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
