Tracey reporting Jeremy's pre-photocall snippet.
When the group left their impressive accomodation this morning, they were hoping for a fairly easy last day after yesterday's slog, but it wasn't to be. The on-shore wind had already begun to get up, so they had to battle against it all day. They also still had 700m of climbing to do, despite this being a relatively flat route. Added to that, was a bit of excitement when John H's saddle-pin sheared off. Amazingly, they found a bike shop almost immediately - but it was closed for a 3.5 hour lunch hour!! They didn't quite want such a long break themselves, so they rigged a cable-tie fix, though this still meant that John had to cycle without sitting down properly for 12 miles. Fortunately, they then found a really nice bike shop that mended the attachment quickly and effectively.
By the time the guys reached the Mediterranean, the sky was looking stormy, but weather held for them. They finished at 5.15pm local time, celebrating the end of their trip, and 21000m total climb, with champagne by the sea. Hopefully photos will follow shortly.
Well done guys, and thanks again to the rest of the team!
Friday, 21 September 2007
Thursday, 20 September 2007
Day 11 - Last hard slog
Tracey translating Jeremy with asides and a confession from John H.
The team have rechristened last night's stop-over town. Ax les Thermes is now Axe les Thermes. Apparently it's mostly dominated by a big "neon nasty" Casino and has a generally tawdry air. The Hotel L'Auzeraie didn't improve matters with difficulty getting access to the building and rude staff when you got in. Oh - and mediocre food (big sin in a cyclist's eyes!). The town does have one saving grace - various "paddling pools" around the town fed by thermally-heated water which were great for soaking cycle-worn feet in (though you need to make sure you're far enough away from the inlet not to poach them instead!).
Sounds like today made up for it though. Beginning cool, but sunny, it provided great conditions for the first monster col (Porte de Pailheres, 2001m). It took almost 20km of climb to reach the top - tough but steady to begin with, then flattening out as the came to a new ski resort. Finally the last 7km were at 9%+ which got tough. Some of the party found it really hard, though they all said it was still enjoyable. John H called it the second best climb after Tourmalet, and confessed that he is in danger of actually starting to enjoy climbs! The views at the top were apparently truly amazing, especially as the "col" is actually almost the top of the mountain, but for a tussock - which of course the guys stood on. They could clearly see the rest of their route, and down into the plains.
Going down, they found a great lunch spot at beginning of Gorge d'Aude - next to an old ruined chateau. This gorge was "a proper one" with steep, cliff sides and very beautiful, but the team had to eventually turn off it, up to the last big climb of the trip - Col de Jau. As they started the ascent, they crossed paths with cyclists on a guided tour - mostly British and some of our guys were very courteous and "let them pass". This, of course, had nothing to do with some being female cyclists, or this causing an improved view... This climb got tough quite quickly because the temperature had really got up, and they were cycling right into the sun. They discovered that you can't cycle and drink on a steep climb, as you end up unable to breathe enough, so they had to spend a while at the top rehydrating. The sea was supposed to be visible from top, but the haze made this a bit of an 'eye of faith' view . The descent paid back the slog up, winding through really picturesque villages, one of which made the perfect stop for a well-earned coffee and hot choc break. They then resumed the long descent, eventually reaching the plains with olive groves and a backdrop of mountains making for some stunning views. The only low point was where they had to join a main road for a bit, but fortunately tonight's stop, in I'Isles sur Tet is on a side-road and much quieter.
The group are currently enjoying staying in an auberge set in a grand old house, with lots of old paintings, statues and drawers full of knicknacks. The hosts are cooking for the boys as well so they plan to be on best behaviour.
After today's 112km slog, the guys will hopefully enjoy a relatively easy day tomorrow as they cross the last bit of the plains to the Med, though 40mph on-shore winds are forecast on Saturday, so let's hope they don't arrive early, or they may get blown back up to the last col!
The team have rechristened last night's stop-over town. Ax les Thermes is now Axe les Thermes. Apparently it's mostly dominated by a big "neon nasty" Casino and has a generally tawdry air. The Hotel L'Auzeraie didn't improve matters with difficulty getting access to the building and rude staff when you got in. Oh - and mediocre food (big sin in a cyclist's eyes!). The town does have one saving grace - various "paddling pools" around the town fed by thermally-heated water which were great for soaking cycle-worn feet in (though you need to make sure you're far enough away from the inlet not to poach them instead!).
Sounds like today made up for it though. Beginning cool, but sunny, it provided great conditions for the first monster col (Porte de Pailheres, 2001m). It took almost 20km of climb to reach the top - tough but steady to begin with, then flattening out as the came to a new ski resort. Finally the last 7km were at 9%+ which got tough. Some of the party found it really hard, though they all said it was still enjoyable. John H called it the second best climb after Tourmalet, and confessed that he is in danger of actually starting to enjoy climbs! The views at the top were apparently truly amazing, especially as the "col" is actually almost the top of the mountain, but for a tussock - which of course the guys stood on. They could clearly see the rest of their route, and down into the plains.
Going down, they found a great lunch spot at beginning of Gorge d'Aude - next to an old ruined chateau. This gorge was "a proper one" with steep, cliff sides and very beautiful, but the team had to eventually turn off it, up to the last big climb of the trip - Col de Jau. As they started the ascent, they crossed paths with cyclists on a guided tour - mostly British and some of our guys were very courteous and "let them pass". This, of course, had nothing to do with some being female cyclists, or this causing an improved view... This climb got tough quite quickly because the temperature had really got up, and they were cycling right into the sun. They discovered that you can't cycle and drink on a steep climb, as you end up unable to breathe enough, so they had to spend a while at the top rehydrating. The sea was supposed to be visible from top, but the haze made this a bit of an 'eye of faith' view . The descent paid back the slog up, winding through really picturesque villages, one of which made the perfect stop for a well-earned coffee and hot choc break. They then resumed the long descent, eventually reaching the plains with olive groves and a backdrop of mountains making for some stunning views. The only low point was where they had to join a main road for a bit, but fortunately tonight's stop, in I'Isles sur Tet is on a side-road and much quieter.
The group are currently enjoying staying in an auberge set in a grand old house, with lots of old paintings, statues and drawers full of knicknacks. The hosts are cooking for the boys as well so they plan to be on best behaviour.
After today's 112km slog, the guys will hopefully enjoy a relatively easy day tomorrow as they cross the last bit of the plains to the Med, though 40mph on-shore winds are forecast on Saturday, so let's hope they don't arrive early, or they may get blown back up to the last col!
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Day 10 - 2 Everests Target Reached!
Tracey for Jeremy - just for variety, keeping him from his bath.
Today was apparently "fantastic", and sounds like the kind of day that makes you want to go on cycling holidays. It began with a cycle up a gently sloping river-valley as it narrowed into a gorge, enjoying views of lots of herons and numerous unidentified shocking pink flowers. The group passed their "2 Everests" 16000m target quite early on, but after a quick road-side celebration, they realised they were on the wrong road and had to turn around!
The trip up to Col de Port sounds really enjoyable with lots of gentle climbing through villages, fields and trees. Lunch at the top was the standard (and delicious) french bread and cheese, enlivened by horses trying to mug John H for his bananas. Apparently, in local dialet, Col de Port, would actually mean Col de Col, as a port is a col...
The guys enjoyed another descent overtaking cars. As they came down, the scenery changed quite abruptly - with south facing slopes especially beginning to look dry and burnt, so they have clearly moved into a more Mediterranean climate zone.
Going up to the next Col - Pas de Souloumbrie they moved through some very unusual limestone scenery. Jeremy tried to describe this, but only proved that it defied description, so I'll let you wait for the photos. They also saw signs for a cave with prehistoric paintings, but sadly had no spare time or energy to detour.
The highest point and last climb of the day was up the Route de Cornich, to Col de Chioula at 1431m. At one point, the group were passed under a cable car taking talc from a quarry above them into the valley below, which they found quite impressive. More impressive though for the cyclist, was that the road then dropped 700m in 7km, providing the fun of a fast descent on a good, dry road surface. Unfortunatley, John H. had to miss last climb as he was not feeling good, but rest did 2200m of climbing over the day and 112km on the road.
There is a small concern that some kind of bug may be sweeping through the group. Pete was unwell yesterday and last night Sian was ill. Then, during the day, John H was not feeling well. Fortunately for the others, the main annoyance has been the bath at their hotels have been far too short for a comfortable soak.
Let's hope that everyone is in good health tomorrow, as it includes the last and toughest big climb of whole route, and is apparently rated as being tougher than the Tourmalet, so fingers crossed!
Today was apparently "fantastic", and sounds like the kind of day that makes you want to go on cycling holidays. It began with a cycle up a gently sloping river-valley as it narrowed into a gorge, enjoying views of lots of herons and numerous unidentified shocking pink flowers. The group passed their "2 Everests" 16000m target quite early on, but after a quick road-side celebration, they realised they were on the wrong road and had to turn around!
The trip up to Col de Port sounds really enjoyable with lots of gentle climbing through villages, fields and trees. Lunch at the top was the standard (and delicious) french bread and cheese, enlivened by horses trying to mug John H for his bananas. Apparently, in local dialet, Col de Port, would actually mean Col de Col, as a port is a col...
The guys enjoyed another descent overtaking cars. As they came down, the scenery changed quite abruptly - with south facing slopes especially beginning to look dry and burnt, so they have clearly moved into a more Mediterranean climate zone.
Going up to the next Col - Pas de Souloumbrie they moved through some very unusual limestone scenery. Jeremy tried to describe this, but only proved that it defied description, so I'll let you wait for the photos. They also saw signs for a cave with prehistoric paintings, but sadly had no spare time or energy to detour.
The highest point and last climb of the day was up the Route de Cornich, to Col de Chioula at 1431m. At one point, the group were passed under a cable car taking talc from a quarry above them into the valley below, which they found quite impressive. More impressive though for the cyclist, was that the road then dropped 700m in 7km, providing the fun of a fast descent on a good, dry road surface. Unfortunatley, John H. had to miss last climb as he was not feeling good, but rest did 2200m of climbing over the day and 112km on the road.
There is a small concern that some kind of bug may be sweeping through the group. Pete was unwell yesterday and last night Sian was ill. Then, during the day, John H was not feeling well. Fortunately for the others, the main annoyance has been the bath at their hotels have been far too short for a comfortable soak.
Let's hope that everyone is in good health tomorrow, as it includes the last and toughest big climb of whole route, and is apparently rated as being tougher than the Tourmalet, so fingers crossed!
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Day 9 - Last time in Spain.
Written up by Tracey, though, for a change, Jeremy was keeping me from my tea.
So today the guys go back in the saddle for quite a gruelling day. They worked out that at least 18km of the journey was at 9% slope or over, taking all the ascents into acount.
The day began with a shower, after a night of rain, but then settled into dry but cloudy weather. The first climb, up Col du Portillon, was through very atmospheric misty woods. They all gathered at top, and started down, but after 100m, all had to stop to put on lots of extra clothes, as it was so cold! It was a long, cold descent, and the road was pretty dirty - Paul had to change his brake-blocks on the way down, because debris got embedded in them and started scraping the rim.
The day continued grey at they went up through Spain (for the last time), then back into France on a main road, dodging lorries - some driven very impatiently... The next climb was Col de Mente - quite tough with 9km climb at over 9% in one go, but they managed a steady pace through gradually clearing weather. This time, it was so cold at the top that despite piling on clothes again, John C and Jeremy got too cold to wait for Paul and John H. They went on down and left Sian to tell others they hadn't been deserted and that they would stop at the next Col. Since Jeremy and John C. had the food for the group, it was quite an incentive, though the other col wasn't far.
Jeremy and John C got to start of other Col de Portet d'Aspet and paid a quick visit to a memorial there that was pretty poignant for them. In 1995, a Tour de France rider was killed when he fell from his bike coming down from the Col. The road up is 4km of exceptionally steep slopes, peaking at 17%! I don't know about the guys, but I'm glad they were going up that rather than down (unlike their unfortunate predecessor), as their descent on the other side was a lot more gentle. As they reached the top of the col, they realised it was still very cold so they again decided to press on, rather than get chilled. Sian (who had caught up again) was supposed to tell John H and Paul that they would wait in a village on the other side, but she decided to have a little fun, telling the followers, "They've headed to next Col". John H. had a few very worried and hungry moments before he remembered there were no more cols to climb today!
Eventually all were reunited for a well-deserved lunch in picturesque St. Lary. Then they made a long, slow descent into St. Girons. During the day, they noticed lots of anti bear slogans (L'ours non, Death to Babu), as bears have been re-introduced into the area, having previously been hunted to extinction. The writing style seemed pretty similar each time, so the guys were speculating that it might have just been one person with a major grudge and a lot of paint. Pete and Ant rejoined the group at the end of the day, after a morning's walking and an afternoon driving the cyclist's route. It was clearly quite a slog, as Ant said, "That was a difficult drive!"
Today's statistics - 96km on the road, 2190m climbed. They've almost done 2 Everests!!
It was a good day for everyone, which is just as well, as tomorrow is another long day though with less climbing tomorrow, and the weather is due to improve.
So today the guys go back in the saddle for quite a gruelling day. They worked out that at least 18km of the journey was at 9% slope or over, taking all the ascents into acount.
The day began with a shower, after a night of rain, but then settled into dry but cloudy weather. The first climb, up Col du Portillon, was through very atmospheric misty woods. They all gathered at top, and started down, but after 100m, all had to stop to put on lots of extra clothes, as it was so cold! It was a long, cold descent, and the road was pretty dirty - Paul had to change his brake-blocks on the way down, because debris got embedded in them and started scraping the rim.
The day continued grey at they went up through Spain (for the last time), then back into France on a main road, dodging lorries - some driven very impatiently... The next climb was Col de Mente - quite tough with 9km climb at over 9% in one go, but they managed a steady pace through gradually clearing weather. This time, it was so cold at the top that despite piling on clothes again, John C and Jeremy got too cold to wait for Paul and John H. They went on down and left Sian to tell others they hadn't been deserted and that they would stop at the next Col. Since Jeremy and John C. had the food for the group, it was quite an incentive, though the other col wasn't far.
Jeremy and John C got to start of other Col de Portet d'Aspet and paid a quick visit to a memorial there that was pretty poignant for them. In 1995, a Tour de France rider was killed when he fell from his bike coming down from the Col. The road up is 4km of exceptionally steep slopes, peaking at 17%! I don't know about the guys, but I'm glad they were going up that rather than down (unlike their unfortunate predecessor), as their descent on the other side was a lot more gentle. As they reached the top of the col, they realised it was still very cold so they again decided to press on, rather than get chilled. Sian (who had caught up again) was supposed to tell John H and Paul that they would wait in a village on the other side, but she decided to have a little fun, telling the followers, "They've headed to next Col". John H. had a few very worried and hungry moments before he remembered there were no more cols to climb today!
Eventually all were reunited for a well-deserved lunch in picturesque St. Lary. Then they made a long, slow descent into St. Girons. During the day, they noticed lots of anti bear slogans (L'ours non, Death to Babu), as bears have been re-introduced into the area, having previously been hunted to extinction. The writing style seemed pretty similar each time, so the guys were speculating that it might have just been one person with a major grudge and a lot of paint. Pete and Ant rejoined the group at the end of the day, after a morning's walking and an afternoon driving the cyclist's route. It was clearly quite a slog, as Ant said, "That was a difficult drive!"
Today's statistics - 96km on the road, 2190m climbed. They've almost done 2 Everests!!
It was a good day for everyone, which is just as well, as tomorrow is another long day though with less climbing tomorrow, and the weather is due to improve.
Monday, 17 September 2007
Day 8. Rest & Web site updated
This is Jeremy here - finally with internet access, but not much time! Just to let you know I have just up-dated the home page with photos up to day 6. Follow the link at the top right of the page.
I am sitting in an Internet place on the main street at the centre of Luchon with the first serious rain falling outside. Forcast for tomorrow is not good either, so we may be getting our first drenching of the trip!
Have to dash now. A big thankyou from the team to Tracey for doing such a brilliant job of the Blog, and to Roy for his help last week. Also to all of you sending us messages of support as we go along.
Bye for now
Jeremy
I am sitting in an Internet place on the main street at the centre of Luchon with the first serious rain falling outside. Forcast for tomorrow is not good either, so we may be getting our first drenching of the trip!
Have to dash now. A big thankyou from the team to Tracey for doing such a brilliant job of the Blog, and to Roy for his help last week. Also to all of you sending us messages of support as we go along.
Bye for now
Jeremy
Sunday, 16 September 2007
Day 7 - Short day and changes
Tracey back to interrupting Jeremy's dinner (sorry!).
This was a short day, though it still involved cycling 34km - and probably 800m of climb, as well as a lovely run through the beautiful Vallee du Louron with its views of the biggest mountains. The group only did one col - Col de Peyresourde, and ended up in the spa town of Bagneres. Jeremy was clear about the best bit of the journey. On the top of col the group found a brilliant cafe which sold 12 crepes for 4 Euros - the cyclists idea of heaven!
Today was planned as a short day to make it easier for the support drivers to change over. It all went smoothly as John C took Roy to the airport at Po and picked up his wife, Sian at the same time. The spare time also allowed the group to take a cable car to Super-Bagneres up to a viewpoint at 1800m. This gives a view of all the biggest peaks, like Pic du Quairat - 3600m, and their glaciers (or what's left of them, as they are only 20% of the size they were 50 years ago).
The group also managed to meet up with Pete & Ant successfully, and tonight everyone is staying at a really friendly Chambre d'Hote owned by an English couple who are fantastic hosts.
Tomorrow is forecast for rain, but for once, it won't matter. It's time to wash socks, go for walks, and for some of the group go for a treatment session at the thermal baths.
Enjoy the rest guys!
This was a short day, though it still involved cycling 34km - and probably 800m of climb, as well as a lovely run through the beautiful Vallee du Louron with its views of the biggest mountains. The group only did one col - Col de Peyresourde, and ended up in the spa town of Bagneres. Jeremy was clear about the best bit of the journey. On the top of col the group found a brilliant cafe which sold 12 crepes for 4 Euros - the cyclists idea of heaven!
Today was planned as a short day to make it easier for the support drivers to change over. It all went smoothly as John C took Roy to the airport at Po and picked up his wife, Sian at the same time. The spare time also allowed the group to take a cable car to Super-Bagneres up to a viewpoint at 1800m. This gives a view of all the biggest peaks, like Pic du Quairat - 3600m, and their glaciers (or what's left of them, as they are only 20% of the size they were 50 years ago).
The group also managed to meet up with Pete & Ant successfully, and tonight everyone is staying at a really friendly Chambre d'Hote owned by an English couple who are fantastic hosts.
Tomorrow is forecast for rain, but for once, it won't matter. It's time to wash socks, go for walks, and for some of the group go for a treatment session at the thermal baths.
Enjoy the rest guys!
Saturday, 15 September 2007
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!
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!
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