For those who did the Etape 2008

AndrewM · Post by **AndrewM** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 9:47 am

One week later, and you'd have been climbing in these conditions:

From La Mongie, looking to the top of the Tourmalet

Arthur · Post by **Arthur** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 9:58 am

Heh. I remember that view. It looks like a very long way to the top when you blew up 5 k back down the hill.

AndrewM · Post by **AndrewM** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 10:16 am

Strangely enough Arthur, i found the steeper sections at the top easier than the shallower bottom sections, as it was incredibly hot from Bagnerres to the treeline.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Didi the devil, but that pic has gone to Cath.

Willy H · Post by **Willy H** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 10:57 am

Don't keep rubbing it in with all those blue skies etc etc...for those who spent a day riding in a fog!
I especially regret not having seen that big yellow tower crane, I LOVE those! Especially near the summit of the highest col in the Pyrenees!

AndrewM · Post by **AndrewM** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 12:54 pm

I didn't mind the unsightly crane, it was the signs every kilometre telling you how far to go and the average incline ahead that I really lived for.

They are the ultimate motivational tool when you're almost running empty.

Gill C · Post by **Gill C** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 2:09 pm

Never mind the cycling did you see my brother on your travels?

Gill C · Post by **Gill C** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 2:10 pm

Never mind the cycling, did you see my brother when you were away?

AndrewM · Post by **AndrewM** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 2:42 pm

Gill C wrote:Never mind the cycling, did you see my brother when you were away?

Oh yes.