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/