France 2012 Part Six

Typically for these posts I look at my journal from that day and alter/condense/extrapolate on my notes. However for this day, what I wrote in my journal was pretty much spot on. First the words, then the photos.

Friday 6-19-12

Others went sight seeing to save themselves for the race tomorrow. However, Ulrich and I rode.

 I came to France to ride.

We did Port de Lers, descended a bit to the cafe up there and had a Coke and got some postcards and returned. The road up Port de Lers is awful - I am sure they are prepping it for the Tour, hence all the busywork going on. The last part of the descent is pretty scary - it is VERY fast and there is a turn right at the end where if you aren't careful it tries to spit you out the side.

Tomorrow is the race. I am good with skipping the Plateau de Beille at the end but if the weather cools down a bit and I feel good I will do it. If I feel like crap I am not subjecting myself to the torture. The insanely hot temperatures have made this week a crusher. From talking to others this is probably making good sense. I am good with it and that is all that counts.

It was amazing today (during a wonderful conversation with Ulrich in between pants) how hot it was on the ascent of Port de Lers, and how cold it was on the other side.

 I am making new friends here. Sadly, some people aren't playing nice, but whatever. I am no longer involved in that shit. So glad I rode today and I will ride Sunday, the day after the race tomorrow.

4.5 hours until dinner. Time to write some post cards and head to the bar for some wifi and a few 1664's.

Link to today's ride via Garmin.

Data:
Saddle time: 2 hours, 6 minutes, 44 seconds.
Average mph: 9.2
Total ride: 19.4 miles
3304 feet of ascent
121 beats per minute average
142 beats per minute max
Max speed: 34.1 mph
Average rpm: 69