More Mountains

We set our for 100 miles today - a little less than the previous two days riding but this time with 6 classified climbs & one of over 12 miles long. The weather was better today but still cool. A lot of climbing meant the group was split from the start & we only regrouped in Sauxillanges which is at the foot of the 12 mile climb.

The climb starts out pretty sensibly, following the river valley & then splits off at the top with one road taking a shallow ascent & the other a steeper ride at 10% to finish at a lake. We again split on the climb with only a few of us tacking the steep ascent - as we took this approach it led into a very rural but pretty area surrounded by low mountains. at the top & a very steep 15% section we were greeted by 3 menacing dogs from an isolated farm. Great fun when you can only manage 5 mph! Fortunatley they were only interested in barking a lot & we made it safely to the summit & then down into St Gervais.

The finish to St.Hostien was again a tough one - all up hill with slow, draggy roads. Curtis sprang away in the final 2 miles to finish first whilst myself & Dave nursed Les back to the hotel as he couldn't raise his head to see! Nice one.