This morning's start was delayed while Mark Grattan went to the central post office to collect a cylindrical package. It transpired that this was the last booster for Martin's down tube motor and was based on the klystron of the new TrueBeam linear accelerator radiotherapy machines. It was quickly fitted and off they went to tackle the first two climbs of the day.
On the climb Geoff (Marco) has some gear problems which were solved by Ciaran Rafferty. Despite being nominally easier than the Tourmalet, these climbs proved to be a severe challenge. Paula and Gillian stopped to chat to a few old friends:
The scenery was absolutely spectacular and in particular the road to the Col D'Asbique traversed a 2000 ft climb with alarming drops following from the side of the road. On this road, Wim van Est whilst wearing the Yellow Jersey during the 1951 Tour de France (which Larry remembers well), crashed and went over the side, landing on a ledge 70 metres, with 100's of metres to the valley floor. His team managed to rescue him by knotting together their tyres and tubes and pulling him to safety. Sadly they had to retire from the tour because their tyres and tube were hopeless stretched and they were not allowed to replace them under the existing rules. Larry remembers this being a major source of controversy in Carrickmore Ferret Handling club.
The drop to the valley floor:
The ascent was complicated by having to negotiate several herds of cows and horses, which seemed to delight in obstructing cars, vans and cyclists. The cowpats were a major cause of anxiety to some cyclists.
As the cyclists neared the top of the Col d'Aubisque a very low percussive boom was heard, first thought to be the sonic boom of a low flying jet fighter (more of which later). Gillian ascended well but in the final kilometer, she saw a fine young man lying on the road with his arms raised. She suddenly realised that "will you marry me?" was painted in 3 feet high lettering, and that the person offering himself was none other than Greg Junior, who had asked his Father's permission before asking Gillian. Gillian's answer has not been recorded and matter not resolved.
On returning home Larry noticed that the tin of paint that he was bringing to the South of France, to paint his 70 foot yacht (named Sheila's Dream) was missing half its contents and Greg the likely suspect.
The lunch stop on the Col' Aubisque allowed the group to taste the Asbique omelette which are renowned in the region. The restaurant has a bizarre rule which allowed only Garlic Potatoes with the omelette. Seamus got around this by telling the waiter where to put his Garlic Potatoes and asked for a plain baguette. Seamus felt his omelette tasted strange, so the waiter may have has his revenge. Mairead had a puncture at the top, the first of the tour. A group photo was taken at the top of the Col with bicycles roughly the same size as Johnny's.
Martin's back tyre had developed a number of cuts in keeping with major structural damage and it has to be replaced to permit his usual flying descent. At this point it emerged that the loud noise has been from the engagement of Martin's super turbo. Unfortunately it had proved far too powerful, spinning the back wheel and shredding the tyre. Martin descended the Aubisque with his usual aplomb and even out-paced the news helicopter winning the best descender again. Betty as usual got the best female descender. Larry wins no prizes for descending.
The fast group took a short cut over the Col de Marie Blanc, which is a massive tour classique. They still managed to arrive back at the hotel looking as fresh as daisies, but not smelling as though.
The overall stage with two climbs and 76 miles proved very challenging. The run from the base of the Aubisque went through a short picturesque valley and then a long monotonous valley full of nasty hills. The final 20 miles were relatively smooth downhill, through small villages with large traffic islands and curious red traffic islands designed to kill cyclists. The 3rd way group were fortified by coffee in a bistro where the waitress was more interested in reading her magazine and appeared totally opposed to serving customers, making life as difficult as possible. However, the group persevered and were faced by a dramatic dash to make it home before dark. They entered the hotel at 8pm, having covered 18 miles in the last hour, with the pace being set by Larry and Seamus.
Today's stage and hence the Yellow Jersey was won by Ciaran (Ballycoan VC) and Gerry (Phoenix CC) jointly with bridges having being mended from yesterday's Stewart's enquiry. Both celebrated by having several slices of the delicious Basque speciality almond cake.
The King of the Mountains was keenly atested and David was first over the Col du Solour and the Col de Marie Blanc. Niall, however was first over the Col d'Aubisque and was a narrow winner of the King of the Mountains.
Philip won the Green points Jersey and Mairead was Queen of the Mountains. In a shocking announcement, Paula was given the young female riders Jersey for the 6th time.
For todays route follow: http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=xjghuqzrssawhymr
Todays Stats:
Distance: 75.21 Miles
Cycling Time: 7 hours 24 minutes
Climb : 6014 feet
Calories: 6474
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