Tracey fielding Jeremy's report from the bat phone...
I had a moderately surreal call with Jeremy tonight. As he stood in the street in Lescun to get a mobile signal, the conversation was constantly punctuated by, "hey, the bats here are amazing", "there's loads of bats", "they're flying about all over the place" etc. I guess there were quite a few bats!
Sounds like today was stunning in several ways. First that morning climb mentioned in yesterday's blog entry. Apparently it was every bit as hard as they expected, enlivened slightly by wall to wall ETA slogans painted all over the road, especially as they started out. They went through 4 distinctly different types of scenery, including their longest section in Spain so far, which was amongst coniferous forest and much enjoyed. The scenery was the best yet (and no doubt a good excuse for lots of "picture stops"). Part of the route was on the Tour de France for the first time this year, so the ETA slogans gave way to names of teams and star riders, which must have been quite a lift for the guys.
Today's stats - 101km travelled - with 2950m of climbing. Heighest pass - 1750m, 10 hours of cycling.
This means they have consistently done more climbing than they estimated they would - looks like the 2 Everests target won't be hard to reach in one way!
Jeremy reports that it was the hardest day of cycling he has ever done (and bear in mind he pretty much carried a morning-sickness ridden wife over the Massif Central when we did our tandem tour there!). His knee was a bit dodgy on the first climb of the day, but he was pleased to report that he finished the day strongly. Every one is fairly shattered, John has declared himself officially "knackered". All are aware that they are going to hurt tomorrow, however, this was due to be the longest section of the trip, and they knew in advance it would be one of the tougher days, so if they've managed to survive, it bodes well for the rest of the trip, especially as no obvious physical problems have emerged yet (and yes, I'm typing with my fingers crossed whilst touching wood!).
Tomorrow will also have some serious climbs, though should hopefully be a bit easier. Highlights include the Col de Marie Blanque - which is part of the "Circle of Death" (eek!) - and, delightfully for the cyclist, gets steeper as you near the top of the climb!
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3 comments:
i remember seeing loads of bats chasing around the lights on a campsite in the Pyrenees when iwas there some years back - very impressive!! (so were the moths...!)
nice to hear everyone's holding up despite the steepness of the hills!!!
Guys you sound to be going ok - but it would be good to see your Thursday log!! I did get John's text though so I know you are all alive and kicking (ish). See you on Sunday!!
You write very well.
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