Bertren in late May - Day one

Inspired by the fantastic Rapha book 'Great Road Climbs of the Pyrenees' and spurred on by some conversations with Nigel I decided to spend a couple of weeks in the Pyrenees riding the roads which I enjoyed so much in 2006. I would spend week one staying in cycling friendly accomodation in Bertren (80k east of Lourdes). Bertren gives ridable access to a whole host of cols I have never ridden before, Superbagneres, Col des Ares, Col de Mente, Col du Portillon, Port D'Aspet and one that struck fear into my legs Port de Bales. The second week would be spent in Lourdes at the residence Foch where I would meet up with Nigel (who would fly in to join me) and Mark - a friend of Nigel's. Both Mark and Nigel were along to recce the etape which would climb the Tourmalet and Hautacam. Sadly Nigel who was originally scheduled to join us had to pull out of the trip at the last moment due to some health issues. So it was going to just be Mark and I in Lourdes.

I loaded up the 'motor' on Friday evening and headed off to Ashford with a stop scheduled just north of Paris that evening. I recall getting stuck in traffic in Paris on our journey south in 2006 so was keen to 'clear' the city when traffic would be scarce. However this meant more than 300k to be covered once I was in France.

Traffic in the UK meant I missed my scheduled 'sailing' So an hour and a half later than planned I boarded the train. All went smoothly until the Parisian suburbs where running low on fuel I followed my trusty TomTom to a petrol station on route (one of dozens nearby). Unfortunately I took it for granted the the Parisian garages would be of the 24 hour variety. No problem they have pumps that accept payment by card. Wrong! When my cards were rejected at all of the half dozen garages and my fuel range was registering 0 kms things were looking grim.

Should I continue to search for a garage hoping to find one where my cards would work but running the risk of running out of fuel (driving a diesel I would therefore require mechanical assistance to get on my way again as woe betide running a diesel engine dry). Or should I hole up for the night at a garage which would open in the morning. After around 10 failed garages I made my mind up that the next garage on the list would be make or break. If my cards did not work I would spend the night on the forecourt.

Thankfully the gods were smiling on me and my card was accepted and I could continue the final 10k to my now long overdue bed. It was now gone 2am and not wanting to make the original crack of dawn departure I had scheduled on so little sleep the chances of making Bertren early enough to get a ride in were looking slim.

Hamsters on the move

Was in Amsterdam for business this week. I am over there at least once a month these days. Whilst I was away I caught up with Ham's most recent blog update so as I was waiting to board my flight home I dropped him an SMS to wish him safe passage to the US. It was a great surprise to get a message straight back saying 'I am in an airport heading to Heathrow for the evening to pick up my connection to the US tomorrow morning'. What luck! A flurry of SMS ensued and two hours later Ham and I were having a beer together and talking about timings for an Italia '09 trip.

Unfortunately I did not have a camera to add some images to this post but it was great to see Ham so unexpectedly. Its good to text. Good to see you Ham all the best in your new 'cage'. For all you other bloggers out there standby for more details of the Italia trip. In the mean time check out this post and images from a cyclist of his recent trip to the Sella Ring in Italy. Stunning! http://jeredgruber.com/site/?p=475

First post ........

Well this is the first post of (I hope) many to try and keep those who are in the know up to date with my two wheeled adventures as I attempt to turn myself into a sometime very keen cyclist into a always very keen (and riding) cyclist. Stay tuned for further updates ............