hilly bits

we have just managed some amazing days riding through some real hills. firstly a few days through the Pyrenees, following stage 11 of Le Tour. It took us 2 days to cover the route from Lannemezan to Foix. The second days category 1 climb over Col de Portel was luckily overcast and misty so we could happily spin our way to the top without overheating. and the view from the top was probably amazing!

the wildlife here is pretty threatening. this dude probably has the best job on le tour circuit.. fanging around in a furry lion go kart. he doesnt do too bad for speed either; certainly keeping up with the giant wheely bins no problem. it'll be an awesome sight to see this guy struggling up alpe d'huez in just a couple days time!

after a train ride from Foix to Toulouse (and a day hanging out by the river in Toulouse), we boarded another train to Valence. from here it was a beautiful 2 day ride to Grenoble through the Gorges de la Bourne area, although it was a pretty hard slog. the gradient wasnt too steep, but it did go on for 30km, and the day was still and about 35°.

anyway, we're now in Grenoble, surrounded by stunning hills, and getting ready to ride to Alpe d'Huez to for the 17th stage on wednesday. should be a winner!