Leaving Grenoble was pretty straightforward - H looking the part in his Aussie top had signed a few autographs while Ross transported hazardous material that consisted of mushy 4 minute boiled eggs - can Mrs Ross please take note !
With the sun out and the humidity high we were soon climbing entering the magnificent Vecors national park and leaving Grenoble behind us with wonderful Mtn views.
The 12 km climb and 800 metre gain in altitude was a testing one with our loads even though the road gradient was a consistent 5-7%.
While Ross scooted ahead H was not having a great day with laboured breathing and struggled initially up the climb.
Finally clearing the top we entered a plateau revealing a number of downhill ski runs and small resorts - Ross spied the only open cafe and we took lunch ordering lovely baquettes although both Ross and H were very careful with their respective dental conditions !
Having researched the Vecors route I noted a number of roads that went through spectacular gorges - unfortunately the one we aimed for , Gorges de Bourne, was closed forcing us to detour on a road that included short segments ranging from 15-25% - in technical cycling terms ball busters!
H laboring on an early part of a 15% climb became embroiled with a group of 15 or so young cyclists and tutor who flew past him.
H said later `the bastards overtook me so fast on the left then the right that i didn't know which way to look` - I thought about clipping a couple but then realised most were only 7-12 years old !
After that climb there was more to come as we climbed further into the national park with stunning views of the valleys below and many memorials to the French resistance fighters who confronted the Germans here during WW2.
Our climb culminated in a 1380 metre col which might have been impressive if we were not totally soaked by an afternoon storm !
Now wet and cold we headed down the other side of the Col till I lost my pannier once again on to the road - with Kev helping, Ross feeling the cold rode on to try and secure accommodation some 20 kms away.
The descent was a brake burning 10kms during which Kev and I stopped in the rain half way down to adjust our brakes - having no brakes riding into a farmers paddock is one thing having no brakes with drops of a few hundred feet was not !
The last 10 km was mentally tough Kev now shivering and self cursing at terrain that seemed to suggest it was downhill but when taking your foot off the pedal caused the bike to come to an immediate stop !
Kev and I arrived at our hotel (secured by Ross) at 6.30p.m. 9 hours and only 70 kms after we`d set off - a pretty tough day !
Dinner was a saver though with a brilliant hot thick vegetable soup, ravioli done in a type of local blue cheese as well as desert - damned good !
The weather is forecast to improve - we dont believe a bloody word !!!
Keep up the excellent work lads! Your blog and antics are keeping many Kiwis in hysterics! It is also great to learn about where you've been and to see the photographs. Your regular blog is eagerly anticipated.
ReplyDeleteI have taken on-board the mushy eggs comment - hope they came in handy after that?!?! Mrs Rossxxx
Geez, and I though that yesterday, I had a hard day on the golf course!
ReplyDeleteStick with it lads, you're doing a grand job!
WMc