Epilogue

Twelve great days in one song

Day Eleven: Gincla to the Mediterranean

The last day was 135kms over three final cols to the Mediterranean coastal town of Collioure,  which included a further 1500m of ascent. The total for the trip according to those that follow these things on Garmin and Strava is over 1000 kms and 20,000m of climbing. Not bad for nine riding days. 

The final dinner was a magnificent feast over looking the sea on a glorious Summer's evening. The company as always was excellent.

On behalf of all of us that were fortunate enough to be part of this trip a sincere thanks to Alistair for all his meticulous planning, and to Alistair (again) and Jim for looking after us so well on the trip.

All very keen.... the last morning about to leave Gincla

Brendan sporting the only injury of the tour

Ian takes no prisoners on the last climb

Russell rolling down to the Mediterranean

The countryside is much harsher and drier nearer the coast

The pretty town of Ceret was the extended lunch stop of the day

Even Rob stepped up from the usual panini

Very happy cyclists arrive at the beach in Collioure

Lew stood there for a long time until a photo was finally taken

Captain America Ben symbolically completes the coast to coast ride



The Finish 

Thanks to all for an unforgettable trip. From left to right Jim (La Fuga), Ben, David, Michael, Russell, Brendan, Alan, Steve, Jim, Darryl, Bill, Ian, Wayne, Rob and Lew (missing Alistair, the photographer)

Day Ten: Tarascon to Gincla

Today was the last day big day of climbing of the tour. Two big climbs ( Col de Marmare and the iconic Col de Pailheres) with a couple of Alistair's 'bonus' cols along the way. Fortunately the other two bonus cols he had planned had to be left out as the access roads were closed. It's hard to imagine a bunch of less disappointed riders. 

The total distance for the day was still 115kms and 2500m of up. Not too shabby. 

Brendan put in a magnificent effort climbing up the Col de Pailheres in considerable heat over a 15km climb, much at over 9% gradient. Unfortunately he later punctured on some loose gravel on the flat run along the river and crashed.... loosing a good amount of skin, but fortunately no broken bits. Very bad luck, but could have been much worse.

Another great chateau in a very picturesque part of the south of France. This can't last.

On the road out of Tarascon

Hill top Roman ruins on the way to Col de Marmare

Brendan bags another big col

View from Pailheres...over 2000m 

Amazing roads snaking through the valley

Hostellerie du Grand Duc

For those hardcore that are interested La Fuga has put a bunch of tour photos up on Flickr at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41002211@N03/collections/72157630839324992/ 

Day Nine: St-Giron to Tarascon

A perfect day in the Pyrenees. Another two big climbs (Col de Latrape and Col d'Agnes) over 1900m over 85 kms. 

Lunch was a very civilised plat du jour next to an alpine lake at the top of the second climb, followed by a great descent and time trial run into Tarascon-sur-Ariege, our destination for the day. 

Another day...another great chateau (www.manoiragnes.com).

Col count: 27 completed out of a total of 37

Rolling out of St-Giron

This is for Bob..unfortunately we were too early for lunch

Beautiful views over the Ariege Pyrenees

A great spot for paragliding

It's not much...but we call it home (for a night)

NEWSFLASH!!!

Happily La Fuga have realised the absolute cycling talent that has been assembled on this trip and have decided to come on board as a naming rights sponsor for the group. Accordingly team jerseys have been issued and a wild card entry for the next Tour de France is assured.

Day Eight: St-Giron Rest Day

Scenes from a rest day

Wayne showing how it's done....

Another beautiful Pyrenean view

Ben lead the charge of the 'recovery ride' for some

 

Poolside 'recovery' for others

Dinner on the chateau terrace

  

Obligatory food shot

Day Seven: Sauveterre-des-Comminges to St-Girons

Back to a more normal day today with two big climbs (Col de Portet d'Aspet and Col de la Core, about 2300m over 100kms), punctuated by lunch. This was followed by two minor climbs (250m?) over some beautiful narrow country lanes and then a great roll/time trial into St-Girons, our home for the next two nights.

We are staying at Chateau de Beauregard (www.chateaubeauregard.net) which is Alistair's favourite hotel on the tour. It's not too shabby. A swim followed by a magnificent dinner at a beautifully refurbished abbey overlooking St-Girons. 

Michael and Russell taking care not to get lost

Lew's shoes.  Pushing the boundary of good taste 

Mist at the top of the second Col

Rolling down to St-Girons

St-Girons

Rear of the Chateaux. Not too bad.

Dinner Photos

Day Six: St-Lary to Sauveterre-des-Comminges

Today was the Queen stage of the tour...the hardest of the 9 days. Four big climbs (Col d'Azet, Col de Peyresourde, Col du Portillon and then Col d'Artigaux), over 3300m and 120 kms. A big day out for all of us. Happily we all made it without too much distress, and the weather was overcast, warm and rain free. Perfect for this sort of terrain. 

The last climb was on some very rough roads surfaces which at times resembled a mountain cross course. At least it gave tour guide Jim a chance to demonstrate his cyclocross skills. Very impressive. It turns out he's the reigning British Cyclocross Champion..as I said...very impressive.

The hotel tonight is just fantastic. Nestled in a valley and no town within kilometres...it was just magic coming in from such a long day in the saddle to such a well appointed, hospitable and beautiful place.  Showers, a swim in the pool, beers on the balcony and dinner were the order of the day on arrival for all of us.. It's called Hostellerie des 7 Molles  (www.hotel7molles.com).  Regrettably we are only here for one night.   

Alistair has been taking photo's throughout the trip, so if there's any hardcore tragics that want to see more photo's of sweaty blokes in lycra then if you go to the La Fuga Flickr site you can overdose there:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41002211@N03/

The tough life of a Pyrenean cow

Lew and Alan celebrate conquering the first Col of the day

Tour guides Alistair and Jim enjoying a private moment

Second climb of the day under the belt

Typical scenery through the villages

Back into the valley on the road to the finish

Food Photos

In response to requests for more food shots...this was tonight's dinner...