Stage 9 is complete, about 105 miles today. We went from Bourdeaux to Dax. It was a very flat route, and we went through it quickly. We finished in less than 5 hours, averaging 21 miles an hour.

The heat is noticeable in this area. It was 93 degrees and getting hotter. We finished just in time today. It is probably 95-96 degrees out there now.







Tomorrow will be a different story. We will be out there for 9-10 hours at least. We are all talking about it. Right now, all the bikes are being setup with the appropriate gearing and stuff. Everyone is a bit worried because tomorrow will be our first day in the mountains.

The organizers are checking the radios, making sure we absolutely have communication tomorrow. So far, the group has been able to stay together in the flats and even the Cat 3 climbs. But tomorrow, with our first “out of category climb” and Cat 1 climb, we all expect the group to string along and for us to separate. Everyone has a comfortable climbing pace, so there will be some gaps. That makes the logistics a bit more challenging as support riders, support vans will be spread out. I am sure we will ease into a pattern.

One thing working for us is that we are getting to the mountains in good condition. Most of us have recovered from our troubles (saddles sore, knee problems, calf, etc). Everyone is feeling fresh and ready. This is a good thing. We will need all the strength we can gather over the next couple of days. We have a couple of back to back tough mountain stages ahead.

Also today, two more riders joined us, and will be with us for the rest of the trip. They flew in yesterday from Seattle and brought a bunch of goodies we ordered. I ordered extra chamois crème, a shorter stem and a saddle neoprene cover. That cover made a world of difference today. I am to the point that I can ride normal without worrying about bumps, etc.

It was nice to have the two new riders. Fresh legs are always welcome. It made the rotations even longer; I think I was at the front maybe a couple of times today. We finished the 100 miles and it did not feel bad at all.

I was praying for air conditioning when we arrived and the hotel did not disappoint. It has wifi, AC, pool, the works. You just never know in France. Even though we are staying in nice hotels, some just do not have AC in the rooms.

The food on the other hand, has been outstanding. The dinners have all been top notch, with three courses at least and wine. The food has been so good in fact that we were getting a bit worried about gaining weight. Imagine that, ride for 6-8 hours a day and still gain weight! So we bought a scale a couple of days ago and have been weighing to check things out. I am about a pound or two heavier. But with the mountain stages ahead, I am not too concerned. Our 4000 calorie effort will go to 8000 calories over the next couple of days. And then we have the Alps with three more mountain stages. That should take care of it.

Anyway, I am looking forward to tomorrow's stage. I am ready to face the mountains.

I hope to have enough energy left (and wifi) to send an update when I am done.