All a bit of a struggle for everyone today, the exertions of the last few days catching up with us all.
A chilly start to the morning added to the aches and pains and it took well over an hour of gentle cycling before I had shaken out the stiffness in my legs. Today was generally all uphill, the price we have to pay no doubt for the 20 mile downhill cruise at the end of yesterday. Out of Sisteron and climbing along the valley for 20 miles at a gradual gradient was laborious but finally managed to get the pedals spinning at something approaching a decent rate. Went up and over Col des Sagnes (1200m) of which most of the work was done in the previous 20 mile gradual climb, although it did leave a 1.5 mile hairpin ascent at the end. Struggled up it but didn't feel too bad. The next Col, Col des Garcinets (1250m) we got virtually for free which was nice - we only descended a couple of hundred metres in height from Col des Sagnes and just climbed back up it again over Garcinets.
By this time though life was becoming a real chore, all my energy had gone and every little incline was met with a sigh and an immediate downshift to granny gear. Was also very hungry which didn't help. Stopped for lunch and polished off steak and chips which was lovely.
Another Col directly after lunch, Col St Jean (1332m) - the second Col St Jean we've been over (and we've seen a signpost for a third), this was a relatively easy Col, just a long gradual drag over the top. None of the Cols today had Tour graffiti on the road, I guess they were too unworthy of being climbed by proper riders.
A lovely morning cycling, barely a car on the road and then after Col St Jean we had a really nice 10 mile 5% decline, just freewheeling down it at 30 to 35 mph. At the bottom though we had to join a fairly busy road into Barcelonnette, 10 miles of gradual climb up the valley and this again was a struggle. Stopped and scoffed down an energy bar and bottle of nice sugary drink (Isostar) which helped a little but not much. Arrived in Barcelonnette tired and happy to see my nice inviting hotel bed...
Barcelonnette is a nice little town with a very Mexican influence, a lot of people emigrated from here to Mexico over the centuries and the resulting trade links continue today. The town has two churches, both within 50m of the hotel. Took a walk round one of them - huge and ornate, and this for a population of just 1,000. Put a few euros in the collection box hoping that they turn the bells off overnight...
A big day ahead tomorrow, hopefully up and over Col de la Bonette, 2900m, some 1,800m above where we are now.
Stats for day:
Mileage: 61
Time: 4hr 45
Average: A weary 12.7mph
Max: A freewheeling 37 mph.
The long and winding road ahead:
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