Having lost so much height we then proceeded along the gorge for quite a distance, still very beautiful scenery. Sarah met up with us at the end of the gorge and provided all the ingredients for a picnic lunch - baguettes, cheese, ham, crisps pastries etc. Aidan took control and made sandwiches for everybody. We delayed as long as we could but we all knew what was coming......
First part of the climb took us to over 1000m for the first time - everybody just stuck at it and the climb didn't seem too bad, steady gradients of 5-6%. Some more distance at height and then the second part of the ascent right up to 1300m. Everyone had photos taken at the top just to prove we got there. 60 miles complete, just another 30 to go.
And so began the most amazing descent that any of us has experienced - over 12 miles of steep sweeping downhill. Strong winds made things a little interesting and at one point almost brought the bikes travelling at over 30mph to a complete standstill! After the steep descent we were unsure of what to expect for the reaming 20 miles but we were pleasantly surprised to discover that the downhill continued all the way to Ganges.
So overall the hardest day for most but also some of the most amazing cycling that any of us have experienced.
Stats for day:
93 miles
6,400 ft climbing
7,400 ft descending (mostly very quickly)
Highest point -1300m
Weather - cold, light rain, some sun and then warm and sunny once over mountains.
Tomorrow just 30 miles into Montpellier- almost there.
N.b. due to technical problems with Sarah's phone she had simon's phone today. So if you were surprised by how fast the bikes were travelling this was because the tracker was being powered by a 2.0L diesel engine today!
Sounds fantastic. Good luck tomorrow.
ReplyDeletePurchi
Sounds fantastic. Good luck tomorrow.
ReplyDeletePurchi
So proud of you all - hope you enjoy your last day in the saddle. I am glad the maps have been useful - i wonder if the person who donated them to Oxfam has any idea what they are being used for???? It's very quiet without you all, however not quiet at the cricket last night - it was totally amazing, thanks again Gary for the tickets.....seemed to be full of blokes who looked like Tim for some reason (best bit was no queue for the ladies - hurrah!!)
ReplyDeleteTake care all & see you Saturday, well done and make sure you celebrate tomorrow before you fall asleep!
Ooops that was from me...
ReplyDeleteKate
xxx
Wow... Wish I was with you ... Sounds like a great Saturday route... Any takers ? Martyn and Anne
ReplyDelete