It was with very weary bodies and minds that we set out for tour around the valley providing a steady warm up of undulating roads and small villages on the approaches to the Col de Peyresourde. Shortly after our morning coffee break we approached the beginning of another climb, this time bolstered by building crowds and a rroad lined with spectators for the tour who taking the opportunity to practice their cheering on any passing cyclist... including us. It provided a level of excitement and a small snippet of what it might be like to be grand riders of our dreams.
The level of Aussie support was surprisingly high with plenty of Aussie aussie aussie oi, oi, oi's to help us through rising grades and temperatures. Kangaroos and Australian flags seemed common amongst the crowd and recreational riders.
A few wise old guys opted for the soft options of an immediate descent into Luchon for icecream and people viewing (hot chics), while Tim and Norm opted to sit out a few hours in full sun and heat with no water and crazed crowds on the top of the Perysourde to catch a few trinkets and a glimpse of the ridrers and cadel's decline.
The descent (for Tim) was akin to the running crowds in the city to surf but at 50 km/hr weaving between bikes, cars and pedestrians.... great fun (Don't tell Deb).
Weary bodies yet again for a refill of beer and pizza and goat cheese flavoured chips. And now it's bedtime and again all too soon.
Bon Noir
TD & BB
Sorry no pictures yet - too late and tired.
I could send you some photos...
ReplyDelete