Day 7 - Beuil to Menton, the final day.

istance: 84.07 miles
Average speed: 11.01
Maximum speed: 35.16mph
Time in saddle: 7 hours 38 minutes
Total distance: 441 miles

So, the final day arrived. Six days under our belts and our aim was to get to the med and pitch up alongside the topless bathers.
With Katy our resident map reader back in the saddle, nothing could possibly go wrong.

It was going to be a long day, with four big hills to get over and 80 plus miles to cycle.
Straight into the frst climb of the day Col de la Couillole (1678m) and then the Col St Martin (1500).
Spotting still thin on the ground and level of effort still going up. That would be cycling effort.
Down the second decent and it was this time Katy decides her annual puncture should make an appearance. It seems like one per bike trip is the norm.
Fueled on a bowl of chips at lunchtime as a week of French food is just too much for me. Up the hills the temperature was clocked at 32 degrees but felt like a lot more.
Over the Col de Turini (1604) where wild sheep dogs were roaming, picture attached, then finally over the Col de Castillion (707m) a mere pimple.
With all four hills done and getting late we scoot through a small tunnel which means we are just 9 miles from the Med and it's all downhill ! We can now see the sea.
Spotting now seems so much easier, with campers everywhere, only the worst allowed though.
Finally into Menton and on to the beach. Bloody pebbles and big ones. Where's the sodding sand. Crippled with agony, not due to cycling but getting barefoot, off for a swim in the Med. Lovely and warm.
Babes on the beach? It was 7.00pm, now and they had sodded off home.
Oh well, at least not many people saw me in full cycling gear going for a swim. Did I feel a self concious doing with the gear on, hey no, i'm used to wearing full rubber numbers on the beach (for sailing if you didn't know).
Group photos of Team 43 and our recent signee to the team Martin.
Off for a quick glass of champars and more French food.
I am so looking forward to good traditional English cooking once more, so Curry and Kebabs will be on the menu this week back at home.
Waiting today (Sunday) for the flight back to Gatwick ready for work on Monday!
Finally, thanks to you all for reading my wittering, hope you enjoyed the pictures I posted. Apologies go out to all those cyclists out there wanting more, reality is, I know sod all about bikes, all you need to do is get on one and pedal. Not the most complicated of activities, but damn good fun and a good form of exercise.
Any ideas on what to spot on my next little adventure, let me know. I was going for different hand dryers in toilets, but taking picture would probably not been a good thing!

So, until next year aurevior!

Russ

Specification of cycle ridden:
Black
Two round things
One buckle that had to be sorted out.
Two brakes once buckle was fixed.
Uncomfortable saddle.
Drinks holder, mp3 station and quiche early detection alert professionally installed on the third day.

Specification on the cyclist (one sad spotter):
Taller than the average dwarf.
Legs of steel
Gaps in hair
Strange tan lines
Daniel Craig lookalike
Generally top bloke!!!!!!!!

Day 6 - Barcelonette to Beuil

Distance: 51.76 miles
Average speed: 10.61
Maximum speed: 34.25mph
Time in saddle: 4 hours 52 minutes
Total distance: 357 miles

With just two hills today, things were looking good, unfortunately the hot weather and the hard ride took their toll on Katy our resident map reader. Taking the day off to make a recovery for the final day.
With my legs feeling tired now, off we went up the 13 mile mile climb up the Col de Cayolle (2326m). This was a fairly 'easy' climb in comparison to a lot of the others, but the weather was hot.
Must have been taking things far too serious as I missed a couple of great spots, the couple trekking with a donkey to carry the load and the sheep dogs that just roam free. I dId see the dogs, actually tney came so close I thought I was going to be lunch, but sadly no pictures.
Best sight of the day was reserved for the top of the hill. Yes, Katy was there with fruit cake. How pleased was I to see fruit cake.
Downhill to lunch should have been a straight forward affair, but with no Katy to stop the boys racing, Dave, Martin (recent recruit from another team) and myself offwe went. All going well until with Dave leading he met a coupke of bikers coming the other way. With Dave firmly in the middle of the road, all took avoiding action, Dave left some of his tyre on the road and probably soiled his pants, bikers went to their left and all crossed English style. I followed suit, deciding that biking on the left is much safer.
Dave put the blame on the bikers, citing the fact they shouldn't have been in the middle of the road, that was reserved for him? However, slight confession was made once I mentioned that I may well have captured the moment on video.
Lunch at the bottom, weather getting hotter, Ice creams the order of the day. Every sports scientist will tell you a bowl of chips and ice cream is the best thing to power you up a big hill.
Just a mere 8 mile climb up to the Col du Vasson/Valberg (1762m) but with the heat two full water bottles emptied.
The top was a complete anti climax with one sodding road sign acknowledging the top. Not even a sodding little shop selling cow bells.
Anyway, I'm not bitter, down hill now till the hotel. Not the best one I've ever stayed in. Good news, is that there are four beds in the room, bad news is they are bunk beds. Floor slopes around 10 degrees so that is quaint. No power sockets anywhere. Good news, a fridge, bad news, just in the room for storage and not plugged in (well actually you can't plug it in due to the socket issue).
Anyway we have an ensuite bathroom, actually it's more of zn ensuite bedroom come bathroom. For us to use it we have to get through another guys bedroom to get in.
Shower is probably the worst I have ever used, with time strictly limited to 3 minutes, otherwise water will spill from the tray due to its inability to drain. Oh well, only one night. Never before have I been given paper table cloths as towels though, must be some eco friendly thing. Oh, maybe thats why they have limited shower time to 3 minutes, how bloody clever of them!
Sorry, no spots today, just a couple of boring pictures. Last day tomorrow and down to the med. Must buy some Speedo's tomorrow to show my tanned and muscular body off to the french girls.

Briançon to Barcelonnette

Distance: 65 miles
Average speed: Too damn slow!
Maximum speed: 34.25mph
Time in saddle: not known, but seemed like forever
Total distance: 305 miles

Two big hills to conquer today, namely Col d'Izoard (2360m) and Col de Vars (2109m), nothing could surely go wrong all I needed to do was sit and pedal for a few hours.
Straight out of the hotel in Briançon and up the Col d'Izoard which consisted of a 13 mile climb to the top. Feeling good at this stage, weather incredibly hot and generally enjoying life, mp3 player working well. Don't know what all the fuss is about these little hills in France.
Down the other side, avoiding the edges of the road as the drop either side is a little worrying.
Stopping for a spot of lunch at Guillestre 32 miles in, halfway there.
One thing i forgot to say in my previpus blogs, Katy is the map reader and Dave holds the money, I have neither, so the technique is not to loose them.
Onwards and upwards up the next hill, with Dave pushing ahead and Katy dropping back, I suddenly found myself riding on my own. However, this was fine, I thought I knew where I was going. Suddenly the road went downwards, the bike trip reset itself and several roads splitting from the main, your mind gets a bit confused. Am I cycling up the right bloody hill!
My legs had just one hill left inside them and I was halfway up it. Finally physically and mentally drained I reached the top to be met by Dave who was not looking great either. Normally there are other bikers about, but for some reason, there were none, no road signs up the hill, was I a confused chappy. Even Dave said he was a bit worried if he was on the right road and he had a map.
Anyway, just another 20 miles, first a steep descent followed by a gentle downhill through the valley.
What nobody knew was that God had decided to put a wacking great fan at the end of the valley blowing us back.
I got into Barcelonnette absolutely shot to bits. It seems France is now open for business, and no more quiche on the menus. After the first couple of days, where all we could find were quiche shops, I doubt if I will ever eat another.
Anyway, found a decent restaurant, I was barely alive and struggled to eat.
In bed by 10.30, have checked the brochure from where we booked the week away, it does actually refer to the week as a 'holiday'.
Ha ha.
What I have noticed that last year on the Lands End to John O'Groats trip most people were reasonably fit, but most carried a little exrtra weight, tnis trip everyone is super fit and most have been riding for many years. And then there's me!
No motorised beds on wheels today, so had to add a caravan in just to keep my bruv happy. I know he will lose interest if all the pictures are just views of the alps.

Day 4 - Aussois to Briançon

Distance: 62.23
Average speed: 11.95
Maximum speed: 40.32mph
Time in saddle: 5hr 16min
Total distance: 240 miles

With two big hills to do today, the Col du Telegraphe (1566m) and the infamous Col du Galibier (2646m) this had all the hallmarks of a tpugh day. Weather was hot, not a cloud in the sky, peddalling for five hours tough was not going to be easy.
Out of Aussois with a big descent and then straight into the climb for the Col du Telegraphe. A mere 8 miles to take us to the top. Taking it easy and no messing around today was the theme.
Once we got to the top, pictures taken, the best campervan seen all week pitched up. Big old Merc from Germany. Quick check with the owner and pictures taken, Jay would be well jealous of this one, probably not the fuel consumption though.
Big downhill afterwoods and a quick lunch at Valloire. Then ready for the Col du Galibier with 11.5miles to the summit.
Quck spot of a horse with bells on (goats, cows, sheep and horses now done) and onto the serious business. Going up at around 5.5mph, this meant over a two hour climb and bloody hard.
Got close to overheating, so cycle helmet came off for the first time. The hill went on and on, but at least I knew from experience that most Col's finish with the last 1km fairly flat.
So aiming for the 1km mark, cycling on my own know as everyone just had to bash out there own pace. Once I got to the 1km mark I was greeted with the tunnel and the flat that takes traffic through to avoid the last 1km of climbing.
This is banned for cyclists, so the last 1km was steep, very bloody steep. Down to my lowest gear now, it was as hard as riding my old Raleigh Chopper up hills now.
Finally to the top and the view was stunning and I was a completely shattered.
Big downhills followed with 25miles left to ride, the key to the downhills off the mountains is to not fall off the edge as your speed will increase immensely for a very short period, followed by a thud!
So, my maximum speed of the week was saved for a nice wide straight road, 40mph, my old Mini would be proud of that.
Finally into Briançon (highest city in Europe at around 1200m), found hotel and room. Room seems to be painted in illuminous two tone yellow them. Nice.
I was completey cream cackered now. Today was probably the hardest day physically I had ever had the pleasure to partake in.
Three days more cycling, could it be that I Started Something I Couldn't Finish?
Any, off to rehydrate with a few beers and discuss tomorrows tactics.

Sorry Gav and Jay.

I realise on my previous blog my brothers Gav and Jay would have been somewhat unhappy with the viewsand nothing to keep their interest on the blog. So, I did find a few caravans/campers just to keep them entertained
Sorry Gav and Jay for forgetting you, but really struggling on the subjects that interest you!

Day 3- Bourg St Maurice to Aussois

Distance: 62.44
Average speed: 10.13
Maximum speed: 36.07mph
Time in saddle: 6hr 09min

With my sense of humour clearly left 5km at the top of the yesterdays mountain a rather serious short legged cyclist with hardly any beer intake from the previous night went off this morning which involved a mere 30mile hill named the Col de L'Iseran (2770m).
So more sight seeing than spotting today with stunning views.
For all you animal lovers out there, a Marmot was spotted whistling away to a friend or enemy on a nearby rock, see pic.
Stopped in Val D'isere for a spot off lunch. With the waitress warning us that it was below zero at the top and probably snowing that really cheered us all up. Fortunately this to be wrong, by the time we got there after a further 10mile climb, the weather was just great. There was some snow left on the north faces, but not for skiing.
With the top of the Col being the highest point on the 'holiday' it must be all downhill from know. What differene does it make if it is up hill or down hill anyway.
Pictures were taken and pretty much done for the day. Big descent followed by a spot of tea. Oh, minor problem, France or at least this area still seems to be shut, not been open since we got here. Finding open places to eat is becoming really hard even when there sign cleary says 'open'. We even tried rotating one of their signs on a closed restaurant but the other side also said 'open'. What fun tney have with us Brits.
Final climb and a head wind to cope with and another day knocked off.
Feeling much better than yesterday, took it far more serious, eat and drank the right stuff.
Off fo a pint or two tonight to celebrate.
Pictures above include some stunning scenes from the Col de L'Iseran.
One final thing, sense of humour found once more and enjoying it.

Day 2: La Clusaz to Bourg St Maurice

Distance: 57.51
Average speed: 10.20
Maximum speed: 33.35mph
Time in saddle: 5hr 28min

It's snow joke anymore. Today was very tough. Started with light drizzle and wet roads, straight into first hill which was the Col des Aravis (1486m), that was fine, this time the descent was extremely drops waiting for you if you got it wrong. With a slippery wet road this made for amn enjoyable thought.
Next climb up was the Col de Saisies, with the roads drying out and feeling ok, a decision was made to go for the top as quick as possible. Great idea Russ that one, as there was still the big hill to go and feeling tired.
Lunch stop was decided based upon which Restaurants were open, not many as it appears France takes Mondays off. Menu limited to quiche or quiche, so after a quick thought process, quiche it was. Trust me, you can eat too much quiche in your lifetime, and i have now maxed out on my quiche intake.
Final climb of the day and still nothing interesting to spot. OK, the odd bird of prey, but they were too far away for Dave to recognise.
Finally, with fear today was going to be a spot free day, I had to resort to tractors once more. This will please all my tractor fans out there. Added to my list from last year a Mantou looking rather sorry for itself, pic attached to keep all happy.
The last climb which was a combination of Col de Meraillets (1605m) and the Cormet de Roselend (1967) was a killer. Relentless was the only way to describe it. With about 9km to the top you get to the stunning lake, short stop for a photo and onwards and upwards.
Last 5km to the top had to be done in 1km thought mode, riding at a pittiful 5.5mph
The wind got up and the temperature plummeted, finally at the top to be greeted with....... NOTHING. Yes absolutely sod all, no cafe, no ice cream seller not even a drink station.
We had to wait for the rest of Team 43, by this time the SNOW, yes snow had decided to make an appearance. Shelter was provided by the bin store, all clothes I had went on.
On the way down some goats with bells were spotted, so again a pic must be taken. By this time, Dave realising the complete lack of clothex he had and sub zero temperatures meant for one thing, use Katies discarded clothes. A great sight, epecially when the jacket fails to do up, so on it went backwards.
At the bottom Bourg St Maurice greeted us. Into hotel, quick energy bar and the a sleep. Only i can do that!
Tomorrow apparently has a 30mile hill ready for us as the sadistic tour leader pointed out.

Sheep with bells

In all my excitement i forgot to add the 'sheep with bells' picture on my last post.
Please add comments to cheer me up.
Russ

Day 1. Thonon le Baines to La Clusaz -part 2

Distance: 58.61
Average speed: 9.83
Maximum speed: 30.01mph
Time in saddle: 5hr 57min

Setting off from a vantage point overlooking Lake Geneva and straight into the hills.
With 'Team 43' reunited for the first time, Dave, Katy and me set off.
With Dave leading the way and never driven or ridden abroad, there was extreme concern ad fear when he was see attempting the first roundabout in a very English clockwise motion. The French car drivers also on the roundabout seemed fine with this. Once I managed to get my breath back from laughing so much we carried on.
Spitting was thin on the ground, so it was decided to widen the scope. All there seemed to be was trees, chalets and mountains. Strange that!
Many cows about with bells on, very picturesque, but not good enough for a spot. We needed something more. Yes it was spotted. Sheep with bells on, see pic.
Off up the Col de Colombieré. The climb was relentless, not steep but hours iong. So, first hill done.
Descent somewhat quicker and faster.
50 miles in, no great 'motorised beds on wheels' to be seen, but then, like a mirage, there it was. Only I had seen it. Yes, a Ford Transit Ice Cream van converted to a camper. Was i a happy chappy.
My day was complete, off to the chalet for some rest a half a lager or two.
Sorry this post was a bit short, but hungover this Monday morning and not happy. Raining outside, mudguards in Kent.

Day 1. Thonon le Baines to La Clusaz

What to spot???????
Last year was easy, interesting subject matter like tractors and caravans already done, what else is there? In a foreign country with language skills limited to the ability to announce my name and my current age (not great when that is the age i attended my last French lesson). So there i was, 13 years old again.
Spotting was in short supply, my game plan was hatched a week before, when i saw an old Ford Sierra converted to a camper.
So, 'motorised beds on wheels it was'
Usual sfuff like VW campers not allowed, i'm talking ones that shouldn't be on the roads or up the Alps.

Day 0 - Travel Chaos

Saturday was the day we booked for Easyjet to take us from Gatwick to Geneva. Had we known what they had in store for us, it would have been quicker to drive.
Got to Gatwick at 9am, got to Geneva at 5pm. Not happy.
With a couple more hours to kill, a quick trip into Geneva centre for Dave and myself was on the cards.
Little did we know, this waa purely a wallet emptying session to finance the Swiss economy.
10 minute taxi ride and 40 Euros lighter was just the start.
Somewhere cheap to eat in Geneva was not possible, just finding a place to eat where a second mortgage was not required was near on impossible. This place was truly posh and we felt way out of our depth. Where's a descent chippy when you need one? Kebab house, no chance.
Pizza it was, bank account empty.
Picture of hotel we were not in. Off out into France to stay in a cheap B&B.
Ready for the start tomorrow.

Geneva to Nice in 7 days

It was decide that last years trip from Lands End to John O'Groats didn't have enough hills, so this year it was decided we should find a few more. So, it was decided that Geneva to Nice over the Alps in seven days should bring in a few more.
Last year there were three of us that made it to the end Dave, Katy and myself, Katy being our enlisted map reader, Dave our resident moaner and me my normal chirpy self!
So, first things first, we needed to get the band back together for part 2.
This seemed somewhat easier than first thought, so all signed up and ready to go.

The big cheque handover

End of last summer handing over the money!
No truth in the rumour I kept it for myself.
Thank you once again to everyone who sponsored me.