Tour De Force 2010

Written by Monty Wates

‘Ah’, a lie in I thought while sipping on a pint in the bar of the hotel with the worst service so far on tour – welcome to the outskirts of Paris! Sarah blew that idea out of the water with one of her beautifully crafted firm but fair guidelines of the day to follow. Another six thirty wake up call was ringing in my ears as I tootled off to the local village for dinner and wine with a few fellow revellers – it was clear to some of us the end was near.

However, we had Paris to conquer and if you have been told that cyclists rule the road, don’t believe a word of it. I am sure the unnecessarily aggressive driving had nothing to do with the English writing on our dangerously close to gay pride pink cycling shirts! So as morning was breaking off we went at ‘breakneck’ speed. It was a real family day today with quite a few children cycling. The pace was slow and got slower on our first big hill of the day – to a walk in some cases! It was a stop start affair with such a big group of us cycling through traffic lights etc. We had been given seven hours to cycle just over 50km today so it gave some of us time to reflect on what Will would have thought of all this. So proud and slightly embarrassed seemed to be the main conclusions and seeing the swathe of pink stretching out in front of me representing his memory felt almost unreal.

Almost there!

Everyone had done an extra-ordinary job to get all the riders here relatively unscathed. There was a buzz in the air and it felt special. Mrs Wates (or Mum as I know her) had a tumble on the Champs Elysees which had a few of us worried but showing fighting spirit that 134 other riders had shown at different times on Tour she bounced up and was on her bike again in no time stopping traffic with the rest of us while cycling around one of the great icons in the world, the Arc de Triomphe on our way to another – our final destination, the Eiffel Tower. It was here when it all became real. Rick held the ‘Lifers’ back from the rest of us and asked us to make a tunnel for them to ride through. When they came round the corner their achievements reflected perfectly the achievements of every rider and member of staff on tour and it was in that moment, when they high fived their way through the tunnel made of man and woman, that the reality of what this was all about came home to us all encapsulated in a tear or a fluttering chest.

The Lifers gather before the emotional run in

This had been a spectacular event in which everyone played their part, we had raised an amazing amount for charity (£315,000 at the last count) and many people had achieved something they considered not possible on paper. This brings me back to the lifers. Gripping wives, girlfriends and family members with tears in their eyes, broken men but for their ecstasy this was the end of an unforgettable experience for all of them. They have made some truly amazing friends and overcome one of the toughest human endurance races known to man. I take this opportunity to salute every one of you. I bask in reflected glory here only, but quite a few times riders came up to me and talk of what a lovely family the Wates’s are and I think this is a testament to how Rick has overseen the tour with help from Jonny but what makes me most happy is that Will’s natural goodness lives on through us all.

The bar was full as the call came that the buses had arrived to take us to The Excellence – our boat for an evening of celebration on The Seine. It was a carnival atmosphere and all of us were over indulging in the mood created through a combined sense of achievement. The boat was the ideal way to finish. It was a river dwelling beast so no tarmac! The speeches by Rick and Sandy went some way to summing up the tour but it was the eyes, handshakes and hugs that spoke volumes. A wonderful night to end a wonderful event.

Thank you to you all.

Onboard "Excellence"

We did it!

Written by Rick Wates

Stage 19 – Bordeaux to Pauillac (49km)

….and the celebrations began!

Soaking up Bordeaux!

Is there a better way of celebrating the beginning of the end than to cycle through the famous vineyards of the Medoc? Add a great lunch in the charming town of Pauillac and you have 70 very happy cyclists! Our route took us out of Bordeaux and past the prestigious buildings that line the Garonne. After a brief dip into the industrial areas we hit the Route des Chateaux and soaked up (some literally) the most prestigious of the Bordeaux vineyards. It sent a tingle down the spine every time we passed another great name. What a way to see these amazing estates.

This was a wonderful day with friends, family and colleagues joining us for the almost completely flat route from Bordeaux to Pauillac. I had always envisaged our pink shirts cutting a swathe through the vineyards and it was incredibly special to see everyone wearing them today.

We had 5 minor crashes: Harry Wates, Phoebe Wates, Ailsa Wates, Sarah Wates, Pip Wates….I’m trying to work out what all these riders have in common! Well done to all the Young Wates’s who rode so well today and to all those who joined us for the 1st time.

Once again the Classic Tours team excelled despite my fears. Hotel de France et d’Angleterre provided a fantastic venue for lunch. I had done some research on the menu which translated as follows:

In this region of France, love of food is a real tradition, you will taste the different savoury specialties of southwest cuisine : Roast Burbot steamed and its Sea Bean coated with Spices, Salmon furred goat and feshly harbs cream, Foie Gras and Sturgeon squeeze with Crystallized Shallots in Red Wine, Fricassee of fresh …  You can see why I was nervous!

As usual though Sarah and Phil were spot on. Lunch was delicious and 2 glasses of wine later I was on my feet and slurring my way through an emotional speech. I did get to toast Will. He would be very proud of what we have achieved in his name although slightly bemused at why we had to cycle 3600 km to do it.

Next stop Paris!

Written by Juliet Slot

Orthez-Bordeaux

Today was quite simply the most extraordinary experience of my life – as a first timer (aka NITS which means rather cleverly ‘New In Tour’) I had no idea what it would be like, what would happen, would we finish, would we fall off, where would we go to the loo (in the bushes it turned out)?  So many questions mixed up with nerves at 6.30 in the morning after a night celebrating Spain’s win over Germany (not voluntarily but the proximity of the room to the road meant that we were very much involved most of the night) meaning little sleep was had.  Everything was answered, not as I’d imagined but we all finished despite the incredible challenge that was Stage 18.

 Some points for readers to note: 

1. Today was averaging 45 degrees.  One particularly geeky (Lifer) rider told me that the road was giving off a temperature of 47 degrees.  Who in their right mind – especially a British person – volunteers to even go out of the shade on a day like today?  75 of us did.
2. The ride today was 186km long – that’s about 125 miles.  It’s like cycling from London to Weston Supermare.  Do normal people volunteer to do that?  75 of us did.
3. 15 people in the team have cycled the whole of the tour – yesterday they climbed to 2100m.  They all had a smile on their faces this morning as they met us NITS and welcoming to the amateurs amongst us.  They were an inspiration to us all and fantastic at keeping us going.
4. Our esteemed senior member Mr Andrew Wates was amazing and cycled nearly 90km – a shining example to all of us on what can be achieved with a sense of determination.  
5. Steve had another crash thanks to the lovely Rory but thankfully injuries are minimal and they live to ride again.
6. Steve’s Treats is a great introduction to anyone thinking of cycling a long way in ridiculous heat.  Stop and have an ice cream rather than push yourself to exhaustion – it makes it all that much better.
7. Did I mention it was hot – I feel that this is a point that can’t be made enough?  45 degrees is an insane heat that we amateur Tour De Forcers did not anticipate in our meagre training round Richmond Park.
8. It was hot
9. It was hot…………………..ok I think you got the point.

This thing about this Tour De Force is that it’s just uniquely special. Family, friends, friends of friends and mad people who were commandeered to take part (!) all riding to raise money for William Wates Memorial Trust (over £270k so far).  The sense of purpose pervades us all but it is the camaraderie of the riders that makes it so special.  I for one had never ridden more than 60 miles in training (you know I did mean to do more but life, kids and stuff got in the way) so to share that 100 mile mark with my brilliant peloton was special (we’d mostly all met in the morning but were by now, firm friends) and to reach the final destination which I think was nearer 125 miles was brilliant.  Never again shall I train alone as I mostly did – it’s not what cycling is about I discovered today.

 The experience is made easy for you by the amazing staff from Classic Tours – tonight Sarah was awarded the prize for being courageous and brave – she and her team should be knighted for getting us all from A to B, fed, watered and given appropriate medicine when needed.  It is always those behind the scenes that don’t get the accolade they deserve, but not here on the Tour de Force.

I would like to make my own personal thank you to Sandy Case – I was, I have to admit struggling for a bit. You know, you think you are invincible and can keep up the pace of the peloton that you’ve bust a gut to catch up with (in the 45 degree heat which was my undoing).  Sandy kept asking me if I was ok and I said yes, because I’m proud and as a NIT doing her first stage I felt that I had to be able to do it.  But Sandy, an experienced LIFER said no we should have a coke and stop for a bit.  I think he saved my ride because after that I was able to get back on track.  For me, this was my moment of the day when a great rider looked after me and Jenny and made sure we had the best day ever.

Thank you Tour De Force

Spot the riders on the road to Tourmalet

Written by Mark Pittaccio

When a group of strangers met in a bar in Rotterdam they were told by their lithe and understated tour leader that ‘It is all about reaching the Tourmalet’. It is all about being at the top of that mountain on the evening of stage 17. One hundred years ago the tour organisers were described as ‘assassins’ for including this long climb and in 2010, to maximise the drama they have included the viscously steep Marie Blanque and the leg sapping Soulor prior to the ascent up the Pappy of the Pyrenees.

Whilst wanting to entertain the blog reader, comedy does seem strangely inappropriate as does a narrative of the events of this extraordinary day.

For those guys in that bar in Rotterdam, the Tourmalet was set as a target but it was just another name of another mountain in this tortuous and most testing of tour routes. But ask any one of them what it means now? Yes the tearjerkingly beautiful views will be mentioned but we have suffered hell in paradise throughout the mountain stages. Yes it is a very impressive piece of rock, a geological masterpiece that we were fortunate to see kissed by an evening sun that only the most masterful of painters could hope to capture. But the day that we climbed the Tourmalet was the last night when those strangers, now friends, would anxiously wait to make sure that everyone ‘was in’. We all wanted to make it but we all wanted all of us to make it.

 At the end of stage 13 my normally resilient body had broken down. Tendons sounded like crisp packets and the only body part that didn’t ache were my eyelashes. A difficult chat with the doctor and an emotional talk with Rick and I was summarising to myself why attempting but not completing the tour was still rewarding. I was on my way home. My new friends didn’t say anything but their manner and gesture screamed support. The bike would at least have to be on the start line for stage 14 because when a new friend straps your limbs to give you a chance you have to carry on because its about reaching the Tourmalet. When a capable rider crawls beside you and helps you to paint mental pictures of all that you love just to help you over the next summit, its because its all about reaching the Tourmalet. When someone you have only just met gives you a rear wheel for 125 kilometres without request of thanks or acknowledgement its because its all about reaching the Tourmalet. Bringing in that rider who has had a bad day to keep the Tourmalet dream alive is so rewarding because its all about all of us reaching the Tourmalet…every stage was a chapter but the happy ending had to happen 2115 metres up on the summit of that Col…and it did. Riders waited at the top and came down so that we could cross the line together. This embodied a spirit that was born in Rotterdam and forged by living in a bubble of intense emotion that most friendships would rarely be subject to. We have shared resilience shattering moments of darkness and euphoric highs. It would take a more masterful wordsmith that tonight’s author to convey what this all really means. Everyone here is riding for a reason. Maybe the experience doesn’t provide answers but these hours on a bike help you to frame the right questions. For me the Tourmalet is no longer a mountain or a climb. It is a word that embodies what can be achieved through sheer stamina and will when supported by the generosity of the human spirit. As we reached the summit, the pain and emotion of three weeks rushed to the surface. The tough and the resilient were reduced to tears because we had been told from the start that its all about reaching the Tourmalet and today and together those Rotterdam strangers did just that.

Emotional and triumphant at the top of the Tourmalet

Pittsy with support crew at the last hairpin on the Tourmalet

Written by Rick Wates

We achieved something amazing yesterday and we celebrated overcoming a significant hurdle on our journey,  in our rest town of Pau. After dinner the bar was full, the stories were tall and the hotel ran out of beer! However everyone is being very careful not to drop their guard. We have one mighty stage to go and then 3 stages which will require all our concentration to get through safely. We are a long way from Paris yet.

Today is a rest day and thank goodness for that! Pauline, our Masseur, is fully booked, bikes are being taken apart and cleaned, laundry is done and long lunches (with one glass of Rose) have been had. I had lunch in an Italian restaurant with 10 others and it was amazing what a shambles we were.  Sarah, our Tour Leader, has mothered us through the last 2.5 weeks and we have had to make very few decisions oursleves. Trying to place an order was way beyond our capability. The real world is a very strange place for us!

We have lots of new arrivals today and a very warm welcome to them. Some are on their second stint but many are out for the 1st time drawn by the lure of the Tourmalet. One of my great friends, Tommy Shillington, has arrived. He has been signing off his emails “Love Lance” for the past six months. He is noticeably skinnier so he has done some training which is good. Like all of us he is nervous about tomorrow and he is much quieter than usual!

The atmosphere in the camp is calm and focussed. We have a 6 p.m meeting with Phil Deeker who is running the cycling element of the Tour. You can hear a pin drop when Phil describes the big days. Tomorrow is a big day and I have no doubt that we will leave the meeting in a state of panic!

Good luck everybody and ride safe.

Conquering the Circle of Death

Written By: Rick Gradidge

If cycling was always as good as it was today then our sport would be even more popular than it already is.  We had the most amazing day of high mountain climbing, riding the route of the hardest stage of the 2010 Tour, the so-called ‘Circle of Death’, which took in the four iconic Pyreneean cols of the Peyresourde, Aspin, the mighty Tourmalet and the Soulor/Aubisque.  There was a tangible sense of nervous anticipation outside the hotel, as riders contemplated the enormous task ahead – 120 miles and around 4,500 metres of vertical ascent.  It was going to be a long day, but the weather looked like it was going to be in our favour, with early cloud cover expected to break into warm sunshine later in the day. 

The first group set off from our comfortable hotel (760 metres) at around 6.45am, with low cloud shrouding the surrounding mountains.  Heeding Tour leader Phil’s pre-ride advice to keep our powder dry early on, we tried to spin out an easy gear as the day’s climbing started with an 8% ramp just 2km into the ride.  We were soon enveloped in the cool moist air of the early morning clouds, which gave us perfect conditions for climbing.  The sight of riders emerging from the mist ensured the ascent of the Peyresourde had a mystical feel and before long we were into the classic switchbacks that mark the last 3kms to the top of the col.  After the obligatory photos at the top (1569 metres), we donned armwarmers and jackets and headed back down the other side – a cold descent with poor visibility, but safely negotiated by all.

Getting the legs to work again after a chilling ride down a mountain is always difficult, but we were glad of the chance to warm up as we attacked the foot of the Col d’Aspin.  By now the sun was starting to burn off some of the cloud cover, affording us wonderful views back down to Arreau and the valley from where we’d come.  Having ridden over so many peaks in the previous few days the Aspin felt almost comfortable by comparison – given it is still classified as Cat 1 climb (the second most difficult) shows how far we have come as mountain cyclists over the last couple of weeks.  We’re not super quick, but each of us now knows what we have to do, mentally and physically, to get to the top.  Some recite a mantra to get the rhythm in their legs, others listen to music, some prefer to climb alone in their own separate world, others prefer company and a conversation to ease the pain and pass the time.  The first food stop was taken at the top of the cloud covered Col d’Aspin (1490 metres), with the ever resourceful Sarah providing warming coffees from her camping stove.  We devoured the blueberry muffins on offer, knowing this was the last chance to refuel ahead of the Tourmalet, the most climbed mountain in Tour de France history. 

The Tourmalet started in St Marie de Campan, straight after the descent off the Aspin, so the legs had little chance to warm up before being asked to work hard again.  The Tourmalet’s 17km begin with a couple of kms of 3-4% gradient, and the temptation is to set off too fast, ahead of the steeper sections that arrive soon afterwards.  Holding back is essential, as the Tourmalet hasn’t got its feared reputation for no reason.  As we climbed up through the trees and left the pastures below, the gradient started to steepen, little by little, until the middle section of 10% gradients leads into the ugly ski-station of La Mongie.  Many mistake La Mongie for the end of the climb, but there is another 4km of 9% to go, which really starts to sap the energy from the legs.  But by this stage we had broken through the cooling clouds, into bright sunshine, which revealed a stunning view of the sharp mountain sides that tower over the upper slopes of the road to the summit (2115 metres).  A final push saw us reach the famous cyclist monument depicting Octave Lapize, the first rider to crest the Tourmalet in its first inclusion in the Tour de France, 100 years ago.  The equally famous café at the top is steeped in Tour legend and memorabilia, including a racing bike from 1908 hanging on the wall – a very heavy looking machine compared to the expensive lightweight bikes we are all using and quite a reminder of how strong the early Tour riders were. A well-earned break was taken at the top – 3 big climbs completed, and it was only 12.30pm…

Climbing the Tourmalet

On top of Tourmalet

The descent over the other side was fantastic – perfect tarmac, dry roads, tight switchbacks, sweeping bends and awesome views (if you dare look away from the road at 35-40mph).  We lunched at Argeles Gazost (457 metres) before the last climb of the day, having battled a strong headwind down the valley floor.  On paper, the ascent to the Col d’Aubisque (1709 metres) looked relatively easy, with just a difficult middle section of around 7km with gradients of around 7-9%.  The rest was mainly 2-5%, which shouldn’t normally pose too much of a problem to a fit cyclist.  However, we’d already climbed 3 mountains and this one had a total length of 37km!  But what a reward we had after reaching the Col du Soulor (1474 metres) – the following 8km to the Col d’Aubisque was along a road, the ‘Cirque de Litor’, carved into the side of a cliff face, offering an absolutely stunning, majestic vista of the valley and surrounding mountain peaks.  Finally, I now fully understood why people rave about the Pyrenees, why cyclists come back here year after year, and why Le Tour would not be complete without it. 

The stunning Cirque de Litor

Every single rider in the Tour de Force completed today’s climbs – that is a monumental achievement for us amateurs and testimony to the graft and determination (and organisation) that has typified the event to date.  All should be rightly proud of what they achieved – scaling the hardest route that the Tour organisers could come up with – and at the same time paying tribute to the Tour of 1910 and the Tour legends that have been created since in these mountains. Chapeau Tour de Forcers!

Written by Jonathan Bevan

At last after 3 1/2 days of my exposure to the TDF the sun shone on us. Having joined on Stage 1 and 2 and come back to tackle the Pyrenees through to Monday the weather this morning and yesterday’s storm had me worried that I would be thrown off the Tour for being a bad luck charm.  The sun came through in the afternoon and so I get to stay. Wouldn’t miss it.

Luchon, where we are staying tonight really is the centre of the Tour de France. It is where the key stages will be played out and the Tour won and lost. The mountains are all around us and tomorrow we will see them again. Today we got a good look at them and they didn’t disappoint.

The iconic climb of the day came at the end of what had already been a stretching ride. The Port des Bales has been described by Lance Armstrong as the toughest climb of the Tour. Why? Because it goes for 19 km of which the last ten are steep. For a cyclist this means you are having to force the pedals around to gain any distance. Every revolution is an effort and there are lots of revolutions! Everybody made it home safely.

There is one of these signs every km - A good thing?!

On top of Port des Bales

We have had two crashes in the last two days and there are fine margins between safety and injury. The peloton were reminded of this in no uncertain terms by Phil at dinner tonight.

Tomorrow is “Le Crunch”. We are climbing 1000 metres more than today and today was very tough. The team are in good shape and I have enormous respect for what everyone is achieving here. Chapeau!

Bring on the rest day in Pau…

Written by Rick Wates

Oh what a day!

Soreze – Ax-Les-Thermes (184 km)

This was a day that grew in stature as the Pyrenees loomed impressively into view. It started flat, then began to roll and it was only after lunch that it really became exciting.

The peloton arrived happy and relaxed into Axat for lunch. The sun was shining and the foothills of the Pyrenees were shrouded in light cloud. A beautiful stretch of road along the river through the Gorges de St Georges followed lunch and the riders geared themselves up for what they knew would be a daunting climb up the famous Port de Pailheres. This was to be their 1^st true Pyrenean climb. What they didn’t know was just what an incredible experience this would turn out to be…

 The Port de Pailheres is a beautiful mountain pass. It is 14 km long, steep and winding. To get up it is quite an achievement. To get up in a monumental storm is something our riders will never forget! The 1^sthalf of the climb was bathed in hot sunshine. Extra water was called for and boy did it arrive. With minimal warning the heavens opened and all hell broke loose. There was torrential rain, hailstones and  lightning on all sides.  The thunder claps were deafening. Sarah and the Classic Tours team buzzed up and down the mountain handing out protective clothing, riders were drenched and cold and there was nowhere to hide. Most of the peloton were approaching the summit and this is wild country. The wind got up and for a moment it got serious.

 The 1^striders reached the top and began to ascend. The 20km road down was wet and full of debris, body temperatures had dropped and wild horses and cows roam free in this area. Not the perfect combination. Phil Deeker, our Tour Leader, got half way down the hill and came across a herd of cows in the road. Phil is good on a bike but he ain’t a cow whisperer. He tried to squeeze past whilst gently coaxing the cows to move to one side and promptly got tossed off his bike and into a ditch by an irate mother with big horns! He was lucky!

 At the bottom of the descent we found a mountain café which the riders piled into. It looked like a scene from a survival movie! Shivering riders wrapped in blankets, roaring fire, hot chocolate and lots of cake. Happy days.

 The final climb up Bonacre soon warmed the riders up. This is a short and hard climb of 8km at 10%. All came home safely.

 Exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure this was a day never to forget . I will always remember the looks of disbelief on the faces of the riders as they reached the top of Pailheres and began their perilous descent to the bottom. They may have been freezing cold and exhausted but they have stories to tell the grandchildren!

 Day one of the Pyrenees is complete. The enormity of the challenge may have  diminished a little with one stage done, but there is plenty more to come!

It started sunny...

...and then it started to rain!

The survivors!

It's not all hard work!

Written by Jim Sewell and Simon Payne

With a 5.30 am start again and some battle worn riders from the previous day it was a very quiet start on the transfer and it was only a matter of minutes before everyone was asleep!

The bus arrived at Rodez which was our starting point for the day’s mission. With so many people spending so much time together it is clear that the airs and graces have long since disappeared which Sandy proved changing in the middle of the car park.

This was the shortest day of the Tour which will be much needed for what lies ahead. With the promise of the best hotel yet at the end of the ride Steve set off at a fast pace to the 1^st stop at Requista with some ‘bumps’ and lovely downhill to make it a good start to the day.

This continued with some rolling hills for a while where some of us  managed to stop for a rare treat of ice cream in the beautiful village of Ambiolet where we could watch the rest of the riders sweep past looking extremely professional.

 There was a good climb after this and the sun was really beginning to make sure that the day wasn’t going to be an easy one. It is energy sapping and you hope at every village there will be a fountain to try and cool down in. We found a likely town but the fountain was closed. As we were leaving we spotted a man with a hose pipe and in fluent French asked him to spray us down, which helped for about 3 minutes.

Onto lunch by a beautiful church where we had the usual Trinny and Suzanna (Sandy and Pitsi and I will leave you to judge who is who) comments about peoples clothes and their judgements on them. They do have a point in that after 123 Km’s of extremely hot cycling Rick Wates looks like he’s just left the Salon.

 The ride home was into a strong headwind that added some time but the hotel was worth it as the old Abbey we are staying in is lovely. There were even a few hours before dinner and Sarah had the wonderful idea of swimming in the local lake which made it a fantastic end to the day.

 After 4 days we are sad to be leaving what is an amazing group of people and a unique event. The team work needed to get everyone through each day is incredible and the sight of the ‘Lifers’ getting patched up each day and getting back on saddle and carrying on is a testament to their fitness and mental strength. Huge respect to them all and good luck for the Pyrenees.

For us our event has been 750 Kms, heat that you should only sit by a pool in, but something that we will always remember. Most importantly it is all for a great cause and for those reading this after a day not sitting on a bike the address is www.bmycharity.com/wwmt.  Believe me every penny is being earnt!

Editor’s note

We had some great news from home today. We are up to £275,000 raised for the Trust with plenty more to come. This is a huge and timely boost for the riders as we head into our toughest challenge in the Pyrenees. Thank you to everyone for your amazing support.

"ooh look Trinny his shorts don't match his top"

In Lautrec - very pretty town ruined by very sweaty cyclists

Written By Aidan Cooney and Clare Sibun

This was a cracking day from start to almost finish. There are not many more beautiful part s of the world than the route we took from the vineyards of the Rhone valley, over the Massif Central to Mende in the foothills of the Pyrennees. Unbelievably picturesque, particularly as you look across the valleys from the top of the main climb. Less beautiful of course, if your sunglasses have steamed up and you are breathless beyond measure having climbed the thing on a bike. For an amateur who signed up to this stage having read the guide which described gentle climbs this was a bit of a shock. A 20 odd kilometre “hill” definitely felt like a mountain to me and it will teach me not to trust the bumph written by the professionals. Let that be a lesson to you all. This particular professional has been referred to in previous blogs as Naughty Phil and I think he finally made the transition to Evil Phillip today. The pinnacle of his achievements was not any of the seven hills we took on today (which incidentally he rode maginificently as you might expect), but a sign he left to all riders at the last drinks stop. The offending article simply informed us that we had 40km of downhill before a steep hill to finish with. Bear in mind that we had all ridden 170km at this point so the atmosphere lifted noticeably at the prospect of freewheeling for 40km. Alas what actually followed was a very solid 25km climb into the skies. Ouch! I understand that the reason for this slight error in judgement was this particular part of the route had been mapped out in pitch black in a minibus with sub-optimal headlights so the only way they had of judging the gradient was a gear/accelerator assessment that clearly failed.

However, I am happy to report to readers that this brought out the best in the team. I was part of a pelaton that had a number of strong leaders to keep the spirits up that included Rory leading a chorus of a Masia warrior song which we seemed to adapt too extremely well. His accents weren’t bad either. A few of us were flagging and then we hit “the wall”. With our morale in the balance we had then did have a fantastic downhiller for a few kilmoeters that went way too quickly to our hotel. As we were pulling up we were informed that we had one last thing to do (205km already clocked). The Wall was a 4km climb. To the geeks amongst you it was at 14%, To the rest, it was a monster that almost killed us. Looking back on it all it was unbelievably beautiful and we can justly feel hugely satisfied to have completed it. I am only doing 4 stages, of which this is comfortably the hardest. The 16 who are doing the whole thing are remarkable and having joined them for a fraction of the time I am even more impressed by what they are trying to do than I was when I read the bumph. And we know what I think of the bumph, don’t we!

Suc de Montivernoux - A Catergory 2 climb (Quite hard!)

At the top of Mende - Quickstep Rick with sister Clare

Written by Jim Tilbury and Rory Barnett

At the outset, can we put our hands up and say we have only been part of the tour for a mere 2 days, which counts for peanuts [n.b newbies: very good source of energy and replenishes lost salts], and recognise we are in the shadows of some very seasoned veterans. This does make us feel a touch fraudulent, but whoever actually reads this blog,  a) will ask themselves who we are [answer; there’s now only one Rory and one Jim in the team; and if you’re still wondering, the picture below from the Col du Noyer should shed more light] and, b) by the time you read it we will be sitting in a Lyonnais brasserie, feeding our tired limbs with the culinary specialities for which Lyon is uniquely famous. (Anyone who wants to know about the andouillettes need only ask).

 This does however mean that when blogging, we can speak plainly, knowing we won’t be part of any peloton back-chat tomorrow. So here goes.

 Prize for the most muscular thighs of the day, according to Newby Clare (one of 2 Clares joining the team – we won’t say who), is awarded to Rick Wates. However, he was unlikely to have heard this remark, since he was too busy fawning over his new love interest – a bike, the name of which was a little unclear. It was either GIRLS, or G-SPOT. Either way, it was clearly a ladies machine, bought late at night in Gap.

Prize for cycling stunt work goes to Henry Hodge. In fact, hard as it is to believe, he won this prize twice in the space of an afternoon – the tarmac and he were good friends by the end of the day.

 As for stage 10 itself , some of the most incredible downhill cycling we have ever done (you can see now why we chose this stretch of the Tour). On the downside, two thirds of the ride was into a brutal headwind, under a fiercely hot sun. But it gave us a chance to hone our peloton skills – at some points almost 30 riders en masse, all on each other’s back wheel .

 On the podium for visual treats – in third place, Jake, deciding a large block of ice down the front of the bib shorts would be a good way to cool down (perhaps he was worried about his “gun”). In second, at the end of a hard day’s cycle, the sight of the welcoming pool at Domaine du Lac. And the overall winner, the impromptu roadside windy urinal (see picture below).

Bib shorts...never easy

 We come away with two conclusions: this is without question the most extraordinary sporting event in the world, and it was quite an experience to be part of it, if even for a short while. And secondly, gel sachets cure all. We are now slightly worried how are we going to get through a normal day’s work without them. Are they actually legal?  Doc, your comments, please.

Written by Sam Brown

After an Epic mountain stage the previous day that saw people drag themselves into the hotel in an often delirious state the 5.45am alarm was probably not what anyone wanted to hear. Today – Chambery to Gap.

An hour transfer took us to Chambery and offered us a chance to sleep and run through yesterday’s awards. The Terminator took the tassels for being beaten by a girl in the Mountains and Steve Young took the pig for his Tommy Simpson moment (immediately saying ‘put me back on my bike’, or something to that effect, after a crash with a car in a tunnel).

Everyone was grateful to hear that there was to be less climbing than yesterday. However, claims that this was in some way a ‘rest day’ seemed a little far fetched.

The peloton rolled out from Chambery with several new Premies and after a nice long period of flat the stage took on the familiar ‘lumpy’ feel we were all now familiar with. A lot of tired legs were helped by a slightly downhill 40km.

The biggest climb of the day was the Col du Noyer, a col with seemingly two ways up…. One short and steep and the other, planned route, long but less steep. A number of confused groups suffered as the struggled up a farm track in barren landscape with the wind buffeting them around.

Personal hygiene is obviously an important issue on the Tour, as sweating all day in bike kit and moving from hotel to hotel every night makes keeping everything clean difficult. Hand washing in the sink can only take you so far. You know, however, that new levels have been reached when an unnamed member of the peloton has a swarm of around 80 flies follow him across the Col de Manse (a col famous for Lance Armstongs’ cyclocross efforts on a previous Tour) for a full 3km…

The Col de Manse afforded Quickstep Rick the chance to grab the limelight again as he re-enacted Lance’s off-road excursion and headed off down across a field on his bike to cut us off after the next hairpin. The incident was fully re-enacted…

Half way there! In number of stages at least, even if not distance or difficulty…..

Recreating the Lance Armstrong moment of genius!

At the top of Col Du Noyer

Stage 9: HC – Huge Climb; Humbling Crawl or Hell Calling?…

 By Davinia Bulford-Cooper (The Downhill Devil)

Reporting in from the hotel bed in St Jean de Maurienne – cold bath ritual completed; hot shower ritual – check; dinner shovelled in. Marvellous. Even more fantastic and somewhat surprising is that we all completed the ‘Queen of the Mountain Stage’ that consists of many alpine climbs. Trust Leader Phil to make it sound like some sort of glamorous regal treasure hunt maybe with prizes, joy and fun bits in there somewhere. When announced, we were all still oblivious as to what this ‘HC’ classification that was on the agenda today actually stands for but it could be any of the aforementioned (see title). What a day. What a hot, tough, hard, exhausting, difficult, painful day. Did I mention my knees? Knees that will be keeping me and fellow team mates awake all night screaming with pain. Madness you think, why do this to ourselves. Bloody good question. Perhaps for the stunning scenery of the Massif? Or the excellent descents we can all glide down gracefully (except the boys)? Or perhaps for the love of being up at the top of a mountain next to waterfalls and glaciers during a very hot sunny June day? It could be any of these privileges. The likelihood is far greater however, that we’re all just a little bit mad and like staring at tarmac and ‘gravillions’ on the road, feeling the hot sweat trickle down our backs and into our cracks and subjecting ourselves to heat exhaustion in the name of losing a few pounds. But it’s all okay because Sarah consoles us with fresh French pastries at the end of the day to make us all forget…

Our calorie burning efforts of the day included:

1. Some uppy-downy action through Les Gets to Cluses which was very fresh and foresty early in the morning. Loved that. The descent was also brilliant – just stunning scenery.
2. Climbing up the Col de la Colombiere (Cat 1). It was baking hot and as a Category One climb steep and long – but we all made it!
3. Climbing up the Col de Aravis (Cat 2). This was the more beautiful part of the Tour so far in my opinion, lots of cows with bells ding-donging, lovely flowers and pasture land dotted with wooden chalets; very pretty indeed.
4. Climbing the ‘Col des Saisies’ (Cat 1). Very nice climb
5. Climbing the ‘Col de la Madeleine’ (HC) A long 26km ascent with a pretty consistent 6-10 % gradient – I zigzagged the whole way up. It was a great ride up. Dare I say I did not enjoy the descent so much – far too much breaking in a 20 minute run.
6. Eating a lot of junk food but balancing that out with lots of water (some with powder) to flush out the toxins and stay hydrated.

Needless to point out that there’s been a lot of climbing. If you are wondering what we think about whilst in the saddle for so long (up to 14 hours!) it’s about anything that will distract or dissociate our minds from the actual pain and the tough path ahead
(often best not to look up at the path ahead). Saturday’s big climb saw many many green bottles falling of walls (shards of which got stuck in my cycling shorts by the feel of it) and today I had Team-Player Sandy’s comment in my ears all day of  ‘you’ll be fine’. Thanks Sandy, small things keep small brains sane. There’s also a lot of discussion that goes on with one’s bike. I like my bike, she listens, does as she’s asked, no back chat, no rebellion, the perfect partner.

A few dramatic events of the day to report…

1. Steve Young, whilst riding recklessly, yet sober, crashed into a car but survived relatively unscathed (except pride) whilst cycling through a dark mysterious tunnel. His bike is awaiting space in the operating theatre.

 2. The Terminator was superseded by new models, namely ‘Model Sam(antha)’, ‘Rider Roly’ and ‘The Downhill Devil Davinia’ who took the Terminator by storm and arrived a significant amount of time before him knocking him off the podium. Perhaps his battery life has shortened in the high temperature or altitude conditions, or alternatively, I suppose batteries run low on hills and there were no power points en route…

 There was no briefing at dinner regarding tomorrow’s ride, generally because:

 a)      we are all very tired and were almost asleep in our food, and;

b)      we thought we’d give Leader Phil another 10 hours or so to compose a good pitch on how tomorrow’s distance, hillage and weather may turn out. At least he’s always smiley. We love you Leader Phil.

Last night at dinner Mark aka ‘The Invisible Man’ awarded me ‘The Tassels’ for, as far as we can work out, just being faster than the boys on descents. This apparently frightens him and therefore I get the blame for his poor bike control on gravel surfaces. The ‘Pig of Significant Something or Other’ was awarded to The Terminator for consistent performance (arriving first each day). Tomorrow on the bus we will find out the new recipients of said fundamental iconic kitsch trophies and report back.  

Did I mention my knees?

Written by Rick Wates

Today is a rest day but not for all of us. With 10 bikes stolen last night the Classic Tours team have been at full stretch filing police reports and sorting replacement bikes for us. Their already busy schedule has been put under considerable pressure and, as always, they are delivering superbly. Huge thanks to them for that.

The bike issue is frustrating and to have them disappear before our huge stage on Monday is a concern. Bikes are fitted to the individual rider and all of the indidvidual detail on each bike is to the owners preference.  The bikes are nurtured and respected. Gearing, pedals, tyres, chainsets, sizing etc etc are all carefully prepared for an event like this. Some of our bikes even have names! Having said that the response we have had to the news of our bikes being stolen typifies the spirit of the Tour de Force. Riders who have spare bikes and those whose bikes are here for later stages have all emailed and rung to say that they are happy to lend their bikes to other riders. Again, sincere thanks to you all. Everyone has taken a deep breath and we are just going to get on with it…a bit like riding a tough stage!

Our hotel in Morzine is the best yet. Great food, comfortable rooms and a nightclub directly outside my window which finished at 3 am this morning. Plenty of time to reflect whilst I lay in bed listening to banging tunes!  The Tour so far has been intense, exhilerating, exhausting but above all fun. The team badly need this rest day and a sunny Morzine is certainly helping to lift the spirits. Laundry is done and we are watching England play Germany on a big screen in the hotel (4-1 to Germany as I write…digging deep to stay positive now!). 

Tomorrow we get our climbing legs on again as we embark on a monumental alpine stage. It will be an iconic be day so the Pink shirts will be on. Allez les Roses!

Hotel Les Airelles in Morzine

Epic – with all the negative and positive connotations of that one word, probably best sums up yesterdays brutal, elated and terrible journey into the heart of the French Alps by bicycle. The description provided by Phil, our chirpy and experienced Classic Tours Guide on the TDF literature sums the 210km stage from Les Rousses up to Avoriaz via Morzine as “The First of The Mountain Stages” and if this is the first, then God help me on the next three days through the Alps! I arrived via Geneva on the Friday night, and without asking it was very easy to discern the new arrivals from those that had been riding that day. amongst the group of around 40 riders present. The new recruits still had a glint in their eye and a bounce in their step; the crop of now experienced Tour De Forcers almost to the man (or woman, in the case of Davinia and Diana, two crazy and very tough woman riders) were all carrying ailments of one sort or another. Andy one of the group had been feeling unwell that morning but still incredibly persevered through the entire day, vomit and all, to the end of the stage; Jake, one of those stupid enough to try and do the whole Tour route, had one knee that had given up a long time ago, but he was unwilling to listen to it, which had resulted in him biting through his lower lip yesterday in trying to bear the monotonous pain. How had this eclectic mix of riders, all with differing levels of training and experience, managed to conquer their various stages of the Tour to date I wondered?.. During my first supper, it quickly became evident: through a sense of humour, a selflessness and willingness to help others in the group – more on that later – and via the drugs dispensed by our very own team doctor/dealer, “Dr. Death”. Along with Sarah the ever smiling red-haired TDF manageress (who rumour has it has already compiled a short list of her three favourite male riders), Steve Young, “Mr Fitness”, Phil, the unbreakable Classic Tours rep and the drivers and support staff, these circumstances allowed people to make it through the day.

Yesterdays stage involved 80 miles of “lumpy” riding, followed by 2 huge 14km climbs in succession, and for anyone wondering, 14km straight up a mountain, is quite an experience. During those climbs I suspect the majority of us experienced the full range of emotions. At some points I felt elation, almost a drunken sense of joy at what was being achieved, revelling in the superb views across the mountains, the rainbow that appeared on our final ascent to Avoriaz… at others, one thought about giving up and breaking into tears. Olly Gin one of the experienced and very determined riders who tended to be towards the front of the group, told me that some way down a long, rapid descent (after the first and hardest 14km climb – up the notorious Col De Ramaz) he felt about to burst into tears and was seriously considering throwing the towel in and phoning for the support vehicle to come and pick him up; what sums up his courage and the incredible spirit and camaraderie of this group, is that he didn’t, and nor did countless others who had at one point or another felt like giving up.

The biggest negative of yesterday: 11 bikes being stolen from our hotel store room leading to a welter of problems, phonecalls, and back-up plans today. The two biggest positives: knowing that today was a rest day, complete with England v Germany match to watch by the swimming pool; and the amazing actions of Sandy Case yesterday who finished over 13 hours (post 9pm) after starting out, in order to push 6ft 5” Adam all the way up to the summit of Avoriaz: a true act of heroism.

The rest of the Alps lie in wait, and most of us are trying not to think about it…

Written by Roly Chuter

Etape 7: Taste of the Jura

Macon-Les Rousses

c. 180km (112mi)

Well, what a day.  The cycling was awesome. Today was to be our first taste of the mountains, cycling over five categorised climbs, getting progressively harder thougout the day; Cat 3, followed by 4, then 3 and finishing with three Cat 2 climbs (the lower the number the harder the climb). This is the perfect stage to help us grow our mountain legs without toasting us in the process.

 The weather was once again sunny and warm and the Peleton lead off from Saone-et-Loire for 45 flat kilometres to the first feedstop. Which duly arrived, to our astonishment, at 45km. Our mountain guide (Fishy Phil the +/- 30% man) has been so regularly out with his predictions that we all just mentally tag on 5-10km to anything he says to help morale!

The next section took in the first categorised climbs gently winding up through the Jura forest, these were not overly challenging (speaking relatively of course) and the glorious descents afforded fabulous views of the stunning Jura landscape, a bit like how the UK countryside is in memories of summers past: rolling green hills with wheat blowing in the wind and lakes and streams galore.

Our halcyon musings were cut short by the next feedstop (again exactly where Fishy had promised) and the news that the next two climbs were a Cat 3 and our first Cat 2. Up these climbs there were some seriously sweaty cyclists who were collecting together in small pockets of riders of the same speed, to give each other courage in the face of what seemed like relentless climbing. The reward for the final climb of this section was a screaming descent with riders clocking speeds of 60-80 km/h, finishing lunch. The food was fantastic as always but the location this time truly surpassed our wildest dreams: a fountain to flounder in. As we were all wading through the water in this sleepy French town, an old local couple cam out and approached us. Sensitive to the fact that 20 sweaty men and women were splashing around in the centre-piece of their square, I feared that they might be about to upbraid us with some choice Gallic mots. But as has been our experience most of the time they were perfectly charming and wanted to chat to us about our bikes and show a picture of themselves with Lance Armstrong who had been through their village only two days earlier!

A typically bizarre scene from the TDF!

Bouyed on by another connection to the locals and to the “proper” Tour we attacked the Col de la Croix de la Serra, which trips off the tongue beautifully unless you are half-way up this 15km ascent. Fortunately we were rewarded for our efforts with the most exhilarating of descents, almost 15km of twisting turning roads requiring constant vigilance, fingers on the brake levers and imbuing within you an irresistible joie de vivre! 

Roly at the Col de la Croix de la Serra - our 1st 1000m climb

 So to the final climb. There were rumours flying around about a 20km monster and care was taken with the pace of this, any opportunity (excuse) to grab a breather like the stunning view down the valley.

Only 6km later we were at the final feedstop, and were told that the top of the climb was only 6km away and then just a further 16km to Les Rousses and the hotel. Fantastic, finally Fishy undercooked one! Just as we were leaving for the final leg, someone noticed the ominous clouds hanging around and asked Phil, “will it rain?”, “no, no” he replied “we’re not going much higher and they don’t look that threatening. Well it wouldn’t be a day on the Tour de Force without our glorious Tour leader getting something spectacularly wrong (and in this case emulating his namesake, Michael Fish) and we were treated to our first mountain thunder-storm on the way back, rain drops the size of cherries bouncing on the tarmac and smacking us on the face. Thankfully the hotel was indeed where it was promised and a hot shower was the order of the day.

 Everyone did fantastically to get through this first mountain stage (although we’ve been told it’s really a foothill stage) which has given us a taster of things to come. Bring on the Cat ones tomorrow and more importantly the rest day the day after!

Written by Rick Wates

We celebrated Mark Pittaccio’s birthday last night with a candle in a very small cake and a rousing rendition of  “Bon anniversaire a toi”. He made an excellent speech before handing over the Horn and Tassels to Model Sam. The speeches are getting longer and the nights rowdier! The party in Paris could be interesting as alcohol tolerance is getting lower by the day and cyclists are notorious lightweights as it is.

Colin Williams handed over Piggy to the Terminator who had a sluggish day by his own standards. We think there was a power cut whilst he was recharging his batteries…

Today has been tough. I have spread jam on at least 5 sandwiches and taken so many photographs that I think I might have repetitive strain injury in my clicking finger. Oh you want to hear about the cycling?

Today wasn’t just tough for me. Stage 6 was a ripper, beautiful but very long and gruelling.  The hills keep getting bigger and longer and this is a trend that is set to continue. The intensity of the Tour is beginning to mount up and there is an anxiety in the peloton about the approach of the mountains.  Having said that the team were awesome today and I have so much respect for them.  Brilliant job all of you.

We really saw the best of the Bourgogne area today. There was so much to delight the eye. Charming villages, rolling hills and peaceful bucolic scenes. Just fantastic. The French countryside looks verdant and bountiful and it is a treat to be here. It is good to see that the Bourgogne region is really embracing the Tour de France and the villages and towns that the Tour passes through have made a real effort to provide a welcome and create an atmosphere.

I thought it would be interesting to give you some stats about the stage that the team have just completed. They are taken from Rick Gradidge’s ride toady and I think that they make gripping reading!! Hey,what can I say I’m becoming a cyclist…

Start time: 07.15

Finish time 19.50 (and Rick was in the top 10 back. The last rider will be out for 14 hrs +)

Total time cycling: 10 hrs 24 minutes

Total miles cycled: 152 (supposed to be 136 but they are re-surfacing the roads for the Tour so there are “deviations” which add extra mileage)

Editor’s note 1:

A frisson of excitement rippled through the male riders last night when Phil announced that we should shave our legs to help Pauline our physio with her work. Jonny Wates and Steve Young had already done it but only because it helps to accentuate the muscles on their calves. For the rest us this has given us an excuse to do the same without enduring damaging mickey taking from the rest of the crew. Hushed conversations involving questions of shaving technique, how to moisturise legs and what to do with nicks have been taking place all day. Tomorrow the legs will be on show!! Hilarious!!

Editor’s note 2: Nicknames – a selection of the best:

The Terminator: John Mansfield (Age 50+; leaves 1st, arrives 1st, nothing gets in his way)

The Derminator: Dermot Heffernan (Age 50 +, with John an awesome combination)

Model Sam: Sam Brown (Age: Far too young; Voted best looking lawyer at Freshfields 4 years in a row)

Ou Est Rick? : Rick Wates (Age 25 , With any hint of wind disappears into the middle of the Peloton and goes very quiet)

Peacock: Chris Beard (Age: Far too young, known as Peacock because he throws his bottom in the air and crouches above his handlebars on downhills. Chase me boys)

The Pups: Chris Beard, Sam Brown, Roly Chuter, Mark Williams. Far too young.

James Wates Team - The Megabus (used in X factor!)

Birthday boy Mark - What are they going to do me tonight?!

Stage 4: 156km – c 100 miles (6000 ft of climbing)

 Written by Tim Wates

(Editor’s note: Sorry this is late…I.T glitch)

 Well  – I have been elected to do the blog for day 4 on the basis I think that I am one of the family (Rick’s big brother) and also I am in and out for one stage so I am getting an outside impression – perhaps also because the hard core riders are ABSOLUTELY knackered!

 The good things about the stage are that the weather was glorious – lovely sunshine and 22 / 23 degrees – glorious.  We also moved away from grim urban landscapes to really beautiful and uncrowded French countryside.  Lovely villages, very green- picturesque. 

 The not so good things – rolling – this is what it says – a series of hills stretching in front of you.  Apparently in the actual Tour they are all going so fast down the hills that they get up the other side on momentum.  For me and others the other side involved slow climbing in low gear.  This possibly did not apply to the hardcore.  Climbs – when I chose this stage there was no mention whatsoever of climbs – we did 6000 vertical feet.  This must be the equivalent of a largish mountain but I have to admit my general knowledge on mountains is poor so will leave it at that.

 So – described as a “bit of a breeze” on the tin.  General concensus was that it was quite stiff and an enjoyable challenge.   Flat it was not!

 Other issues:

 Wates Family there in force – a fleet of range rovers; Andrew Wates (Mr Wates senior) – cycled 100km great achievement in shoes that caused some comment (well polished timberlands!).  Other family – Pip, Jonny, Tim, Rick (obviously), Mrs Wates senior – the matriarch!

 Sussex mafia – Andrew Reed and crew in their pimp mobile – turned up rode hard and then went – Back for Tourmalet.  No team shirts so black mark – gold star for positive attitude and fitness levels.

 Duncan Straughen – on 75 miles substantial concern for Duncan’s health – turned up at the 75 mile rest stop a very nasty shade of pale and all of classic tours rushed to assist.  But made it – well done!

100 miles – quite a few riders went for a spin down Epernay main street to clock up an extra mile or so to reach the 100 – dedication or what. 

 Sandy Case – Sandy was awarded the tassles and  Barbie bell for being too noisy (or something like that) – spent whole day revelling in his power to award this to the next victim – rather disturbing. 

 So the tour rolls on – what a great start – super atmosphere, great leadership from Rick, classic tours superb (apart from failure to predict weather and wayward descriptions of the stages!).  In a strange way I am sad to leave but in another way I am not that sad not to be cycling 200 plus kms plus lots of climbing tomorrow. 

Good luck guys and girls and see you in Bordeaux.

Warning: Cycling is bad for your hairstyle!

Andrew Reed leads in the pack - He blew up later!