Rob G's Day 19

Day 19 - tour start in Luchon - Col de Peyresourde
Today started like most of our other days. Up, breaky, get ready, ride. The difference with today was, we were going to see the start of the stage from Luchon.
We did a quick 25km ride into Luchon. Quick as there are no mountains in the way so we can zoom along the flats even quicker now days.

Luchon was busy to say the least. So many people, so many barricades. We wandered around for a while until we found the start stage where all the riders sign on. This is a good opportunity to see them all, if you are tall. Lucky me.

I stood next to a raised platform that was part of a food shop to take photos of the rids as they got up on stage. Every time I was on the timber the owner would come and tell me to get off. Not understanding French she would actually push me off, as she would do to everyone else. I got lots of pictures and seen the riders.

Lunch time arrived so Bob, Andy, Ross and I got a sandwich while the others went of to find food. Mine was the worst roll I have ever eaten in my life. I only ate half. Dom, Mark, Jo and Dave had found a restaurant and were having a long lunch so we headed off for the Perisourde. Not a long climb but steep. We headed off, got lost, went back and soon were on the right road. It was a nice ride to the mountain, lots of riders and people along the way as the tour went up the Perisourde before us. We hit the slopes and I was instantly soaked. It was so very hot and the sweat was really running today. The legs were hurting as again we have done many days of riding in a row. I was slow today but made it to the top to meet Bob and Andy. Pictures were taken, coffee ordered and Ross arrived.

We headed off done the mountain and found Ross had a major mechanical issue. Something was wrong with his back wheel. It was very loose and if he didn't pedal the chain cassette would drive the chain so it would become very loose and then tighten. Sounded terrible and was not pretty to see this hitting his frame each time. Needless to say he had to keep pedaling all the way. For all you bike riders, imagine sitting down and pedaling all the time. Geeeeezzzzzz. Your legs hurt but most of all, your bum gets no rest and hurts bad. Ross did well to not completely loose it. Thought he was close at one stage. Thank goodness as he was riding he found if he leaned the bike one way it would work as per normal. His sanity was saved!!

It was a great decent, very fast and soon we were riding through beautiful country side, minimal traffic and a good road service. It was mainly a slight down hill all the way which was great. We scooted home and after a small rest headed out to dinner.

Bob and I went with some of the other guests to a restaurant as it was the cooks night off. The rest stayed and cooked pasta. It was a great night with lots of interesting conversations, and some beautiful food and wine. As we were in France I decided it was time to eat French food.

First up was Escargo. Yep, snails. They were very yummy once they were extracted from their shell. Not I simple thing to do with some of them. Next came frogs legs. There were 6 pair on the plate with salad. Funny looking as the legs are still joined and the back parts is handy to hold so you can tuck into their tasty calfs and thighs. They were also very yummy but as you can imagine, not so filling.

Duck was next which was served with pasta. Again a beautiful dish. Duck has become a bit of a favourite for me. It is sooo nice. Desert was Creme Broule.

It was getting late so the car came to pick us up. When we got home most were in bed asleep so off to bed we went. A lovely evening learning about others from other countries.