Day 13 In the mountains

Day 13 was an amazing day. We are all safely back at the hotel having climbed over the mountains to the French coast. The climbing was steep today, the weather was very hot (32 degrees) but we all completed the mountain leg with great success. As we did, everyone remarked how our “bike fitness” has increased so much during the 13 days so far.  Spirits are very high indeed right now with just 66 of our 1,000 miles to go.

Still with energy !!

But before we get into the detail of Day 13, Day 12 evening cannot get away scot free!

As the team has begun to realise that we are getting real close to achieving our goal now and we may just make it to Monte Carlo and become only the 55^th to the 62^nd non-professional cyclists ever to best this incredible 1,000 mile challenge (we will end up doing pretty well exactly 1,000 miles) so the evening antics have increased in - well – noise.

As I (Nigel) came down from getting changed last night, I found one Mr Gorgeous George Rolls (that’s his nickname on the trip) in the kitchen inspecting his precious Apple Mac which was in the oven (yes, in the oven………..) and one Renata Turlej videoing the water in the bar area insisting it was a very special river. Hmmm – interesting. As the completely sober Lisa and Antonio called over “Nigel please come and save us….” the plethora of empty glasses on the tables surrounded by raucous laughter gave a rather large clue as to why only 3 of the 8 team members had showered – some 4 hours after arriving. Anyway, I’m sure you get the picture. It seems that Gorgeous George had managed to enjoy one few too many Calvados drinks during the afternoon and whilst attempting to hold a glassful in his teeth had managed to water his laptop, and then attempted (with the help of the French chef) to dry it out in the oven. Surprisingly it didn’t work in the morning! It made however for one of the funniest and most enjoyable evenings I’ve had in a long, long time. It was, to be honest, great to see the team starting to relax as the enormity of the miles already completed dawned on them. The dedication and training everyone has gone through to try and complete this challenge is immense and no-one can begrudge them a night off!

Eventually however, everyone made it for supper where we actually found a restaurant that served bread with butter, proper chips and diet coke (all three of which have been all but non-existent as we have descended down through the French countryside). The meal was superb – something that cannot be said for hardly any of the others we have had. Dinner wrapped up around 10pm and we all retired ready for a big day ahead.

Day 13 was a very early start with everyone leaving on their bikes at 6.30 to 6.45am. Day 13 was always going to be a tough day – the second hardest in terms of ascent gradient - but when combined with the extreme heat it was potentially a very difficult day indeed. Accordingly, the team elected to start early and try to get over the mountain by lunchtime thereby missing the peak heat of the day.   

To be honest, everyone was in great form and the strength shone through every person. We were very strong indeed. Rather than getting tired as we have racked up the miles, it seems that individually and as a team we have got stronger. To be honest I think today was one of if not the strongest day. Our organisers Bespoke Tours – who publicly stated that every one of us would need one or more rest days and that they did not expect any of us to cycle all the way – remain astonished that we are still going – without any rest periods.

Even though we had “agreed” to take it easy at the start today to preserve energy for the mountain stage, we found ourselves racing along at an average speed of 13mph for the first few miles of open countryside. We actually managed to ride in a proper peloton for most of the day too. Overall we maintained a solid 12mph average speed throughout the day (our fastest average as a group) even though we ascended two monster hills. Watching the “growth” of everyone as they positively devoured the mountain stage today and mentally comparing that to apprehension, tiredness and the somewhat weak climbing that occurred within the team in days 1 and 2 was a really great feeling. The mental toughness of this team is of the very highest order.

Cycling through the mountains was fantastic. Yes it was steep and yes it went on for miles: but the scenery was spectacular and will be something that I will remember for a long time.

Fantastic scenery

So tomorrow is the big day. Fitness wise we are all fine and none of us are now carrying any real injuries of note.  Sure we have a few “niggles” but nothing that cannot be coped with. 

Nearly there now!!

So, all being well we should arrive at Monte Carlo around 8pm tomorrow to be met by many family members and friends who are flying out for the occasion.

Wish us luck !!!