The training camp got off to the worst possible start when my bike was left at Orly, and in a sleep deprived state and the shock of the lost bike I left my Docs bag at the Lost and Found office at Lourdes airport. Any that was quickly sorted next day with an embarrassing return to the airport. So then with no bike to assemble I went for a walk to look at roads and routes; heading uphill on D13 in direction of Col Solour, and you know how it is feeling good, new countryside, keep walking and found the junction with D918 road to Soulor and Aubisque. Then satisfied headed back the 9k to Saint Savin. About halfway down started feeling sore in the L hip and slowed progress, anyway got back in reasonable shape but with a definite shuffle. I know, I know Kingsley, must be a dreaming, walking 18k must be some big mistake. Good news was my bike had been found and was in a taxi heading our way. It arrived at about 7pm delivered to a neighboring hotel, at this stage my walk was more of a shuffle and I was cursing my folly. The bike looked OK a little scratched but nothing broken. A great relief, you might imagine the thoughts racing through my head the night before. After dinner the faithful Antiflame was unwrapped and treatment of legs and hip began. In the morning legs and hips were 90% full working order.
Sat: Now came the bike assembly, never having done this before; carefully unwrapped all the padding and saved all the zip locks (a small fee to be shown how this is done). Some essential screws had come loose en route and appeared lost; turned the box up and over and shook it, the lost bits tumbled out. So all assembled with a bit of a learning curve. All by about 10:30, so quickly got kitted up and was out on the roads to gain local experience. A short downhill run to Argeles Gazost and through Centre Ville and down to the start of the Col du Solour, let's have a look up that! Legs OK.
A 3k climb to the first village and then about 7k to bottom and the longer 7k section to top of the Solour, mmmm, no. Just have a peep at severity and then back to La Lantern Rouge(LLG) via the route I walked up yesterday. All good happy with first run on French roads; drivers do take great care, that's confirmed.
Sun: Another bit of route finding, headed up to Luz-Saint-Sauveur and the beginning of the Tourmalet. Then a look at the beginning of the Luz Ardiden and returned to LLG. 5 hours riding and felt OK. Plenty of muscle rubbing with Antiflame was working on sore parts so kept that up making, ready for the first Col assault on Monday morning.
Monday: The day was dreary, drizzling but not blustery so headed out up the D13 following the walking route of Day 1. Stopped at the junction of D918, water and gel (water with a Nuuns tab in; working very well). Then gentle slope up to Arrens Marsous. And then an 8k climb to top. Markers every kilo was a rest indicator, drink, eat and maybe photo, heart rate drop to below 130, the motor is working well though running between 145 and 155, speed 6-9kph, Reach top with a great surge of relief I HAD CONQUERED A BLOODY COL: YEAHHHHH.
Now the interesting bit, the traverse of the Cirque du Littor in 100m visibility in the initial 2k; what an amazing sight, crawling along a sheer cliff, with two short tunnels, and 500m to valley below- breathtaking. Then about 5k climb to top of Aubisque. THIS was a Hors Cat Climb from bottom of Solour, so that's it, my first Hors Climb, WHOOA. It is possible. Mist was twirling in the peaks and valley below; the Tour crosses here on the 15th. Lots of photos and someone offered to snap me, and then he took one on his camera, cripes. Food and water going well so did not feel need to buy anything. Lots of bikes going up and down. Then the descent, slowly at first and across the Cirque, over the top with no stop, and then full bore down, passed riders near the bottom. Then full tilt along the 5k to the D13 back to the LLR. Reaching 45 in places. Glad legs still have some power left. Caution was caste to the wind by now and loving the bikes handling downhill it goes where I point it. And then had to do a panic stop crossing a small bridge going into a right hander. a car was coming left in front, stopped 50cm from his door, driver smiled and got a thumbs up. A short 5k further to a Cafe at Arcizans Avant and a Jambon Sandwich and Orange. Then a 2k roll down to LLG.
Now the thanks: A lot more power in the system thanks to Justin at my Gym, working hard on leg muscles and butt for 6 months, before this idea was born I struggled to climb out of the seat, now its just normal.
Thanks to Mike Jensen who loaned me the Tacx Fortius trainer that enable me to practice on Alp d'Huez, Telegraph, Galibier, Mont Ventoux; Gavia, Stelvio, Mortirolo et al; while the system might give 100% as simulation as the real thing it does help to have the mindset to keep a steady rhythm going for 2-3 hours; and for help setting up the revised back cassette from Campagnolo to SRAM and the use of the small JTEK wheel to help shifting accuracy; and to Rebecca for the loan of a set of Mavic wheels, without which the conversion would not go.
Thanks to the DVD cycling training videos of Graham Street which taught me there is more power in the Butt than the Legs and pull pull pull.
And thanks to the boss, Darling Eve, who has kept the Green light of encouragement going as I pedaled for hours in the living room, sweat poring off.
Photos coming when I get go ahead from Computer owner.
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