First day in the mountains

Unfortunately, the old Codger (the scribe) was not able to make it into the mountains. Be assured however that the rest of Team-SIM are in the hills somewhere.

Today they have two climbs to conquer, actually it's three but I forgot to mention the last one. First they have to climb the Col de Marie-Blanque: at just over 3000 feet high they all think it's easy but the truth soon hits them when they find that that the climb is far steeper than anticipated and reaching 20 % at one point. The drop down afterwards however maes the pain all them more worth while, especially when they are greeted by the invaluable support crew with lunch on offer.

Hunger sated, they now take on the mighty Col d'Aubisque which takes them up 5100 feet and into and above the clouds (it's cold up there as well). This may not be as steep as the previous climb but it is twice as long. Again the support crew are at hand to deal out energy drinks, food and warm tops for the long, long descent to the bottom and finally to Argeles-Gazost for a drink, a bath, a meal and a much needed sleep. ZZZzzz

Oh, by the way, after the Col d'Aubisque, the descent was in fact interrupted by a quick ascent of the Col du Soulor (oops). :-)

In the mean time, Codge, Lyndsay and Colin take the valley road from Pau via Lourdes (for lunch) to Argles-Gazost. Once there Lyndsay gets attention from a local physio to sort out her shoulder (she is now ready to join the others the next day for the climb up the Tourmalet) while Codge and Colin rest after a hard day in the valleys and have a well earned drink. :-)

Night Night Team-SIM

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