Moderators: Nobody.
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#0 Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:57 am
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Rode the event Sunday 6th July from Pau to the Finish at the top of the Hautacam. 168 Km that also took in the Tourmalet.
Started on a rain soaked morning at 7am (Rain all day by the way)
Couple of 4th cat climbs before arriving at the first cut off point and feed station at Lourdes-70Km. Despite the weather I didn't feel to bad as I prepared for the big effort of the day and second cut off point- The Tourmalet. 23Km of uphill with my svelte frame was a bugger. There was a feed station 5Km below the summit at Le Mongie which was a welcome sight and then onward and upward for the last stretch up to the summit. At the top it was like gorrilas in the mist and the descent pretty cold.
A very long descent to Luz Ardiden was an experience, really fast and scary, unfortunately a young English lad was killed after descending to fast. 
Soon turned on to the Hautacam for a 14km ascent to the finish. Harder I thought than the Tourmalet. Really steep and still raining I grovelled to the top and finished in 9hrs 20mins I think.
The stage is on TV today- Monday. Looking forward to watching the pro's race it. _______________
Pain is only temporary - Quitting is for ever ........ Lance Amstrong |
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#1 Mon Jul 14, 2008 1:28 pm
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Nice one Martin.
Well, at least that puts Stormy Down into perspective! _______________
"The most important thing in life is not to have the most, but to need the least.” Plato (my favourite Disney character). |
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#2 Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:09 pm
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Well done Martin. Watched the stage today. Looked steep at the end. Respect!
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no-legs
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#3 Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:28 pm
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well done martin. what inspired you to keep going when the going got tough?
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#4 Wed Jul 16, 2008 1:36 pm
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Took a tip from Tim OLeary, who has just finished the Austrian Iron Man I believe (well done Tim)
On the Hautacam- which was really tough & raining, started repeating the names of all the people who are dear to me over & over.
I found that the climb had more purpose and built up, I can't stop now attitude.
Sounds a bit corny, but when I was desperate it worked. _______________
Pain is only temporary - Quitting is for ever ........ Lance Amstrong |
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#5 Wed Jul 16, 2008 2:02 pm
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I know what you mean but getting your head around the task before you do it is where I start.
Another motivating factor is knowing that your car is in Chepstow but you are in Anglesey! _______________
"The most important thing in life is not to have the most, but to need the least.” Plato (my favourite Disney character). |
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no-legs
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#6 Thu Jul 17, 2008 1:50 pm
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well you should be proud of yourself Martin. It was no easy ride mate.
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#7 Thu Jul 17, 2008 8:22 pm
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Thank you!  _______________
Pain is only temporary - Quitting is for ever ........ Lance Amstrong |
