The BIG Ride '09 - The Pyrenees Challenge

Day 1 of the 4 long days

2009-07-13T00:11:00.001-07:00

So, departing Tarbes Team-SIM set off an a 140 mile trip to Libourne. As luck would have it the first 40 to 50 miles are relatively down hill and so they make good progress.

Distance however can take its toll. And so as the day and Team-SIM progress the miles get longer, the hills get harder and the roads get rougher. And yet, the support crew as is so often the case think that riding a bike aint that hard. Cue Rob Drake who helps himself to the spare bling bike that Codge brought and rides the last 70 miles.

This is probably the first time that Rob has ridden a road bike and given that the bike wasn't really set up for him, applause has to be awarded to him for achieving what is by any standard, a significant distance. Mind you, having sat in the van with Steve Yates I think I do understand the motivation for sticking with the bike and the fresh air :-).

As days go, this is probably the most telling so far with many riders flagging. Little Fran for instance was just about finished with 20 miles to go but her determination and stubborness wouldn't let her give in and so it was that all riders got in tired and maybe a little late.

All then comandeered the dining room for the evening and ate just about everything in sight.

And so to bed for Team-SIM before the next marathon day.

Night Night Team-SIM

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Mike (Wrinklie 1) Saunders Prepares to Ride

2009-07-12T08:37:00.001-07:00

"Blow this says Mike, all these cyclists look as though they are having way too much fun and you know what? It doesn't look that difficult so I guess I'l have a go as well as well".

With this, Mike dons his bestest looking cycling gear, prepares a suitable steed (actually, it's Codge's Bling Bike but he aint using it) and is ready for the off.

Now, bearing in mind that he's over 70 and hasn't ridden since he was a teenager it's probably fair to say that the bikes have a changed a little bit since then. Gone are the days of rod brakes and single speed: these are the days of integrated gear and brake mechs, 20 gears to choose from, carbon handlebars and chainsets and pedals that you have to clip into. But, he was determined to give it a go. The team wished him god speed and sent him on his way.

Three miles he managed before he conceded defeat and accepted that doing support was much more his style so it was with some relief that he was helped from his bike so that he could return to the van.

Actually, let's be honest, the real reason Mike did this was to honour a pledge by the family who would donate roughly £50 a mile which means that they owe £150 :-)

Stage Finish in Tarbes

2009-07-12T03:00:00.001-07:00

By the way, did I mention that Colin and Codge in their pathetic attempt to find the hotel went straight by it and carried on for a couple more miles and found the finish line for the Tour de France scheduled for the 12th. Here somebody had gone wild with spray paint to let us know that Le Tour was on it's way.

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Day 2 in the mountains

2009-07-11T05:38:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying that this update should have been here yesterday but I had trouble posting it from my Blackberry. After two attempts at resending the post I assumed that the problem was with having attached too many photos. So, I attempted to delete the last photo I had attached, it asked if I was sure: I said yes, and yes you've probably guessed already: My nice little Blackberry (I call him Arnie) kindly deleted the whole blooming lot. I was not a happy man. I broke friends with Arnie and cast him aside with the phrase 'bother'.

Now however Arnie and I have made up and he has promised to behave and not to play any more tricks on me on the understanding that I'll transplant his SIM card into a newer and better Blackberry. So, let's try again with a Blog update.

Having successfully concquered all the climbs on day 1 in the mountains, including the third sneaky Souler, Team-SIM arrived in Argeles-Gazost to thunderous applause from Codge and Colin who had a very hard day along the valley roads. They (Team-SIM) then drank, showered, drank, ate, drank and slept and were now ready for the Tourmalet and the d'Aspin.

Both excited and nervous they all set off from Argeles having had a wonderful breakfast at our hotel and headed for the mighty Col du Tourmalet which would take them to over 6900 feet. Cloud base this day was a lot lower and so conditions on the way up became damp and subsequently a lot colder before they reached the top and above the clouds. I remember Tom telling me that his plan was to stop at every other kilometer (odd numbered) marker for a drink before continuing. This worked well until having set off from 5 to go, and waiting for 3 to go he came to the 2 to go. Somebody had hidden his water stop :-) No doubt there are many other anecdotes but I'm sure riders will be more than happy to bore you all on their return :-)

There was just about time at the top for a short celebration and a visit to the stall at the top to 'get the shirt' before starting the long drop to the bottom (something they were all looking forward to).

Having watched them cycle down the Tourmalet, I can now confirm that at least one third of Team-SIM are certifiable as barking lunatics. :-)

I'm not sure how long the drop was but I think it was about 12 miles during which time they hurtled down that mountain eating up the miles and spitting out the back any traffic that got in their way: This included cycles (pedal or motor), cars and camper vans! As they dropped through the clouds and as the mountain dropped away to their side,they approached speeds of close to 50 miles an hour hitting the brakes for the numerous tight turns and hitting the pedals for any straightish bit they could see (and with visibility sometimes down to just 50 meters that wasn't always easy).

After this, they all stopped briefly for lunch provided for by the two brilliant support crews (Mike & Pete and Rob & Steve) before climbing the d'Aspin. At roughly 4600 feet, this was going to be a walk in the park: and it was. The drop down the other side however was just as spectacular and every moment was savoured by all riders.

Now then, did I mention yesterday that Lyndsay had to see a physio for her shoulder. Well, she did, and he seemed to do the trick as she managed to reach the top of the tourmalet before her shoulder hit back.

Did I mention also that yours truly, Codge, and Colin had previously cycled along the valley to Argeles? Well they did and today they cycled back along the valley stopping at Lourdes (unfortunately, no miracles) before heading to Tarbes to meet the rest of the riders. I can now confirm that COPD and cycling up mountains do NOT make good bed fellows. Personally I would like to expess my gratitude to Colin for riding with me for the last four days even though the pace must have been interminably slow. Thank you Colin. It is appreciated.

I would like to say to all of Team-SIM a big well done. I set you the challenge of cycling four iconic Tour de France climbs in two days. You all rose to it and met that challenge and showed just what can be done. The next challenge is to cycle 500 miles in four days to meet the ferry home. We then cycle from Portsmouth to the Newbury Business Park to regroup before we all ride back en mass to the HQ on the 14th.

Go Team-SIM. :-)

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First day in the mountains

2009-07-09T01:08:00.000-07:00

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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Argeles-Gazozt

2009-07-08T06:52:00.001-07:00

With Codge feeling unwell, he decided to do the sensible thing and take the short cut from Pau to Argeles-Gazost (around 35 miles) so missing out some hills. Hence he is now sitting in the hotel surrounded by mountains enjoying a beer.

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Off To Pau

2009-07-07T23:36:00.001-07:00

Straight out of the hotel, immediately over the river and we're in France. As soon as we hit France, Mark hits the tarmac on a roundabout. In obvious pain, he stays where he is. The border police come over to help followed by some more. Then an ambulance: then a police bike, then another police bike, then a paramedic then our two vans. Traffic building everywhere and twenty one cyclists standing around taking photos (to follow). Luck has it (if you can call it luck), Mark has a dislocated shoulders and is now confined to the van.

The rest of the day went well and will probably turn out to be the easiest day of the ride. A bit of climbing to start then 20 miles flat with the last 30 miles slightly uphill but with the wind behind us. Wow what a ride, even Codge liked it!

Tomorrow, the mountains!!! Can all riders do all the climbs? I don't think so, but we shall see.

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Bilbao to Irun

2009-07-07T07:04:00.001-07:00

I'll tell you what said Codge in July 08, let's alldp a really big
ride through Spain & France: the scenery is great and it'll be nice
and hot. Well 1 out of 2 ain't bad.
The first day in Spain turned from 90 miles into 104 soggy, wet, cold
and very hilly miles. In fact, the day was so hard the Lan Turton
Rouge wouldn't let the old Codger stop at a bar. Just as well though:
We eventually got to the hotel at 21:15: just enough time to shower
and eat before bed.
For all that however the route was fantastic with some great climbs
and descents.

Sent from France.

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2009-07-04T10:53:00.001-07:00

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Team Sim ready for the off.

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Day 1 Lunch Stop

2009-07-04T06:54:00.000-07:00

Left HQ 30 minutes late while we waited for Master Paterson faffed
about. So many of us reached the Flower Potts at 14:00 to be told they
had closed the kitchen and wouldn't do us any food. Thanks a lot
chaps. Went to the Milbury's who were a of more amenable. Top marks
chaps.

Sent from the Milbury's.

Podgers Bike

2009-07-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

Test

2009-07-02T06:21:00.001-07:00

Test

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