Soup*Less

June 28, 2011

Today started in the shadow of Mont Ventoux, a good 20km NE of Carpentras. An imposing mountain, it earns its name from the Mistral winds that have been recorded to reach as high as 200 mph at the summit and 240 days a year the wind blows at around 55 mph. The mountain was forested right to its peak, but was gradually stripped back for timber to build ships and the high winds blew away the top soil, meaning nothing could re-grow. The result is a lunar-esque landscape with an iconic weather station a top.

We rolled out toward Bedoin, a beautiful Provencal market town at the base, to begin our ascent. From Bedoin the climb is 1617m high, and 22 km long with 16 km at and average gradient of 9%. We decided to time our climbs as a personal challenge, so clocks set we took Ventoux on. The road starts easy at 3% for 4 km but then reaches the forest.

The gradient kicked up to 9%, as did the heat, and we were destined to spend the next hour grinding away, the temperature at around 32 deg with no point of reference or respite that other mountains with hairpin turns offer.

The legs got accustomed to the pain, although the heart beat hard and my thinking wandered around strange topics until I found a settled rhythm, just churning my way through the morale sapping forest. As we reached the 5 km to go mark the woodland vanishes and you are left with the barren mountain top. Luckily the wind was still today, although a couple of gusts gave an idea of how strength sapping it could be.

The gradient eased for a km but then came back with a vengeance. Seeing the peak in sight (although still 3km to go) I dug in hard and gave it all I had left. For the last 100m the road pushes up to 12% and finally at the peak, seeing spots, gasping for air I collapsed, overwhelmed at beating the mountain.

44 years before, a British cyclist named Tom Simpson didn’t make it that far and about 1km from the top he collapsed and died on his bike, overwhelmed by the climb and a cocktail of amphetamines and brandy that was common on those days.

Ivor, the rider I mentioned yesterday, was at the start of the next stage to see his hero, but never did, and it has been his 44 year dream to finish the climb Tom never did. A group of 30 of us rode back down the last 3km and cheered and encouraged him to the top, finally reaching it in a flood of champagne and tears. A really unforgettable moment.

The rest of the day was spent eating and riding our way across lavender fields through Provence to Manosque, where we ate and reflected on the incredible day.

11:37am | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZxClKy6X_huO

June 26, 2011

Day 5 - Gap - Carpentras

Today began as yesterday ended - in glorious sunshine. It was very welcome as I slipped in to my still damp cycling shoes.

Todays aim was to head over towards Provence and set us up for a major climb on day 6. To do this, we were to cross two stunning gorges along the way, banked in trees and plant life and swamping us in the amazing beauty of this part of the world.

There is a guy riding with us, a retired doctor, who is 65 years old and named Ivor. He was struggling to hold a pace today so a group of fellow flies decided to take turns in helping him up the climbs and breaking the wind too. It was a really special moment to work in a team helping each other to overcome the varying gradients and keep morale up at a high.

As we neared our lunch break the mountain we were to beat tomorrow came in to view. A hugely dominant sight it stayed with us throughout the day, all the way to our next stop in Carpentras.

Tomorrow, we take it on…

3:45pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZxClKy6U3XG_

June 26, 2011

Day 4 - La Grave - Gap

Torrential rain began the day as we left our rest hotel and started the slog up over the col du Lauteret. It was a good mark of how the day was to progress as it teamed down on us. Luckily some of us had experienced riding in the mountains in extreme conditions so came prepared…

Peering out through waterlogged glasses we sped down toward Briançon, keeping the bike as upright as possible and pedalling to keep warm. It took a good 30 mins to arrive at our destination - the McDonalds at the foot of the col d’Izoard - to indulge in a Royale with Cheese and some salty fries. 5 wet cold cyclists took over the gents where we ran the hand dryer continously for 10 mins and created a mini steam room. A little less sodden we decided to don our damp layers and make the 20 km climb.

The col reaches 2361m high and features in this years Tour, although from the opposite direction. I rode with Wij and Dan for the duration, through passing showers and torrential downpours.

The mountain opens out toward the top to fantastic scree slopes and walled hairpin bends, which, with moody rainclouds overhead, create some really apocolyptic views.

Last year, Wij and I enjoyed a burger on top of Izoard and it was the best burger ever tasted. This year we were joined by a handful of other flies as we munched our Royale with Cheese. There were chicken nuggets, a filet-o-fish and Le Big Mac to keep us company. Seems we’ve started something great.

We then made our way down to Guillestre through the eerie Casse Déserte.

The road took us along a stunning crevice, and we made it to our lunch stop in a warm cavern, pasta galore. As the day wore on and we made it nearer to Gap, the weather cleared, and gave us a nice sun baked end to the day.

3:25pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZxClKy6U13pp

June 18, 2011

Rest Day

Leuka raises funds to support life-saving research into the causes and treatment of leukaemia and other blood disorders. Its goal is simple: to create a better future for patients both here in the UK and abroad.

The fireflies ride is now in its second decade and has raised over £1,000,000 for Leuka, helping make a massive difference to peoples lives. The majority of the people on the ride have personal experiences of how cancer has affected them and their loved ones.

At our meal this evening each and every rider stood up and said why they were here. Reasons ranged from colleagues, to siblings and parents, to children and wives having contracted and lost their battle with the many forms of this disease.

There were stories of hope though. There is living and breathing proof that the money we, and other charity events, raise does make a difference. ”It is not unrealistic to imagine a future where cancer will be no more ominous than catching a common cold”

I sat to dinner feeling drained and exhausted after three very intense and hard days in the saddle. After hearing every individual story, and what this ride means to the people riding it, my legs feel a little lighter.

4:55pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZxClKy6DJeRn

June 18, 2011

Day 3 - Val d’Isere - La Grave

One thing this ride really makes you appreciate is the incredibly contrasting scenery and weather this part of the world can throw up. This time last year we climbed up and over the second highest pass in Europe - the col de l’Iseran - in sub zero temperatures and a freezing blizzard. This year it was the complete opposite. A cool breeze blew but it was hot enough to be sweaty but pleasant.

What I failed to see last year was the amazing view down past Val d’Isere the pass offers . The climb starting in Val is 15km long and an average 6-7%. It’s a really beautiful place and the height and long view makes you feel on top of the world.

The descent was a hearty 13.5km and immense fun with clear sight of corners so a great chance to get some speed up and lean the bike.

At the bottom we re-grouped and rolled out as one long peleton along some wide and fast roads, winding our way to the base of the Col du Telegraphe. A winding and steamy 12 km climb at an average 8%, it’s a tough and steady grind.

Chris Groves, Ben Chatfield and I rode it steady until about 5km from the top when we were passed by Cameron from La Fuga, and fellow fly Duncan Schwier. They were travelling with a good rhythm so we jumped on the back and attempted to match Cameron’s skinny frame to the top. It was certainly tough, and the spots I was seeing told me it was time for a snack.

One bowl of frites later we peeked out of our refuge to see the weather rolling over us towards Galibier and decided it was time to push on.

The base was a quick 5km down to Valloire and the we headed onward and upwards. Soon the heavens rolled in and we were climbing in light drizzle. Then rain. Then heavy rain. Then fog, with visibility at less than 5m.

The climb was brutal, with prolonged periods of 8, 9, & 10%, and coupled with the constantly changing weather it gave it an eery, nightmarish quality.

The mountain itself throws up battle after battle against ever changing gradients, views, wind directions and if Roseland is beautiful, Galibier is brutal, almost thuggish in its nature.

As we reached the summit the weather took a turn for the worse and we were forced to rapidly don warm wet weather gear and begin our descent. The road winds down towards the col du Lauteret, then opens up into a wide highway. Dark, very wet and descending in a tight 8 man group we got back to the rest hotel in La Grave safely, and extremely exhilarated.

4:41pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZxClKy6DICt-

June 15, 2011

Day 2 - Talloire - Val d’Isere

A long day in the saddle today. We departed the stunning Talloire on Lake Annecy at 9am and immediately headed uphill to the col de la Forclaz.

No need to warm the knees up as they creaked and groaned under the strain of the instant 10% rise up and over the lake. Again the heat made it a heavy one, but the views down across the turquoise pool below made it worthwhile.

A fast and windy descent brought us along to the next kick up, and another col de la Forclaz. This one felt tougher with poorly paved roads and a varying gradient, it was hard to find a settled rhythm. At the top we pushed on over a down another fast descent and collected as a group of about 5, working together to take us on to Beaufort.

Beaufort sits at the base of our next, and major climb of the day - the Cormet de Roseland. At 20.3km long it winds and grinds up out of a cool forest in to an open snaking road offering some absolutely stunning views down the valley from where we had traversed.

About 3/4 of the way up is the baby blue Lac de Roseland which, in the 32 degree heat looked incredibly inviting.

Past the lake theres is a final 5km push up to the top where we grouped together for a pic.

Over the top of the Cormet is a really quick drop down to Bourg St. Maurice. The road is open and clear, and offered a chance to open up and clock a personal tour best of 83 kmph. The road then hairpins back and forth down to Bourg making it an immensely fun ride down.

After an espresso stop we rode out and up (again) a long 25km slog up to Val d’Isere. Seeing some virgin fireflies struggling after a hot and tough day riding we swept up the back, offering support and encouragement up this major trunk road of an average 6-7%. The relief of seeing the town was clear to see after a mammoth 12 hr slog for some of them.

Now, sated, I’m of for a deserved bit of kip…

4:26pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZxClKy67DkQT

June 14, 2011

Day 1 - Evian - Talloire

Started the day with a hearty breakfast and a photocall on the waterfront. Amazed at the number of virgin riders this year - 32 to 22. There was an amazing buzz as I remember the feeling of crossing in to the unknown from last year!

We then set off in groups heading off to Morzine then on to the Joux Plane.

With the weather better than last year, the heat beared down on our backs. A real struggle, it felt steeper than from memory and was a real sharp blow to the legs first thing in the morning.

A hearty 10.9km long with an ave. gradient of 7% and a max of 11% it was a tough start to the tour.

After cheering in all, we descended 11km and then worked together in the wind over 20km to arrive in Cluses. Stopping for a quick coffee it was on to the beast the is Col de La Colombiere.

This col is a beast. We reached it at about 3 pm and the heat was really on us. With minimal wind it really stuck to you and made it close to unbearable.

Some stunningly beautiful views it is an amazing place and has a lasting impact on you. The climb is an average if 7% but it just gets steeper ending at 11%. Over 1 hr 45 mins the pain and heat really starts to weigh down on you but the sense of achievement and view at the summit bares close relation to the suffering.

The final 40km was a rapid descent down to lake Annecy for a well deserved dip and food!

4:25pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZxClKy65Fr_w

June 13, 2011

2011, Day 0 - Bethnal Green - Evians-les-Bains

Rose at 4 am this morning and hopped in a cab through the incessent rain to Gatwick. Drought? What drought?!

Flight was 8.15 from Gatwick, arriving Geneva at 11 am local. After a mass congregation on an airport cafe, 30 odd cyclist with gear in tow were loaded on to a coach.

We followed Lake Geneva round to the east and arrived at the rather nice Hilton in Evian. Our tour operators this year are La Fuga, and already they’re looking like a great bet. Were informed that the majority of bikes that came over on the bike shuttle were already set up, clean and oiled.