So on the penultimate day our Mill guys take to the Alps Day and on to the Haute Alpes and into the region of Provence Alpes and to the town of Sospel.
En route the Fireflies face an incredible four climbs with the Col de la Cayolle, Col de la Couillole, Col St Martin and Col de Turini so a very hard day ahead of them including facing the highest road in Europe at a staggering 2,808 ft.
Adam, Chris and Neil didn’t know what to expect on today’s ride, but they did know they faced 24k worth of climbing.
At least when they set out the weather was very South of France - hot and sunny.
Today is the day the Fireflies return to where it began and where the name Fireflies originates from; Col de Turini on the first ride descending, it was late and dark and the team where surrounded by fireflies, almost showing them the path down the mountain!
Because all the Fireflies climb ‘Fireflies Mansion’ aka Col de Turini at the same time, the riders (75 in total) set out at different times with the aim to all meet at the bottom and ascend and descend together as a team.
The first team set out around 8am, with Chris and Neil heading off around 9, followed by Adam at 9.45.
In total during the day of travelling 165k, an astonishing 65k will be climbing, starting with the Col de la Bonette and a huge climb of 24k.
All the guys were in awe of the views, the grandeur and scale, you could see for miles and it felt like an award for all their hard work.
Then came the descent and they hit it! Dropping 1.6k in vertical height and 1600m in altitude.
This was Neil’s favourite ride and most fun of all the descents.
At the bottom all the Fireflies came together for lunch – and yes, you guessed it, Chris continues his culinary journey of carbonara’s! Adam went for the salad nicoise and pasta but poor Neil missed out as he was late, well he assumed it was waitress service when you had to go in and order, by the time he did a very, very, very angry French lady shouted at him.
They set off and the wind had really picked up, with Neil in front, followed by Chris and Adam following when Chris flew into an uninvited visitor… well it flew in to him. A bee-like insect (Chris couldn’t be sure) flew in to his ‘undone’ shirt – still working on his tan! As Chris tried to retrieve the bee-like demon, it stung him 4 times! Below the waist… he eventually freed it via his leggings.
So a little behind the pack now, the guys continued to find the peloton they had been in formation with had in fact had an accident…
In the strong winds two of the riders had fallen, one with road rash and the other with a more serious broken collar bone. Sadly the same rider had fallen on the penultimate day last year and also broken a bone so was clearly devastated not to be able to finish the tour with everyone. A stark reminder to everyone the risks they run whilst riding in these mountains.
At the bottom of the next mountain, it was now really hot, around 30 degrees. Chris and Neil rode on ahead of Adam and along with several unnamed ladies played the classic game of ‘Shag, Marry, Kill’. By the time they reached Jethro, Ken Dodd and Benny Hill they thought it best to stop, they still had a long way to go and another mountain to get up and over.
So finally reaching Col de Turini all 75 Fireflies climbed together reaching the top at 9.30pm.
The sun was setting and as they climbed keeping up with the sun, they seemed to able to watch the sun set more than once, taking in all the amazing colours and views.
The first riders at the top formed a tunnel for all subsequent riders to come through, clapping, wooing and hugging as more and more reached the top.
Adam was rewarded with 2 packets of smarties!
As darkness grew and with an almost full moon the milky glow of the moonlight made an incredible back drop for their descent but they needed to get down and back before nightfall really hit.
Neil went in to a shop to purchase badges for all the guys – only to find that Adam and Chris had already started their descent. Unfortunately on his journey down, he hit a pothole and punctured a tire. By now in total darkness he still had another 5k to make it back, and thankfully found a support vehicle at the bottom. By the time he reached the hotel everyone was already polishing of their starters…
As we mentioned the Fireflies take their name from the very first ride and this was ride was no exception as thousands of fireflies hung in the air as they made their final climb down, making the descent emotional and magical.
Beers, food and sleep for everyone.
One day left!
Stats from the guys:
Top speed: 50mph
Climbed: 4000 ft
Distance: 165k
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Day 7
So on this day they get to stay at the same hotel, the very lovely chalets, and therefore don’t have to take their kit with them, which is a bonus.
Today they effectively do a loop of the mountains taking them over the highest mountain of the ride; the Col de Bonnete at 2802m. This is preceded by the Col de Lombarde a mere 2350m, again this is an exact copy of one of the stages of the 2008 Tour de France, so a tough day ahead.
The good news is the sky was blue and the sun was shining, and after the obligatory breakfast discussion of what to wear, the summer gear goes on and off they go.
Neil, unbeknown to most people has a personal vendetta against Vars… (Remember the Alpine Croydon comment!) But this ride helped to dissipate the feelings of hate as he storms up the mountain, having his best climb of the ride so far - still not really liking the North face but now loving the South face.
The descent was technical, fast and with loads of twists and turns. The guys pushed their way through to the bottom, where everywhere feeling very pleased and high five-ing and wooing, followed by lunch, followed by a very impressive 8 man peloton going at speed.
Did I mention on the lunch that Chris had carbonara?
Onwards where they decided to split, Chris and Neil heading of with the leaders (Jack and Tom) and Adam hanging out with Paul Harrison, they rode and talked colours!
Forming another impressive peloton that reached speeds of 30mph they faced the final 4k back to the hotel/chalets.
Interesting facts of the day:
Adam had a massage on his arrival back to the chalet.
Chris keeps complaining about his knee problems, using all sorts of gels and creams (for the record Chris states this is due to his imposing muscular body and that his bones can’t take the strain).
Neil’s bike broke at the bottom of the final 4k climb back the chalet, he was with the two fastest riders at the front when he became stuck in 4th gear up a 12% climb, left all alone he had a very slow journey back, where he luckily found Manuel to fix his bike!
Adam and Neil did also point out that by now Chris was practically riding naked to try and top up his tan before he hits Cannes. We are all so sorry Adam/Neil, make sure you ride in front of him!
Stats from the guys:
Top speed: 45
Climbed: 2,080 ft
Distance: 130k
Today they effectively do a loop of the mountains taking them over the highest mountain of the ride; the Col de Bonnete at 2802m. This is preceded by the Col de Lombarde a mere 2350m, again this is an exact copy of one of the stages of the 2008 Tour de France, so a tough day ahead.
The good news is the sky was blue and the sun was shining, and after the obligatory breakfast discussion of what to wear, the summer gear goes on and off they go.
Neil, unbeknown to most people has a personal vendetta against Vars… (Remember the Alpine Croydon comment!) But this ride helped to dissipate the feelings of hate as he storms up the mountain, having his best climb of the ride so far - still not really liking the North face but now loving the South face.
The descent was technical, fast and with loads of twists and turns. The guys pushed their way through to the bottom, where everywhere feeling very pleased and high five-ing and wooing, followed by lunch, followed by a very impressive 8 man peloton going at speed.
Did I mention on the lunch that Chris had carbonara?
Onwards where they decided to split, Chris and Neil heading of with the leaders (Jack and Tom) and Adam hanging out with Paul Harrison, they rode and talked colours!
Forming another impressive peloton that reached speeds of 30mph they faced the final 4k back to the hotel/chalets.
Interesting facts of the day:
Adam had a massage on his arrival back to the chalet.
Chris keeps complaining about his knee problems, using all sorts of gels and creams (for the record Chris states this is due to his imposing muscular body and that his bones can’t take the strain).
Neil’s bike broke at the bottom of the final 4k climb back the chalet, he was with the two fastest riders at the front when he became stuck in 4th gear up a 12% climb, left all alone he had a very slow journey back, where he luckily found Manuel to fix his bike!
Adam and Neil did also point out that by now Chris was practically riding naked to try and top up his tan before he hits Cannes. We are all so sorry Adam/Neil, make sure you ride in front of him!
Stats from the guys:
Top speed: 45
Climbed: 2,080 ft
Distance: 130k
Day 6
The day started with drizzle and was cold again, and the guys would be facing two more famous climbs that feature in the Tour de France, the Col du Lauteret, and Col du L’Izoard. They also climb the Col de Agnel, taking them from France into Italy; both climbs have also been used in both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia.
As they climbed the weather turned on them again, drizzle into rain, rain into sleet and sleet turning into snow! It was bitterly cold when they reached the top.
Neil in particular was feeling the almost sub-zero temperatures and as he and Adam looked around to begin their descent they realised Chris had already left them and started down (please note this is the second time Chris abandons his friends!) although Chris claims he was ushered down the mountain by the support team… Adam and Neil claim he deserted them.
At the bottom and happily reunited, the guys stop for hot chocolate and to warm up.
Then on to Col du L’Izoard – a truly beautiful mountain and an amazing climb.
At this point Neil was now too hot! No pleasing some boys! He had his cold weather gear on!
The descent down was a fast one but the guys had split again; Chris kindly helping the ladies out, Adam and Neil speeding on, although the sleet was beginning to feel like a rough facial. Adam breaks and arrives at the bottom of the mountain and stops in the café waiting for Neil. Neil however has other plans and flies by Adam shouting, “I’m not stopping”.
Adam catches Neil up and they face the next climb together. Chris was still helping the ladies from Framestore NY up the mountain, he is so suave!
Once they reached the top, they decided to belt it down all reaching speeds in the 50’s mph.
Not stopping for a lunch they whizz through the next village after a 20/30k ride along the valley, heading towards Vars for a late lunch, where luckily places were still serving.
All now starving, Chris loses the ability to read menus or make decisions, asking Adam “what he would like to eat”, as in what Chris would like to eat… initially choosing ommlette and chips, he settles for carbonara – mainly as this was the only item on the menu he recognized. In fact Chris has become an expert in carbonara.
Adam and Chris speed on with Neil riding with Dave Newton.
Adam, then feeling knackered, stops at a café and stocks up on Mars bars, Twix’s and hot chocolate – a proper sugar fest all served up by a lovely, old fat French lady.
Then on to the climb – 2000m – through the ski village of Var (which Neil described as an Alpine Croydon).
Then over the top and on to the descent. As it was so high up it was cold and the road had just been re-graveled, making the ride down harder. Even so, they hammered down the mountain as usual with Chris now on fire, racing down, Adam and Neil struggled to keep up.
With the final 4k in sight back to the hotel, they had another crushing climb.
When they reached the hotel the guys literally fell through the door they were so exhausted although each had their own chalet and the rooms were lovely (they were particularly excited to have their own washing machines).
They ended the day with two games of table football, Chris winning both!
Stats from the guys:
Top speed: 53mph
Climbed: 9,200 ft
Distance: 140k
As they climbed the weather turned on them again, drizzle into rain, rain into sleet and sleet turning into snow! It was bitterly cold when they reached the top.
Neil in particular was feeling the almost sub-zero temperatures and as he and Adam looked around to begin their descent they realised Chris had already left them and started down (please note this is the second time Chris abandons his friends!) although Chris claims he was ushered down the mountain by the support team… Adam and Neil claim he deserted them.
At the bottom and happily reunited, the guys stop for hot chocolate and to warm up.
Then on to Col du L’Izoard – a truly beautiful mountain and an amazing climb.
At this point Neil was now too hot! No pleasing some boys! He had his cold weather gear on!
The descent down was a fast one but the guys had split again; Chris kindly helping the ladies out, Adam and Neil speeding on, although the sleet was beginning to feel like a rough facial. Adam breaks and arrives at the bottom of the mountain and stops in the café waiting for Neil. Neil however has other plans and flies by Adam shouting, “I’m not stopping”.
Adam catches Neil up and they face the next climb together. Chris was still helping the ladies from Framestore NY up the mountain, he is so suave!
Once they reached the top, they decided to belt it down all reaching speeds in the 50’s mph.
Not stopping for a lunch they whizz through the next village after a 20/30k ride along the valley, heading towards Vars for a late lunch, where luckily places were still serving.
All now starving, Chris loses the ability to read menus or make decisions, asking Adam “what he would like to eat”, as in what Chris would like to eat… initially choosing ommlette and chips, he settles for carbonara – mainly as this was the only item on the menu he recognized. In fact Chris has become an expert in carbonara.
Adam and Chris speed on with Neil riding with Dave Newton.
Adam, then feeling knackered, stops at a café and stocks up on Mars bars, Twix’s and hot chocolate – a proper sugar fest all served up by a lovely, old fat French lady.
Then on to the climb – 2000m – through the ski village of Var (which Neil described as an Alpine Croydon).
Then over the top and on to the descent. As it was so high up it was cold and the road had just been re-graveled, making the ride down harder. Even so, they hammered down the mountain as usual with Chris now on fire, racing down, Adam and Neil struggled to keep up.
With the final 4k in sight back to the hotel, they had another crushing climb.
When they reached the hotel the guys literally fell through the door they were so exhausted although each had their own chalet and the rooms were lovely (they were particularly excited to have their own washing machines).
They ended the day with two games of table football, Chris winning both!
Stats from the guys:
Top speed: 53mph
Climbed: 9,200 ft
Distance: 140k
Day 5
The Fireflies day of rest, well needed and well deserved day of rest.
The guys sleep in; clean their bikes and their gear.
Then it’s all about the eating – a 3 course lunch followed by a 5 course dinner!
Stats from the guys:
Top speed: 2 km
Climbed: 0 ft
Distance: 0.03k
The guys sleep in; clean their bikes and their gear.
Then it’s all about the eating – a 3 course lunch followed by a 5 course dinner!
Stats from the guys:
Top speed: 2 km
Climbed: 0 ft
Distance: 0.03k
Monday, 21 June 2010
Day 4
So after the horrendous day in the snow our intrepid trio set out to face yet another day of tough and hard mountains.
Adam was on good form and Chris and Neil were both feeling the strain of the day before.
Because of the snow however, the Galibier was closed which was a real disappointment to the guys as it is an amazing ride. Instead it was a detour and a 23km climb up the Col Du Glandon followed by the Croix De Fer, a very big mountain at over 2000m high!!!
At least the sun was out and it was mostly dry, so they set off back up the top of the Col du Telegraphe, a 4k ride but the really good news was the descent, a 12k ride. Interesting fact for the Fireflies: in all the years the Fireflies have ridden they have always approached Col du Telegraphe from the other side so no-one had ever gone down the 12k side until now.
To suggest the guys blasted down the mountain is an understatement (sorry for any Mums reading) so have a look at our bike cam for the full throttle experience!
Once they hit the valley floor they had a 30k ride and settled in to a 10-12 strong peloton and as there was a few guys in this format they packed closely, roughly 6-12 inches apart… you are literally that far away from the wheel in front of you and the wheel behind you! All speeding along at around 25mph!!!
And sorry again to Neil’s Mum, but the guy in front of him suddenly put on his brake, forcing Neil on to his front wheel at a virtual 45 degree angle – imagine an endo at 25mph, not fun!
Chris was riding behind Neil and almost had Neil’s back wheel in his face! The guys described this as ‘exciting and scary’.
This forced them to create two packs of riders as everyone was a little shaken up but all carried on to the Col Du Glandon.
As they began the ascent - a 21k climb - all of them were in very good spirits; the sun was still out and all broke to ride up at their own pace.
The climb wasn’t super steep to start with but incredibly long and Neil was feeling pretty tired. The altitude was kicking in and they still had 100k to go…
Around 10k from the top, the mountain did become almost vertically steep and at the top looking down to the valley where they started Chris poetically described it as “a ribbon of tarmac around the mountain.”
Then on to the Croix De Fer, the very big mountain, over 2000m high!!!
By the time they had done Col Du Glandon riding up the Croix De Fer (did we mention this was a very big mountain?) over 2000m high!!! You are pretty exhausted and the last thing you want to do once you reach the top is ride another 3k to the highest peak!
Neil was going to pass on the extra ride but with Adam and Chris pushing on, and clearly being a competitive boy, he joined them!
Now they had a 19k descent, just what they needed, hitting it downhill very hard! And I’m afraid another look-away-for-the-Mum’s moment, but as they were flying down (in formation and very sensibly flying down) a motorcyclist not paying any attention tore through a corner, literally missing the pack by a mere six inches! The guys offered some friendly gesticulation and words of driving wisdom as he sped off.
At the bottom they stopped for food and refreshments where Adam pulled Neil out of the venue of his choice and in to a pizza place where all three of them ate/stuffed 12 inch pizzas – which they would regret a little later as it left them feeling rather full and heavy.
So on to the legendary 21 hairpins of Alpe d’Huez, another infamous Tour de France route. On the 16th corner you hit the ‘Balcony Road’ where you continue to climb into the sheer face of the rock, a road that looks like it is chiseled in to the mountain with a drop of 450m.
Adam again was looking very strong – go Adam (honestly, the youth of today) - zooming off back to the hotel. He had tried to keep up with the leader but couldn’t so ended up riding back alone which with very tough but he really enjoyed it! You know it’s a hard day when you’ve eaten all the food you packed and drunk every drop of liquid.
Meanwhile back to Chris and Neil… they were both now very, very tired and decided to pace themselves and stick together. After a while both felt they were losing their sense of humour but this soon turned into complete hysteria – which manifested itself in uncontrollable laughing (wish we had footage or pictures!).
With our Laurel and Hardy (their words not mine) routine in full swing the guys try to help the pack of girls at the back. This was a lame effort as Chris was finding that cycling at their pace was causing cramp and stiffness which means you can seize up, so him and Neil had no choice but to pick up the pace and head off – the thought was there and they did try! Chivalrous Mill guys!
By now they could barely ride as they were laughing so much but luckily and happily made it back to the hotel.
Adam, by this point, had been in a 20 minute freezing cold bath… he told me this really helps with the stiffness and muscles… but I’m never going to try this, and neither will Chris or Neil! To quote the younger members of the team “we’re not bloody doing it”. Kudos – again – to our very own Mr. Scott, hard man of The Mill Fireflies – Go Adam! – show them how it’s done!
So Friday night (and I barely dare mention it) and everyone settled in bars to watch En-ger-land’s amazing performance against Algeria – must of really lifted their spirits… Well, if that didn’t the 40% Juniper schnapps certainly did!
Stats from the guys:
Top speed: 53.5 km
Climbed: 9,500 ft
Distance: 137k
Adam was on good form and Chris and Neil were both feeling the strain of the day before.
Because of the snow however, the Galibier was closed which was a real disappointment to the guys as it is an amazing ride. Instead it was a detour and a 23km climb up the Col Du Glandon followed by the Croix De Fer, a very big mountain at over 2000m high!!!
At least the sun was out and it was mostly dry, so they set off back up the top of the Col du Telegraphe, a 4k ride but the really good news was the descent, a 12k ride. Interesting fact for the Fireflies: in all the years the Fireflies have ridden they have always approached Col du Telegraphe from the other side so no-one had ever gone down the 12k side until now.
To suggest the guys blasted down the mountain is an understatement (sorry for any Mums reading) so have a look at our bike cam for the full throttle experience!
Once they hit the valley floor they had a 30k ride and settled in to a 10-12 strong peloton and as there was a few guys in this format they packed closely, roughly 6-12 inches apart… you are literally that far away from the wheel in front of you and the wheel behind you! All speeding along at around 25mph!!!
And sorry again to Neil’s Mum, but the guy in front of him suddenly put on his brake, forcing Neil on to his front wheel at a virtual 45 degree angle – imagine an endo at 25mph, not fun!
Chris was riding behind Neil and almost had Neil’s back wheel in his face! The guys described this as ‘exciting and scary’.
This forced them to create two packs of riders as everyone was a little shaken up but all carried on to the Col Du Glandon.
As they began the ascent - a 21k climb - all of them were in very good spirits; the sun was still out and all broke to ride up at their own pace.
The climb wasn’t super steep to start with but incredibly long and Neil was feeling pretty tired. The altitude was kicking in and they still had 100k to go…
Around 10k from the top, the mountain did become almost vertically steep and at the top looking down to the valley where they started Chris poetically described it as “a ribbon of tarmac around the mountain.”
Then on to the Croix De Fer, the very big mountain, over 2000m high!!!
By the time they had done Col Du Glandon riding up the Croix De Fer (did we mention this was a very big mountain?) over 2000m high!!! You are pretty exhausted and the last thing you want to do once you reach the top is ride another 3k to the highest peak!
Neil was going to pass on the extra ride but with Adam and Chris pushing on, and clearly being a competitive boy, he joined them!
Now they had a 19k descent, just what they needed, hitting it downhill very hard! And I’m afraid another look-away-for-the-Mum’s moment, but as they were flying down (in formation and very sensibly flying down) a motorcyclist not paying any attention tore through a corner, literally missing the pack by a mere six inches! The guys offered some friendly gesticulation and words of driving wisdom as he sped off.
At the bottom they stopped for food and refreshments where Adam pulled Neil out of the venue of his choice and in to a pizza place where all three of them ate/stuffed 12 inch pizzas – which they would regret a little later as it left them feeling rather full and heavy.
So on to the legendary 21 hairpins of Alpe d’Huez, another infamous Tour de France route. On the 16th corner you hit the ‘Balcony Road’ where you continue to climb into the sheer face of the rock, a road that looks like it is chiseled in to the mountain with a drop of 450m.
Adam again was looking very strong – go Adam (honestly, the youth of today) - zooming off back to the hotel. He had tried to keep up with the leader but couldn’t so ended up riding back alone which with very tough but he really enjoyed it! You know it’s a hard day when you’ve eaten all the food you packed and drunk every drop of liquid.
Meanwhile back to Chris and Neil… they were both now very, very tired and decided to pace themselves and stick together. After a while both felt they were losing their sense of humour but this soon turned into complete hysteria – which manifested itself in uncontrollable laughing (wish we had footage or pictures!).
With our Laurel and Hardy (their words not mine) routine in full swing the guys try to help the pack of girls at the back. This was a lame effort as Chris was finding that cycling at their pace was causing cramp and stiffness which means you can seize up, so him and Neil had no choice but to pick up the pace and head off – the thought was there and they did try! Chivalrous Mill guys!
By now they could barely ride as they were laughing so much but luckily and happily made it back to the hotel.
Adam, by this point, had been in a 20 minute freezing cold bath… he told me this really helps with the stiffness and muscles… but I’m never going to try this, and neither will Chris or Neil! To quote the younger members of the team “we’re not bloody doing it”. Kudos – again – to our very own Mr. Scott, hard man of The Mill Fireflies – Go Adam! – show them how it’s done!
So Friday night (and I barely dare mention it) and everyone settled in bars to watch En-ger-land’s amazing performance against Algeria – must of really lifted their spirits… Well, if that didn’t the 40% Juniper schnapps certainly did!
Stats from the guys:
Top speed: 53.5 km
Climbed: 9,500 ft
Distance: 137k
Friday, 18 June 2010
Day 3
So day 3 and it was now raining really hard and all the time! Our intrepid trio started the day as they always do, over breakfast the boys discuss what each other will be wearing that day! The lycra combos are limitless!
The reality is what to wear is a serious matter; the right cold weather clothes or waterproofs really can make or break a ride.
Today in Alps take the riders where heading for two very famous climbs that have featured in the Tour de France, the Col de l´Iseran (2764M) the second highest mountain on the Fireflies Tour and Col du Telegraphe (1566M).
They guys were struggling, it was raining, cold and they were aching – with sore legs and the high altitude beginning to hit – it was going to be a difficult day.
As the guys began to climb the rain continued to pelt down making visibility poor but this didn’t stop them appreciating and enjoying the breathtaking views but as they drew closer and closer to the cloud line it actually began to sleet, then the sleet turn in to snow!
As they reached the half way point, the snow had turned in to full on blizzard; in fact the police reported this was the worst snow in 15 years during the month of June.
None of our guys have ever ridden in the snow for the Fireflies!
By now the conditions were fast becoming very dangerous and treacherous, a white out meant no one could see anything on the mountain but the riders were relatively protected by the climb side, however this drastically changed when they reached the top and had to face the now grave and perilous descent.
First though, everyone at the put on as many warm clothes as they could, including face and head gear, clothes shoe guards, as much as they could to protect themselves!
Now everyone needed to get of the mountain!
On the way down our Mill guys became separated but the descent was tough, with strong winds, poor visibility, and now 6 inches of snow! This is not how you want to come down Europe’s second highest mountain with sheer drops you couldn’t see. The fact that our Mill trio were all familiar with the mounting and experienced riders really aided them in getting down safely. By now for those who could feel their breaks it made little odds as the cold and snow meant they weren’t working.
With emergency support vehicles being rushed in to pick up people from the mountain and riders flagging down cars for assistance this situation was grave; some riders had taken to huddling together in tunnels for warmth and safety.
Adam, Chris and Neil thankfully all made it down safely and were the last riders to actually make it down, at this point the police decided to shut the mountain with several people were treated for hyperthermia.
Neil stopped to assist a fellow Firefly who had to abandon his bike and taken shelter in a passerby’s car, kindly walking his bike to a support vehicle.
In fact all the Fireflies really showed their true colours, with their camaraderie bringing them together and keeping their spirits up, helping each other whenever they could.
The team then converged to a small cafe where a lovely old French man feed and looked after everyone with hot chocolate and omelette and chips! Followed by everyone warming up with the hand-dryer!
As they set out for the last leg back to the hotel the sun did finally appear but they still had another 50k before they would reach the Col du Telegraphe!
Adam, Chris and Neil all decided at this point to pop gel, basically liquid energy giving them all a real turbo boost that takes around half hour to kick in. This fired them up to the top of the mountain; our Mill guys had a good climb and descent and were all feeling far better.
Finally and thankfully reaching Valloire for a well deserved long hot shower and cleaning up their gear from all the snow and slush.
The best news is all of the Fireflies got down the mountain and to the hotel and are all safe and well. It is days like this that truly demonstrates the commitment and drive it takes to be one of the Fireflies.
Beers all round!
Stats from the guys:
Everyone got to the hotel safely!
The reality is what to wear is a serious matter; the right cold weather clothes or waterproofs really can make or break a ride.
Today in Alps take the riders where heading for two very famous climbs that have featured in the Tour de France, the Col de l´Iseran (2764M) the second highest mountain on the Fireflies Tour and Col du Telegraphe (1566M).
They guys were struggling, it was raining, cold and they were aching – with sore legs and the high altitude beginning to hit – it was going to be a difficult day.
As the guys began to climb the rain continued to pelt down making visibility poor but this didn’t stop them appreciating and enjoying the breathtaking views but as they drew closer and closer to the cloud line it actually began to sleet, then the sleet turn in to snow!
As they reached the half way point, the snow had turned in to full on blizzard; in fact the police reported this was the worst snow in 15 years during the month of June.
None of our guys have ever ridden in the snow for the Fireflies!
By now the conditions were fast becoming very dangerous and treacherous, a white out meant no one could see anything on the mountain but the riders were relatively protected by the climb side, however this drastically changed when they reached the top and had to face the now grave and perilous descent.
First though, everyone at the put on as many warm clothes as they could, including face and head gear, clothes shoe guards, as much as they could to protect themselves!
Now everyone needed to get of the mountain!
On the way down our Mill guys became separated but the descent was tough, with strong winds, poor visibility, and now 6 inches of snow! This is not how you want to come down Europe’s second highest mountain with sheer drops you couldn’t see. The fact that our Mill trio were all familiar with the mounting and experienced riders really aided them in getting down safely. By now for those who could feel their breaks it made little odds as the cold and snow meant they weren’t working.
With emergency support vehicles being rushed in to pick up people from the mountain and riders flagging down cars for assistance this situation was grave; some riders had taken to huddling together in tunnels for warmth and safety.
Adam, Chris and Neil thankfully all made it down safely and were the last riders to actually make it down, at this point the police decided to shut the mountain with several people were treated for hyperthermia.
Neil stopped to assist a fellow Firefly who had to abandon his bike and taken shelter in a passerby’s car, kindly walking his bike to a support vehicle.
In fact all the Fireflies really showed their true colours, with their camaraderie bringing them together and keeping their spirits up, helping each other whenever they could.
The team then converged to a small cafe where a lovely old French man feed and looked after everyone with hot chocolate and omelette and chips! Followed by everyone warming up with the hand-dryer!
As they set out for the last leg back to the hotel the sun did finally appear but they still had another 50k before they would reach the Col du Telegraphe!
Adam, Chris and Neil all decided at this point to pop gel, basically liquid energy giving them all a real turbo boost that takes around half hour to kick in. This fired them up to the top of the mountain; our Mill guys had a good climb and descent and were all feeling far better.
Finally and thankfully reaching Valloire for a well deserved long hot shower and cleaning up their gear from all the snow and slush.
The best news is all of the Fireflies got down the mountain and to the hotel and are all safe and well. It is days like this that truly demonstrates the commitment and drive it takes to be one of the Fireflies.
Beers all round!
Stats from the guys:
Everyone got to the hotel safely!
Day 2
Today the Fireflies and our brave Mill trio set out from Tallories and headed out on their second day in the Alps.
It was a very wet, hot and humid morning as they faced the majestic Alpine climbs of the Col du Forclaz & Col Col du Cormet de Roseland finishing with the assent to the world famous ski village of Val d’Isere.
The guys found a cycle path through some woodland and around six of them grouped in a peloton. They sped along but were facing a massive 3900m of climbing and incredibly will finish 1800m higher than they started.
With a couple of tough smaller climbs (10km and 6km each) behind them they started to climb the beautiful Cormet De Roselend, a staggering 21km climb that takes them through luscious alpine forests (although the weather made them feel like rain forests) before reaching the mountain top. Adam, Chris and Neil were all very excited about Cormet De Roselend as it's such a beautiful mountain but it was still raining hard, in fact it hadn’t stopped and they guys were feeling disheartened that the rain would spoil one of their favorite descents down!
Luckily the sun broke through and although a tough ride to the top everyone stuck together and as they reached the summit it was sunny and had finally stopped pouring down.
The guys were very happy and excited to reach the top and looking forward to a clearer descent – actually they hammered it down picking out the dry spots so they didn’t accidently fly off the mountain!
Here the our trio picked up their top speeds of the day with Adam taking first place clocking an impressive 50mph closely followed by Chris and Neil (the youngsters) with a 46.8mph – Go Adam!
Riding on to Bourg Saint Maurice they stopped for food before embarking on the final leg of the ride for day 2 and heading back to the hotel.
Chris feasted on his homemade flapjacks (he made himself) with Adam and Neil opting to eat real food! Although the waiter seemingly stiffed Adam with a bill of 200 Euro’s after inadvertently charging him for other people’s food - Adam using his best French explained to the waiter that he was not best pleased!
Day 2 was proving to be a really hard day with heavy rain, humid conditions and overhanging clouds and the route to the hotel was now all up hill and it had now started to rain heavily again.
The sun was beginning to set and it was getting late – Chris was hungry – he should have eaten one of Adam’s free meals! And was ‘bonking’ (for non-riders this simply means he was running on empty). The guys flagged down a support vehicle and Chris and Neil gorged themselves on a banquet of biscuits and sweets, Adam pointing out ‘like teenagers on a hangover’ but it gave them the boost they needed to continue the ride.
At the top of the mountain they now were only 5k from the hotel and as the sun was setting the views were stunning snow capped peaks.
Once they had descended they cycled through some imposing tunnels built through the mountains and into the rock face, James Bond car chase-esq! Of course our guys woo-wooed and shouted as they whizzed through – not very James Bond really!
Finally reaching the hotel at Val d’Isere they joined the entire team for a well earned drink!
Stats from the guys:
Top speed: 50mph (Adam)
Climbed: 10,000 ft
Distance: 90 Miles
Monday, 14 June 2010
Day 1
Our Mill guys arrived in Geneva and were treated to hearty first night feast (carb fest) with the entire Fireflies team.
The following morning with the sun shining (rain had been forecast) and after the trials and tribulations of deciding what to wear, rain gear, leg warmers, ear warmers (they did say ear warmers!) They left the beautiful shores of Lake Geneva and entered the Alps.
Adam, Chris and Neil faced their first ride - a 143km ride from Evian les Bains through to the beautiful lake Annecy and the small village of Talloires.
Their first mountain - the Col de Joux Plane is a 1st category climb; with Adam and Neil going great guns, Chris was struggling and worried he hadn’t put in enough training hours but took the climb too fast! Adam joined former Mill colourist Paul Harrison on his ride up the mountain!
When our intrepid trio finally reached the top it was incredibly cold, cloudy, in fact you couldn’t see anything of the mountain – so they wrapped up before the descent. Once they got under cloud level they blasted their way down and at quite a speed! The path was covered in loose gravel, which made it very tricky and dangerous at times but everyone made it down safely.
They went on to stop for lunch with Chris ordering and I quote a “jambon/fromage baguette”, Adam with a ham and cheese and Neil managed to confuse the waitress but did get a salad Nicoise – apparently he was very hungry!
A little stiff and achy for sitting down they embarked on the next leg of their journey, heading on to the second mountain of the day and riding in peloton format so moving along with some ease compared to earlier. Their next mountain – also a category 1 - the Col de la Colombiere – incidentally both mountains have featured in the Tour de France – was ‘a daddy’ of a mountain the first AIP of the ride and Chris especially was not looking forward to it.
He did the sensible thing and took this one slower, 17 kilometers long uphill and 15 ft 20 m high!
This time our Mill boys packed together, and it was now really cold, really damp and a hard ride so by the time they hit top they were all hot and sweating, so naturally when they stopped they were freezing. With a change of warm clothes and some hot pasta inside them, they started to descend, well Chris and Neil did, and as unbeknown to them they left Adam on the mountain…
Finally and happily, reunited at the bottom they made their long and last ride of the day to the hotel.
Naturally they all ate like horses and crashed out, all in all a really good day (apart from Chris and Neil abandoning Adam!).
Stats from the guys:
Top speed: 45 km
Climbed: 9,300 ft
Distance: 100 Miles
The following morning with the sun shining (rain had been forecast) and after the trials and tribulations of deciding what to wear, rain gear, leg warmers, ear warmers (they did say ear warmers!) They left the beautiful shores of Lake Geneva and entered the Alps.
Adam, Chris and Neil faced their first ride - a 143km ride from Evian les Bains through to the beautiful lake Annecy and the small village of Talloires.
Their first mountain - the Col de Joux Plane is a 1st category climb; with Adam and Neil going great guns, Chris was struggling and worried he hadn’t put in enough training hours but took the climb too fast! Adam joined former Mill colourist Paul Harrison on his ride up the mountain!
When our intrepid trio finally reached the top it was incredibly cold, cloudy, in fact you couldn’t see anything of the mountain – so they wrapped up before the descent. Once they got under cloud level they blasted their way down and at quite a speed! The path was covered in loose gravel, which made it very tricky and dangerous at times but everyone made it down safely.
They went on to stop for lunch with Chris ordering and I quote a “jambon/fromage baguette”, Adam with a ham and cheese and Neil managed to confuse the waitress but did get a salad Nicoise – apparently he was very hungry!
A little stiff and achy for sitting down they embarked on the next leg of their journey, heading on to the second mountain of the day and riding in peloton format so moving along with some ease compared to earlier. Their next mountain – also a category 1 - the Col de la Colombiere – incidentally both mountains have featured in the Tour de France – was ‘a daddy’ of a mountain the first AIP of the ride and Chris especially was not looking forward to it.
He did the sensible thing and took this one slower, 17 kilometers long uphill and 15 ft 20 m high!
This time our Mill boys packed together, and it was now really cold, really damp and a hard ride so by the time they hit top they were all hot and sweating, so naturally when they stopped they were freezing. With a change of warm clothes and some hot pasta inside them, they started to descend, well Chris and Neil did, and as unbeknown to them they left Adam on the mountain…
Finally and happily, reunited at the bottom they made their long and last ride of the day to the hotel.
Naturally they all ate like horses and crashed out, all in all a really good day (apart from Chris and Neil abandoning Adam!).
Stats from the guys:
Top speed: 45 km
Climbed: 9,300 ft
Distance: 100 Miles
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Fireflies 2010: Le Grand Depart!
As usual, The Mill Fireflies blog will be updated with the lads’ progress every day of the ride, so check back here for all of the latest news and pictures charting their journey.
Don’t forget you can lend your support for The Mill boys by donating at their combined Just Giving page here:
http://www.justgiving.com/TheMillFireflies
Want to find out more about the fantastic work of leukaemia charity Leuka?
And learn more about The Fireflies at their new and improved website:
http://www.thefirefliestour.com
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