Day 10 - The Balcony Ride

Day 10 - Scenic ride

Today was going to be a ride up Co du Galibier, one of the longest climbs of the tour and to the highest altitude as far as I am aware. This was changed due to the weather. At that altitude it is not good to get caught if it rains etc as it is well above the permanent snow line and would be very cold. Also the magnificent views would be hampered.

After a discussion with Guy, we headed off on I scenic ride. I thought it would be an easier ride the L'Alpe d'Huez. How wrong i was. We rode up some very long and steep climbs to get to balcony roads. These run around the mountain from village to village before going back down to the valley. This provided some amazing views of the Alps and the valley below. The ride took 7 hours with 4 hours of riding. 3 yesterday and an estimated 5 tomorrow. We will be looking for a day off to consolidate the work we have done on our legs to ensure they recover and become stronger. The day was hot and the drive from the valley to Ornon was a lot slower than yesterday.

This was a very scenic ride and in the heat a harder ride than l'Alpe d'Huez. There where 4 climbs and all of them hard. The pay off was spectacular views across the valley. The steepness of the mountains has to be seen to be believed. If some one went over the edge that would be the end of them. Great pass time riding as fast as we can along narrow roads with cars and motorbikes

We did not stop for lunch so as soon as we walked in the door at 4.00pm we ate a lot of pasta, bread and drank a lot of water.

After eating it was off to one of the town troughs to soak the legs in the very cold water a couple of times. This really does seem to help as everyone is feeling good and so far no cramps.

Sat and watched the tour finish before sitting to rest for the day. Dinner was very nice with a curry chicken with cows cous cous and roasted veggies. Desert was apricots cooked with crumble. All very nice and good to have our hosts eat with us. Dinner has been late every day since we have arrived in Europe. It is the way they Do it here due to the long days I assume. An earlier night tonight which I will need for the Galibier tomorrow.