Stage 8- Dear Lord- we have done some climbing! (107 miles)

Le Grand Bornand- Tignes

Morale: 0.8/10 start of the day, 5/10 rest of the day

Climbs: 5037 meters, ~16,000 feet (1 Cat 4, 1 Cat 3, 1 Cat 2, 3 Cat 1s)







Today was certainly the hardest day to get on the bike that we've had so far. It rained and rained and rained the entire evening. The camper van amplifies the sound, making it seem even worse than it really is. 6:15 a.m. we groggily moved around the tight space to eat as much granola and baguettes as possible, find as many dry clothes as possible, fill bottles and set out on the wet bikes.

Wearing water proof socks, booties, leg warmers, a long sleeve shirt, jersey, rain coat, winter gloves, hat, and rain cape, it was hard to believe that it was the 5th of July. clearly, the smart ones in the group, Kyle and Laura decided to stay in for the first section of the ride. Matt, Mark and I hit the Alps somewhat unenthusiastically.

Luckily, the rain eventually slowed and we even began to see a few patches of sun. Laura decided to join us for the Cat 2 and the first two Cat 1 climbs. The more people to share the suffering, the better! For the last climb, the numbers had dwindled down to just Mark and me. We had already been riding for over 7 hours and the evening was quickly approaching. The only thing between me and the rest day was a 18 kilometer, Cat 1 climb. Although I hate to admit that cumulative cycling affected me, the fact that I couldn't get my legs to move faster than 7 miles per hour was a sure sign that the miles were taking their toll. Somehow I slogged my way to the top and felt relieved that I had made it through the first 8 stages without missing out on any of the miles or climbs.

To celebrate our arrival to the rest day, we enjoyed a few beers, fondue (typical Alps cuisine), and checked into a hotel in Tignes. What a luxury to have a bath and a bed after 8 days in the camper van!