Well, I thought I was ready to come over here to challenge the big Pyrennian climbs of the Tour de France...I've had a terrific spring/early summer of training, I try to watch what I eat, and stretch my muscles, yoga, etc. And you know, it really worked. I made it to the summits of both the Col du Soulor (Cat. 1) and the Col d'Aubisque (HC - Hors Category (English - Beyond Category)). The thing is, that my epic wife did the same thing...all the while wondering what all the fuss about this cycling business was all about...nothin' to it. Well, what can I say, she is from GASPEREAU MOUNTAIN...I wonder where it would fit in the categorization. Long story short (for now)...yesterday we had a great day; we caught the peleton about 2 km from the summit of the Aubisque. We stayed (tent) both Monday and Tuesday night in a small village called Arrens Marsous (get your atlases out) at the base of the Soulor. In the morning, I descended down to Argeles Zaoust and climbed back up, then Selena joined me and together we conquered Soulor and Aubsique.
And we were treated to none other than Lance Armstrong and Chris Horner of Team Radioshack (aka ShackStrong to some - that's a specific tap on the shoulder to see who's following along) in the break. If you were watching on the tele, yes that idiot in the Cervelo Test Team kit running alongside the breakaway group was yours truly. Next we were treated to great looks of the yellow jersey of Alberto Contador (don't get me started on the scandal of his taking Andy's jersey) and Andy Schleck (Andy looked me right in the eye as I shouted, "Way to go Andy!". Our old friend from the Alpe d'Huez, Mr. Carlos Sastre was also visible in this group. So much to share and I'm a bit pressed for time right now...Cancelara, Hushovd, Pettachi, Wiggins, Cavenish, Millar, Basso, S. Sanchez, and many others were easily spotted.
As for today, the rest day, I (solo) climbed the famous Hautacam, and we lifted stakes (literally) and have moved to Bareges (a little less then half way up the most famous Col du Tourmalet). Tomorrow, after the requisite espressos and pain au chocolat, I will descend to Luz Saint Saveur (the official start of the climb), re-ascend to Bareges, pick up Selena, and from here we will challenge the Col.
Looking for fireworks from either Contador or Schleck tomorrow. Can't wait.
Tomorrow night, we hope to head back south to Spain (though we may end up spending the night here...?) to scout out the beaches outside of Girona so that Deanna and Selena can get a good plan of attack together. Speaking of whom, we're looking forward to Saturday's arrival of Rod and Deanna. Many good times are set to go OFF!
Internet access in these small mountain towns has been tough but I promise to be better at updating the blog once we're back in Girona (our apartment has wifi :)
Until then, wish us luck - please think dry thoughts (we're about to head out to our rainy tent and the forecast for tomorrow is R-A-I-N...but you won't here us complaining).
Seleno
Home sweet home 
Tour de France fans will recognize this guy!
Get that woman a polka dot jersey
Makin' it look easy
Au sommet de l'Aubisque
Fortunately the camera caught Chris Horner in the break; unfortunately, it missed Lance (try again tomorrow)
Chasing the break
Fabian Cancellara leads a chase group up the Aubisque
A happy guy at Hautacam!
Where's the obligatory travelling quiz? I was looking forward to the quiz!!
ReplyDeleteAnd can I just say how much I enjoy that you, Selena, are kicking ass in standard, comfy (yet of course, undeniably sexy) workout gear as opposed to the seemingly prerequisite Cervelo togs - which only goes to prove it`s not what`s *on* the woman, but what`s *in* the woman that counts!
Way to go!
IWOM
Getting very excited about seeing you in a few days. We tried desperately to catch a glimpse of either of you on TV yesterday (Rod taped it, may have to take a second glance!!) My Dad made it through open heart surgery today, he had a valve replaced, so feeling much better about leaving the country, I will see him tomorrow. Still haven't officially packed, but it will all get done! Selena you rock, but I already knew that! Shane you rock too, cahsing down the breakaway pack! We rented a car for the week, so we have wheels for the beach! Can't wait to see you my friends! Dee
ReplyDeletePS - We won our game tonight 3-2! A close one!
Looks like great times are being had by all. Way to go Selena. I guess growing up in the Gaspereau already trained you for your cycling challenges. Hey Shane, I am sure you are a constant inspiration. Anyway, be safe and capture as many memories as you can. :)
ReplyDeleteSharon
Oh and since you two are enjoying the Tour de France and doing lots of cycling Shelly and I thought we would do the same. So we headed out this morning and did the Tour de Stonehurst. Now the Garden Lots hill was big but it's no mountain. It was a scorcher and not a breeze unless we went downhill. LOL
ReplyDeleteOur next adventure will be the Tour de Sunnybrook. :)
Shane & Selena, Way to go!!!!Fun! Fun! What can I say Selena? I knew you could handle it. Did you actually think she would set herself up for failure???NOT A CHANCE!!! no hills or mountains here just bald headed prairie as they say here. Of course mountains in far distance. I went way out into the prairies to a ranch for lunch today. Good luck with Your buddy Lance tomorrow. Deanna glad to hear your Dad did well! Have fun and Be safe!!! Love momeno
ReplyDeleteHey guys
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the col d'aubisque, both of you. It must be so awesome to ride those climbs. Good luck on the col du tourmalet today.....looks a little wet on the live coverage. I'll be riding on the trainer in front of the TV watching the HC climb, in stark contrast to you guys actually being there. Give Lance a shout out for me. Have a great day on the mountain
matt
What a great experience for both of you! Looks like you are having the time of your lives, rain or not! Enjoy!
ReplyDelete