Stage Eighteen done
Well that was a bloody big day! At the top of Galibier it was cold too making the descent less than inviting.
We were up and off early to transfer to Embrun the start point and got riding by 7:30am. I finished at 7:45pm so just over 12 hours. Spent most of the day with Gavin, we ride at a very similar pace and we are good company for each other. Plenty of short stops and mid afternoon we had a coffee and an ice cream - it was to die for in the afternoon sun. Some good photos of the alps at their summer best, Stato will pop them up shortly. The scenery at times was breathtaking.
Possibly one of my best days on the bike today despite the length of time, I maintained a good rhythm on the climbs. The descending was fast but it was necessary to wrap up warmly due to the altitude. I finally got my new tyres on both wheels.
Paris is now just 3 sleeps away, I can't wait. And kit washing is over - I have 4 sets of clean kit and .three days riding including the procession into Paris.
As we ride through the alps, camper vans are getting in position to watch the professionals. It is amazing to see all the different shapes and sizes of camper. Some people also tow a trailer with additional kit or in some cases a scooter or motorcycle. Towns are increasingly decorated with bunting, painted bicycles and Tour posters. Today included a place called Briancon, France's highest city at 1,500 metres.
The feed stops today were at:
1: 40km - bananas, nuts, cake
2: 80km - coffee time
3: 130km - lunch on top of Col d'Izoard, rice, pasta, wraps
4: 180km - coke and crisps at Col du Lauratet. I went with chicken and one plain today.
The finish was then in Valloire at 210km - a ski town and the hotel is pretty good albeit dinner included gaspacho to start. Chicken and pasta main course followed by a mousse with a berry compote. And a glass of beer.
We were up and off early to transfer to Embrun the start point and got riding by 7:30am. I finished at 7:45pm so just over 12 hours. Spent most of the day with Gavin, we ride at a very similar pace and we are good company for each other. Plenty of short stops and mid afternoon we had a coffee and an ice cream - it was to die for in the afternoon sun. Some good photos of the alps at their summer best, Stato will pop them up shortly. The scenery at times was breathtaking.
Possibly one of my best days on the bike today despite the length of time, I maintained a good rhythm on the climbs. The descending was fast but it was necessary to wrap up warmly due to the altitude. I finally got my new tyres on both wheels.
Paris is now just 3 sleeps away, I can't wait. And kit washing is over - I have 4 sets of clean kit and .three days riding including the procession into Paris.
As we ride through the alps, camper vans are getting in position to watch the professionals. It is amazing to see all the different shapes and sizes of camper. Some people also tow a trailer with additional kit or in some cases a scooter or motorcycle. Towns are increasingly decorated with bunting, painted bicycles and Tour posters. Today included a place called Briancon, France's highest city at 1,500 metres.
The feed stops today were at:
1: 40km - bananas, nuts, cake
2: 80km - coffee time
3: 130km - lunch on top of Col d'Izoard, rice, pasta, wraps
4: 180km - coke and crisps at Col du Lauratet. I went with chicken and one plain today.
The finish was then in Valloire at 210km - a ski town and the hotel is pretty good albeit dinner included gaspacho to start. Chicken and pasta main course followed by a mousse with a berry compote. And a glass of beer.
Comments
Interesting to hear about the day's food offerings. It does seem heavy on the carbs.