Day 6 - "The Big One"

Tracey - this time keeping Jeremy from his beer!


Well - sounds like today was quite a bit more fun than the guys dared hope for. The Col de Tormalet was a hard climb, but since it was always under 10%, apart from the last km, everyone was able to keep going slow and steady. I'm apparently officially allowed to report John H's reaction, "The most enjoyable climb I've ever done!" and sounds like the others all felt pretty good at the top too. Certainly there was much celebration sent back to Britain via texts (the joys of the mobile!).

The fact that the weather was good helped things to go smoothly, and the clear day meant that they got the views this time, so look our for lots of pictures on the web page when they next get internet access. Good weather also meant a fantastic descent and a very picturesque lunch stop on the way down.

The next top was Col d'Aspin - which was apparently modelled with close reference to a Geography text book, so if you remember that classic corrie shape, you'll know what it looked like. At the top, the group met lots of cows and goats which were busily mugging tourists for food. John C dared to give one a little attention without providing it anything to eat and got head butted in the chest, which sent him flying. Fortunately his cat like grace meant he landed on his feet without injury! On the way down, the guys discovered that their bikes were a lot better at cornering than other vehicles, so they got one of the great thrills for a cyclist - over-taking cars!

When they got to the Pic du Midi road, (which was always going to be optional), they saw that the road was very rough, so they decided it would be a bit reckless to attempt it. They don't need it for the 2 Everest goal, and descending that distance on that surface at that angle would obviously have been dangerous.

Stats for today - 2200m climbed + 62km on the road.

Apparently the guys have been seeing lots of Red Kites as they go along, and have been able to get quite a close look at some of them soaring along close to the mountain roads. Today was another Kite day - hopefully a good omen, as during the chat tonight, Jeremy dared to utter the phrase that no cyclist should say on tour - "We haven't had any punctures yet..." Probably time to check those repair kits, lads!

Everyone seemed pretty cheerful tonight. There's a real sense that after today, everything is do-able. They were also happily esconced in a Cafebar, tucking into a pre-dinner dinner and a few beers. The food was very welcome, as the guys have been finding the French late dining hour rather taxing. It was also a bit of a celebration, as tonight will be Roy's last night as group support, and everyone wants to let him know how much they appreciate him standing in at the last minute. Huge thanks from us at home too - it's been good to know that they have a bit of a safety net, even if they haven't needed a broom wagon so far! Sian - John C's wife will be the new Roy for the rest of the trip, and again the group is really grateful that she was willing to step in at such a late stage.

It will be all change for the group as Pete, (brother of John H) and Pete's son Ant, will be also coming to the area for a spot of walking & trouble making, redezvousing with the cyclists in the evenings. I'd advise them to meet the guys bearing patiserries if they want a good reception at the end of a ride!