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The Day Before

The day before

Day 1: St. Malo :: Chateaubourg - 4 Miles

The atmosphere was electric as each team member arrived at the hotel the night before the big day. Getting to know all the newbies was great, and of course, we shared many laughs over a few beers and glasses of wine.

We set off as one peloton early on Monday morning and despite the dampness of the day, we kept our spirits high and enjoyed the ride together. We soon split into different groups (meaning frank was in front and everyone else left in the dust created by his back wheel!) but no person got left behind! After a few hours of cycling through the mist, a warm coffee and regrouping went down well.

For lunch, David managed to find a shelter for us to huddle under and enjoy some fresh food to keep the muscles moving. Seeing the big white van parked on the side of the road has always been a sign of hope - we've made it to the next stop!

The day was all in all a success with all sorts of antics happening. We ended the day with a nice cold beer and a wonderful meal to replenish and recharge the batteries. We all look forward to day two and are raring to go!

Day 2: Chateaubourg :: Fontevraud L'Abbaye - 134 Miles

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Day 3: Fontevraud L'Abbaye :: Le Vigeant - 109 Miles

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Day 4: Le Vigean :: Sarlat-la-Caneda - 123 Miles

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Statistics look simple, on the charts are 177 K and 1700 meters climbing From le Vigeant to Les Eyzis From past experience we know this will turn out to be 200 K and 2250. And guess what? It did.

It's also the 4 fourth day, one day before resting and already 500 km in the legs. Psychologically the worst day by far. But hey, got to keep going. Weather is great. A little sunshine and not too warm. Landscape begins fantastic. Riding in group 2 with F...... Frank and Johanna (give me hope...). By lack of better I'm nominated navigator, Frank is pace maker and Johanna is motivator. What a team..

This is beating my expectations. I meeting some extreme people in extreme conditions. Some would refer to as nut cases an looking to it objectively I cannot disagree. Beside dramatic landscapes we were first chased by bugs. After we escaped we where chased by 2 enthusiastic border collies. These dogs must have had the day of there life with all these bikers passing by. We ended in a kind of sand pitch and really started wondering how Saddle skedaddle has any customers left. That was before the darkness set in and we had to survive a steep descend with a bad surface.

End of the day all came in safe in hotel Cro Magnon. A fabulous meal an a good night of sleep. Ready for day 5.

Day 5: Sarlat-la-Caneda :: Entraygues-sur-Truy�re - 119 Miles

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Navigation has been a challenge at times as we fly through the countryside on our bikes flying through fields and villages and this day was no exception. A few of us missed a turn and climbed in and about an extraordinary gorge with winding ascents and descents . Although not on the menu for the days itinerary it provided a fascinating perspective of the area.We met with the rest of the group at the top with a breathtaking view of a Rocamadour built into the side of the canyon. Lunch never tasted so good.

From there we had a long afternoon of riding that led us to an extraordinary riverside ride that descended into the valley delivering us to the picturesque and wildly quaint village of Entragues. We arrived at sunset, yet another long day that brought in many riders as the last light of the day departed. La Riviere Hotel welcomed us with fabulous food and accommodations. Hard to find a more appreciative crowd.

On a personal note I was ‘hitting the wall’ as we rode in our last ten miles and my two riding companions, affectionately known as my ‘Knights in Shining Spandex’ rode before me and behind me, making sure I arrived safe . I am so grateful for that assistance. That caliber of teamwork, I hope, makes Peter Thomas beam from wherever he resides. Two strangers holding the space for me to make it through on on a day where my reserves tanked. It was a moving prayer, a blessing on bicycles. It is what this ride is about. When we arrived at Entragues we crossed the river to the village on the oldest medieval bridge in France still in use. I was greeted by my family which was an enormous ‘bucket list’ gift. Our friends and fellow riding companions Bruce and Phil also joined us to ride the second half along with my daughter Adrianne.

Day 6: Entraygues-sur-Truy�re :: Mende - 78 Miles

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This was day six for the group but day one for me. We woke up that morning in Entraygues to a chilly 8 degrees Celsius. Bundled up in warm gear and headed out towards Mende. We were told that the day was the shortest total distance of all 10 days but had included two "cheeky" climbs towards the end.

I was beyond nervous. I had never done an event such as this. As we began to ride the nerves quickly vanished. I was instantly welcomed by each one of the team members. As the day progressed I had the opportunity to ride with different groups of people as well as get to know some individuals. It was amazing to hear each team members unique story. The more I learned about each person, the more I really started to realize what an incredible event this is.

Although getting to know the team was fun and easy going, the "cheeky" or "rude" parts of the upcoming climb were not so. The route for our day was previously a stage of the Tour de France.

The first half of the day was filled with tough but gradual inclines. I was surprised by how comfortable I was riding with the team through this. However, being one of the lesser experienced riders of the group, I was unaware of what it meant when we were told that the climbs would be 13% gradient. As we approached the climbs we began to see the painted sayings, names and signs on the road from last years Tour. It was very exciting to be biking on the same exact path as the riders from the tour.

As we began the climb I started to realize that It was going to be an enormous challenge. We were hot, tired and the only way to finish the day was to get over these mountains. My pace had slowed so much that the flies begin to attack my legs and face. My mother, another team member riding this year, continued to motivate and encourage me to keep going, even if I had to stop over and over, she continued to support me until I reached the top.

Once I had made it to the top I was beyond proud that I hadn't given in or stopped trying. When I saw the view, I knew it was worth every ounce of effort I had given.

After a frighteningly steep decent, we began the second climb. I could feel that my energy level was waning. As I approached the top, our guide David, could see that I was struggling and began to ride beside me. He helped me reach the top where I knew it was a nice easy decent to the hotel.

Later that night we all met back up and ate dinner as a team. We laughed so hard as we replayed our day from different peoples perspectives.

I was so amazed by the support and encouragement that I was shown by teammates who had known me for less than a single day. I felt so proud to be part of a team such as this one.