The first col of the day, Colada Des Toses came at 40km into the ride which was then followed by a 40km descent at 3%, zipping along at 40km / hr barely turning the pedals for an hour.
The process was repeated once more with another 40km climb also at circa 3% and a further 50km descent also at 3%. A long long day distance wise at 234km but a “mere” 2,800m of climb. Highlight of the day was sitting at lunch at the top of the second climb when flashing past my eyes goes Kelvin and Jenny going like bats out of hell. They had said that a km out from the end that they would race to the line, except no-one could figure out where the 1km marker was – Scott took the initiative and kicked on only to blow up – Kelvin and Jenny were neck and neck all the way to the line, Kelvin winning by a wheel.
Just about everyone is showing some sign of fatigue now, a good assortment of coughs, colds, aches and pains. My ailment was an eye infection which in turn seemed to cause a migraine, I had my first (and last) dark dark patch for around an hour – stopping every few minutes to take a caffeine gel or paracetemal, {spelling}, anything to try and get out of my fug. Phil cruised by with the happy bus (Scott, Kelvin & Jenny who have bonded into a fund trio spending their time laughing and swapping stories all the way up the climbs) and when I couldn’t even muster the energy to jump onto their little train I knew I was struggling. Phil knew as well, sending the doctor back to check on me. It seemed to sort itself all out after an hour or so and I rode well for the rest of the day.
Brief stats: Distance: 234km; Height gained: 3,000m; Cols claimed: 9
Max speed no idea, Garmin says 155km / hr but that would be a new landspeed record..
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