Didn't sleep well last night for some reason; wasn't hurting or in any (real) pain or discomfort, enjoyed a good evening meal of grilled fish, ratatouille (which done well is fabulous!), roast potatoes, and apricot tart, have kept well hydrated throughout each day, stretched out well each evening before retiring for the night. But today as we rolled out for a four climb day (nothing major as previous days), my whole body began to go "knackered", as my Aussie roommate Tim would say, the further we rode. The first climb of the day, the 974 meter 6% avg Col du la E'Pinine, came after a 24 kilometer (15 mile) "warm up" through the northern valley around Albertville which was rather enjoyable, and I'd hoped the warm up would help me get through the "knackerings"; sadly, by the time we arrived at the climb, I threw in the towel & informed the Thomson ride leader Tony I was returning to the hotel for some rest & recovery in preparation for tomorrow's ride up to Chamrousse where the group will get prime real estate viewing for the Stage 13 finish. Tony applauded the decision and made sure I was comfortable returning on my own, which I was, padded me on the back & said "chapeuax", Spanish slang for "good choice"...
So with a disappointed spirit, I waved best wishes & good ride encouragement to my velociped comrades as they continued on towards the first of four climbs for the day, then turned south back towards Albertville; I was thankful moments later, though, to be joined by the Aussie father-son duo who apparently we're "knackered" as well & chose to enjoy their holiday back at the hotel poolside for the day. As we rolled back into town to complete our short lived Day 5 ride, we looped through the Albertville City Centre to see the remnants of the 1992 Olympic Hall (sadly being dismantled to make way for a shopping plaza) and the Olympic torch across from the outdoor Olympic stadium, now a local velodrome--heritage reminders of the global nature sport leverages with humanity. But for now, the sirens of a shower, a margharita pizza, and a nap are calling my name--I believe I will answer their call... :-)
1 comment:
It's amazing what a little altitude can do to us sea level people. I had an experience in Bolivia where on day 3 my body said, "you can have breathing or digestion...but not both". I needed a nap after I put on my socks!
Take it easy, my friend, I know you're excited, but finishing in one piece is preferable to not finishing at all.
Post a Comment