We aimed to be out the door of the chalet at 6am and were only 5 mins late - not bad for 5 cyclists and 4 other sleepy people! The 2 cars were packed the night before including the emergency bike rack we had to source on saturday. The drive to Embrun is a scenic one but not quick progress, Holly and the support were behind the 'race car' and we got a call soon to slow down but we were practising our cornering for the mountains!
We were ready to roll at about 8.30am and surprised Millie with the Nathan's Flyers kit that Seatpin had organised (Thanks from us all, I think we looked great!). The first hour was almost flat with a cross/headwind and we were still making good progress to the foot of the first climb, a Category 3. TGMM, Seatpin and I rode up at a cautious pace together, followed a little bit later by Fatsprinter. I stopped for a comfort break and paced Col back on. I'm sure TG and Seatpin weren't freewheeling as it took quite an effort!!!
Up through Briancon saw us thin out a bit but we were soon back together for the Col du Lautaret. Although not steep, it does go on forever and after I'd won the hotspot sprint in Moutier les Bains it got a bit tougher and Fatsprinter trailled off a little. We regrouped at the top and after a short rest we onto the second highest road in France - the Col du Galibier.
My word, there is NO oxygen at the top of there! TGMM and I were fighting it out at the front, closely followed by Seatpin. We got some great pictures there (They're in the post boys!). TG and I had the same max pulse on the steepest section (182) and when we stopped we felt a bit dizzy to say the least.
After a short break to put something warm on, TGMM flew down the descent passing the other motorbikes, with me hanging on for dear life! Boy that man can fly! We got to the planned lunch stop ahead of the support teams as they can't go as fast as we can! Ham and our favourite swiss cheese (in joke) and something to drink. A chance to sit down together with everyone and share stories of the day so far.
Fatsprinter felt better after his coffee (or two!) and led us up the Col du Telegraphe at his speed but little did he know we didn't want to go any quicker anyway! Another roaring descent where we all made a little error or two ;-) but always safely and onto the valley road. We got paced along there by a local cyclist and when I asked if he was going our way he say no, it was too hard.
Probably the hardest climb for most of us was next, the Col de la Croix de Fer. It didn't help that it was about 30 degrees at the bottom and it ramps up steep straight away. There is no shade at the bottom and we were literaly cooking as we tackled the first 4km. A few strategic stops for cooling down and then we continued. There's a short descent and then another torturous 4 or 5km at 9% before some tunnels. TG and I stocked up on water and food (we'd been on the climb for nearly an hour already) and rode the next false flat section at a steadier pace. I think what makes the climb hard is the uneveness of it - there are steep sections, easy sections, flat sections and downhill - all in the space of 30km. Into a town and then BANG!! it gets steep again. It's exposed too so you get hot again and I think we all struggled up from there to the top, a savage climb on a hot day.
The descent of the Croix de Fer is probably one of the best we've cycled. There are a couple of nasty uphill sections to clamber over but the rest of it is all smooth tarmac with a good mix of hairpins and sweeping bends. We all recorded over 50mph down there and it was perfect. A little more valley to the foot of the Alpe d'huez and we were nearly there, 122miles done, another 8miles to go. I don't know how but TG and I blew up there in about 1hr 9mins, passed Nathan's ashes on turn 7, cheering us on all the way.
It was a wonderful, emotional, memorable and epic day. It was all perfect, cycling along with my new brothers in the most brilliant surroundings supported by the best support team in their team issue gear too (they have pro contracts for next year).
Finally thanks to everyone for doing the ride, whether that was pedaling with me, cheering from the support cars, cooking something at the end, stood at the finish line or watching for text messages at home. We love you all. x
Nathan Evington
28/02/77 - 03/11/07
About Nathan
Nathan, was a big chap in more ways than one. He was always to be found at the centre of the action, telling it exactly as it was – loudly!
In fact, Nathan was in such a hurry to make his impact on the world, he arrived on a cold February morning 8 weeks early. He was so premature that he spent his first month in hospital, and at the time was one of the youngest babies in Hedon Road hospital to survive!
Cycling played a huge part in Nathan’s life. He loved the film American Flyers and watched it many times. In it, there is a scene where the main character does the "torture test" which involved running on a treadmill for as long as possible before ending the test by hitting the "chicken" switch. After Nathan’s diagnosis of cardiomyopathy in 2004, he was actually quite excited to discover that he would be required to do his own "torture test" and spent a good deal of time psyching himself up for a good performance. In fact, he was so determined that it was ultimately the doctor, his Mum and the technician who had to drag him off, as Nathan refused to give in himself.
Cycling also revealed Nathan’s talent for remembering facts and figures. He was our very own walking cycling encyclopaedia. He loved to test his friends and show off his knowledge, and he was always the person you would want on your pub quiz team.
Nathan was determined to live life to the full, and unbeknown to his Mum he began playing in a football team a few years ago. The cat was out of the bag when a new football trophy took pride of place on the mantelpiece one evening. Nathan was very proud of himself and his team-mates, although I am reliably informed that Nathan was valued more for his enthusiastic participation, rather than his football talents – which led to his shots on goal just missing the target – 100% of the time!
Nathan was the life and soul of any party and loved to dance. He would always take to the dance floor first, and was quite happy to dance alone. However, his infectious enthusiasm always encouraged others to join him.
Nathan was a kind man, and always generous to a fault – on the benefit of his Mum and brother. He had a very special sense of humour – one he shared with his brother – and left his mark on everyone he met.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
An excellent ride by all of you have been reading the blog while you have all been preparing for the big day.
Well done I am sure Nathan loved the day and was watching down on you all. You should be proud of yourselves for doing so well and for such a good cause, and in memory of such a fantastic person who will be missed by all. Liz n boys (3) xx
Post a Comment