Day 4 - Day of Tears

Today's adventure across the French landscape took us down the Aiton-La Chapelle valley south from Albertville to the small quaint village of St Martin and the base of the Col de la Madeleine,  another legendary storied climb in cycling lore.  And while the 19 kilometer (11.4 mile) continuous 7% average climb was indeed extraordinarily awesome & difficult and ultimately rewarding, today's ride became a "day of tears" witnessing the breathtaking majesty of these magnificent Alps & the breathtaking beauty of the valleys below them. As I rode down the valley today, the very thought of Jehovah Almighty placing His loving & powerful hands upon the Earth forming these mountains with the creases of His palms was simply overwhelming, tears rolling down my cheeks over the very image. Think of it this way; the next time you have mashed potatoes for dinner, take a small hand full of them (without the gravy :-P) and place your hand palm down on a flat surface (preferably a plate) but do not "pancake" them. Then, slowly lift your hand and watch the creases of your palm naturally create ridges similar to a mountain range. I had been riding with one of my new-found Aussie mates from the start this morning,  but soon I found myself riding solo in reflection & contemplation, an experience I had not expected on this trip.  Shaddai is indeed the Almighty Teacher...

I'd only achieved 8 kilometers of the Madeleine climb when BOTH my legs reminded me THEY controlled my destiny this day, so I wisely acquiesced to their "recommendation" of taking the SAG wagon to the top & meet up with the crew for lunch and prepare for the corresponding descent to the valley floor on the other side---and what a RUSH it was!  At times even down right scarry as other more talented local area & even Continental level pro cyclists would pass us as if standing still though we were achieving speeds at times of 83kph (51 mph) under control (meaning constantly applying the brakes)--simply amazing. But interestingly enough and almost down right disconcerting during my descent was reliving my 2006 crash in my mind as I made the various switchback turns & chicane type twists throughout the 15 kilometer drop.  As I finally approached the bottom and our group all gathered to catch our collective breath, I suddenly found myself in a stream of tears again from a sense of historical release & accomplishment.  Since our arrival on Monday, many of my fellow team members have shared "war stories" with each other and with the Thomson crew from various rides, one of which being my Mt Weather crash--their support & encouragement to me as I stood there shedding joyful tears was gratefully appreciated, again something I had not expected on this trip...

No doubt more adventures lay in store over the remaining three days, but this day of tears will no doubt be a favorite Chasing-Yellow memory...