Sunday morning,we started to get pretty excited when these giant TEAM TRUCKS started arriving at our hotel in Toulouse. FDJ and Cofidis were at our hotel.
We met up with Chris Gutowski and the Velosport Crew shortly thereafter and we were on our way to Bagneres du Luchon, our base for the next several days.
After we arrived in Luchon, we the team got our bikes ready and we (our group of 9 plus our two guides) were off for a "shake down ride" which include the climb to he Col du Portillion. Fortunately, Jane had a dereaileur issue and had to roll back to the hotel. "Fortunately" you ask? YES! Jane got to use Chris's personal TEAM SAXO BANK SPECIALIZED S-WORKS equipped with CAMPY 11 Speed for he rest of the trip. Happy Jane. She likin' Campy.
We had a magnificent feast up the mountain with some amazing wine.
MONDAY WE RIDE ON THE TOUR COURSE
We got an early start and headed to today's stage. We started ON THE TOUR COURSE at 58K left before the finish. We rode in magnificent weather in the most beautiful rolling countryside towards Pau. Because the Tour was coming through shortly, the roads were packed with spectators shouting "Allez Allez" at us. So many people! Just like on TV! WOW we were riding the course! We grouped up with the three individual men on our trip and the five of us rode well together. We did two Category 3 climbs and a Category 4. The run in to Pau was AMAZING. Roads all blocked off, flying through tight turns, broad boulevards, road furniture and the big traffic circles - JUST US. We were supposed to turn off at 1.5 K but of course we headed straight on to the 1K Kite. The Gendarmes weren't thrilled with us and we got kicked off the course. Pretty cool though!
After changing into street clothes, we were free to go hang out by the finish and catch the whole TOUR FEVER. What a scene! AND we me BOBKE and Jane even got give Bobke's a kiss.
It was such a crazy fun scene!
We headed back to the 1K Kite and found a little pizza joint where we enjoyed some malted recovery beverages and waited for the riders to come in. Christian Van de Velde looked like he was gonna win but came in second. The peleton flew by! Too exciting! Shortly after we were back in the van to Luchon and fast asleep.
Do you see the Green Jersey of Peter Sagan middle left? Then Bradley Wiggins in Yellow, Cadel to his right and then Chris Froom in White, with Cuddles in front of him and I think Greipel in front of Wiggo . . .
TUESDAY IS A REST DAY - NOT!
Up and dressed early, we ride straight from Luchon. We were a little nervous as Bertand, one of our guides, called the Port du Bales "very, very difficult". After a long downhill, we started gently up hill. Then the climb started and we had 19K to go. Here is how we know that:
A few flatter sections early on, but then each K we would see a sign saying "8% or - 9% or - 7% and on and on and on. We hit the switchbacks and got over the tree line. Chris was in the team car making sure we had enough to drink or if we wanted to sag (HA!).
Bertrand asked Jane if she needed a push and she replied "NOT YET". John climbed with Jay and Jeff, and Jane rode with Lance (really) as our speeds worked out that way.
Cows in the road, motor homes tacked to sides of cliffs, and then finally the summit. We did it! No pushes needed.
The group celebrated with those special malted recovery beverages and lunch (we chatted and joked with Bobke some more as he was passing our cafe) , and then we did a little shopping, and then had our masseuse come by to get us ready for tomorrow. Another big day of CLIMBING and the tour finish right here in our town of Luchon.
And with that, your intrepid but tired and VERY HAPPY Tour de France Reporters wish you bon soir for now.
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