our rest day.Our day off was weird and our bodies thought it was odd.We chilled, had massages and topped it off with a barby! We took steaks & bread down to the open fire with just a grill on it - very Ray Mears!We packed up & went straight in for a 3 course dinner! Chicken – carrot soup – hare terrine Chopper was sucking up crème caramels in one – for a bet!
Day 4: Valloire to La Grave via L’Alpe d’Huez, 112km
A really hairy day, climbing 3,200m - half the height of Everest in one day!
The way down from Galibier was the best view so far but it was very cold –5ºc and extremely windy. Just to add to the pressure, the road had no barriers.
Our fingers were numb, Giles wore 6 layers of clothing & could hardly ride – he could barely stretch his spine to reach the brakes.
We set off together with Chopper & Giles pulling away soon afterwards. Had to dig very deep today but finished on amazing times in the end:
Giles 1 hr 8 mins
Chopper 1hr 8mins & 30 secs
Adam 1 hr 17mins ( half the speed of the world record held by Marco Pantani).
The descent from Alpes d’Huez was very dangerous. Very old fashioned Tour de France route with tons of gravel.
Giles & Chris were chased & almost kicked by some Haflinger horses on the side of the road. and I quote "They were all over us!"
Giles was riding with 5 Fireflies & in all those years they had never seen horses. It was magical.
Chris has advice for these situations:
"If you make a horsey noise & don’t look them in the eye – you will be ok".
FOOD
Adam found almonds and raisins in the van and is farting a lot.
Till now they have been on the natural stuff but now the gels are starting.- But be warned – don’t eat the apple flavoured ones – they taste of urine.
BEDTIME STORIES
Chris is snoring (but he does supply roommates with earplus)
Adam is talking in his sleep & gets up to pee loads.
SOHO comment
Today - Olivia was really struggling – Mill Fireflies all waited for her and IT WAS GOLD – they got her up that climb! She reckons:
"The Mill boys rock, they are happy, strong & have big smiley faces".
We always knew that!!!!!
Friday, 13 June 2008
Day Three: La Lechere to Valloire 82km
Madeleine is a well known climb and at 28km, the longest of the lot. It is just brutal. It just keeps on going. Giles is shagged.
We all set off together on another beautiful day - straight out of the hotel into the climb, taking it easy at the start as we knew how tough it would be.
Along the way Giles & Chopper got delayed by a photo moment & Adam lost his chain.
It was amazing at the top & we ate like horses.
A tricky descent followed as the road was bumpy & had loose gravel.
Another Firefly fell, skidded & is badly grazed. That’s gotta hurt!
We stopped at the bottom for an Omelette in preparation for our next climb – Telegraph. Short but steep & especially tough as we were worn down by Madeleine.
Adam had underestimated it – it was a very difficult climb.
Chopper stormed off ahead& hit it in a very fast time & waited at the top with a beer twice the size of his head!
There was a massive party at the top waiting for the others!
We could have done the extra 60km leg – we were keen – but we ran out of time.
The 2 guys who did it have just come back – one of them an olympic silver medallist – the other has done 6 iron man competitions!
Scary Moments:
Giles hit a rock – front wheel hopped 1m sideways at 42mph. After a bit of a wiggle he recovered.
Chopper bunnyhopped a manhole at around 40mph.
Adam hit a pot hole whilst one handed – No mention of what he was doing with the other hand.
Food:
Tarte Tatin the size of an elephants footprints
Omelettes
Adam discovered a Pineapple & Ginger snack amongst his collection.
Giles continues to get good reviews for his flapjacks – but is facing serious competition with Julian’s 10 year old daughter – a master flapjack maker!
Chris is not sharing his Mango Strips – just the apricots.
Health:
We all have sore legs
Giles & Adam are big on the Arnica Gel – oh hang on – now Giles wants some!
Chris has anti-inflammatory gel & pills & is holding up!
Adam is on the Austrian Marching powder.
Room sharing
Adam in the double tonight
Chopper in the single
Giles is down the corridor teaching Alex how to ride a bike!
MAGICAL MOMENT
Woody who drives the Pananvision truck that transports all the bikes is a legend (was #2 in world at bmx!) and always just where you need him.
He excelled himself today – half way up telegraphe – there he was handing out strawberries! A Strawberry never tasted so good.
Tomorrow is mammoth – huge – olympique – Galibier & Alpes D’Huez! Ending in La grave ( hope not) for the rest day.
We are in the bar watching Germany lose!
Blog answers
Natashka – helmet is on.x
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Day Two: La Clusaz to La Lechere 121km or 88km
Today was a great day, beautiful Blue Cloudless Skies which put us in a good mood from the off.
After breakfast we had a small 8km climb; Col de Aravis
Chopper & Giles were at the front having a great ride. Scotty not too far behind.
Chopper & Giles led the pack and managed to get lost. Yes folks – lost. Ended up in some roadworks & adding 3km & another climb to their day!
They took on Col de Saisies (15km) together – very fast.
One Firefly, a seasoned motorbike rider, lost it on a corner, hit the barrier, flew off his bike & onto the steep bank behind. Reappearing quite bashed up, covered in mud, wheels totally buckled & leaving a massive skid mark serving as a warning to those who followed.
Regrouped at the bottom of Roseland for some 10 out of 10 tarts! (Apple, Blueberry & Blackcurrant).
The next climb was very tough – but 2/3 of the way up a bright green lake comes out of nowhere - fantastic!
We took it easy at first. Pushing. Pushing . Staying together. Each of us finding it tough at different points – taking it in turns spurring each other on. We had a great Roseland!
Giles had a very close call with an on coming lorry. Lorry driver mouth agog as Giles squeezed his buttocks through the gap. Adam had a close call with a kamikaze Marmotte playing chicken in the road!
The view – the size & the scale is just unimaginable!
You can not let your mind wander onto what’s for dinner – you have to stay focussed at every turn.
Many fireflies have come to grief here in previous years.
Bourg St Maurice meant more food – then 30km of a grim A road to the hotel. Tons of lorries. Tons of traffic and a big head wind! Awful! But we got here!
So - Chopper’s top was speed 45.8mph, but Giles won with a top speed of 50.7mph!
Adam got his pedal down on Saisies!
Off to eat dinner now!
A truly FANTASTIC day! Can it get better than this?
Responses to your blog comments:
Sam O’Brien: Giles has spent entire week sleeping with Alex from Framestore – teaching him some new tricks
Liz Roberts: I’ll sleep on anything&I’ll eat what ever’s put in front of me – even Chopper’s arse!
Roxy: Been given a tubes of cream called “Brave Soldier Friction Zone”Chopper has retired early with his tube & we are sure he is thinking of you.
Bash: Riding as quick as we can & with that in mind – we will go even faster.We are having fun – but we are very sore!
Wiggins: Thanks wigs but they are MOUNTAINS not hills. We are not in Crystal Palace!It’s not the distance – it is the style that counts!
Ben Hampshire: Chopper is as fit as a Buthcher’s dog – he hasn’t broken a sweat yet.But maybe when he texts Roxy at 6am it is a different matter!By the way it is much harder than last year – or the year before!Best of luck with the fireflies West!
PS- Adam would like to let you know that he is in fact riding a Classic Steel Colnago & not the Forth bridge! Giles shouts in the back ground - “bit it weighs as much as the forth bridge!”
Chopper was unavailable for comment!
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
Day One: Thonon les Bains to Le Grand Bornand, 92km
We are at the end of our first day, it was great! 70º and sunny, much better than the forecast of rain & thunderstorms!
Chris arrived yesterday at noon and reassembled his bike. Unable to wait any longer he snuck out for a sneaky preview ride – just to check that he had put all the bits back in the right place. A swift 25 miles later he returned, satisfied with his handy work.
Then, after a night on some very narrow beds which Giles well remembers from last year, we set off together at the back of the ride. Chris got too excited – shot off early to the front – only to find out after a mere 3km that he had NOT put all his bits back in the right place. He had to stop & reset his gears. It is all in the preparation Chris!
After lunch, our first big climb – Col de la Colombiere - a 19 km climb to 1300m taking us to 1630m altitude. Arriving to applause & photographs (which helps) a 15 km descent followed.
We got back to the hotel just in time & the heavens unleashed the mother of all lightning storms.
The Bikes are holding up
Giles’s arse is knackered
Chris’s arse is beautiful & after 19km of cycling behind it they can vouch that Adam’s arse is magnificent!
Chopper recorded a valiant 45.3mph
Whilst Giles would like to register a massive 49mph to lead our speeds today.
Adam alleged that he passed them both – STEEL IS REAL
Today’s diet included:
Ham Rolls and Mango strips
All of you at home, thank you so much for your sponsorship, we need your messages now to spur us on our Mill mission!
And you do not need that beer on Friday night – donate it to Leuka here
********DONATE TO LEUKA HERE********
http://www.thefirefliesride.com/
********DONATE TO LEUKA HERE********
& Adam needs donations to http://www.pinarello.com/index.php
Friday, 30 May 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
