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!!!!!
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