Richards Addition

I don't want this Aussie blog to be taken over by a south african but it seems to have some SA readers who keep asking questions, like Chris who sent an sms at 11pm last night wanting to know why nobody was going for the pink jersey. Well I know you are colour blind but even so you should know there is no pink jersey in the tour de France. Or perhaps your geography is at fault, there is a maglia rosa in the Giro.
Anyway here is my version of the last few days.
After 4 rest days Celia lead the peloton out of Pierrefitte at 27kmh and we roared into Lourdes where we blogged and then had to climb the first of the hills on our journey east along the foothills of the pyrenees. Our first town was Bagneres de Bigorre but it was only lunch time so we decided to continue only to be immediately confronted with the 2nd hill of the day. These hills are not so long but are still hard work with full panniers. This was followed by a lovely long descent and we flew along to the base of a 3rd climb where there was a small auberge. Rob went in to ask directions to the next town (Lannemezan),and I had to work hard to persuade him that cold beer and wine and a bed in a beautiful country setting was better than attacking another big climb just then. It was awonderful place (30euros a room Alec) and Rob met a very nice New Zealander from Rotorua to whom he chatted for a long time.
Next morning C set off ahead of us because she struggles on the hills. When we eventually caught up with her at the top I could see from her face it was going to be a difficult day for me. I suggested she change into a lower gear only to be told abruptly that she was already in her lowest gear. I then noticed she had done the whole climb in her middle chain ring. She eventually saw the funny side of it but had hurt her knee in the process. The rest of the day was wonderful undulating cycling with lovely scenery to Salies du Salat. Then the next day all along the river to this place near Massat.

Celia making it to the top