Yesterday was the
big ride day. And we didn't disappoint! The FULL team managed to complete the
challenge: 3 times Mont Ventoux in one day. That was a tough job but all 11
riders completed the climbing each at their own time and pace but with a strong
camaraderie. All supported by our head coach Jos, who was waiting for us in the
meeting points just before the last 6 kilometers with well deserved rest,
encouragement and supplies. That made a difference during the day for all of
us.
Click on the link to see the highlights from the day, the event and lots of pictures!
There are many
highlights during the day and we will leave the pictures do most of the
talking. But here are some:
- Wake up at 3 am,
drive down the mountain in pitch black night and see a wild deer up and close
for a long time.
- Start riding on a
cold still dark morning at 5 am with only the rear red lights of the bikes.
- 3 teams in tandem
being pushed up the 10 and 11% climbs. Real dedication and team work.
- Being able to
speak Dutch with everybody in the french mountain. The nl plates were everywhere.
- The friendly and
family vibe of the whole ride. Truly inspiring.
- The unexpected 3 kms at
11-12% gradient from Malaucéne that left everybody stunned.
- Organization was
spot on: food supplies, traffic support and indication on dangerous corners.
Thanks for the volunteers for the excellent work!
And here there are
some highlights of the team from left to right:
BRIAN: the rookie that showed his back to many veterans.
TOBY: determination is his middle name. The bigger the challenge the strong the will.
WAGNER: didn't faint this time.
FLETCHER: seen at the start and finish. The middle is a mystery.
BART: always complains and always makes it to the finish.
JOHN: missed his gentleman pipe during the ride.
PETER: mastermind that organized and controlled even the big mountain.
TOM: arms of a
bodybuilder, legs that crush mountains.
RICHARD: a smile on the face even when hours in the hurt locker.
NIKI AND JEFFREY:
silent killers that sneak from behind and leave you eating dust.
FUNDRAISING: Now the
team will keep on training to the next biggest milestone: L'Etape du Tour in
July 7th around Annecy in France. This time with 130 kms and a last climb with
gradients rarely below 10%. Until then we will keep fundraising for the ALS Institute
in the Netherlands. Check above how to donate and click on the collage below to see the enjoy the pictures.
First climb: from
start to meeting point 6 kms after the summit.
First climb: meeting point at 6 kms to the summit.
Second climb: at chalet Reynard 5 kms from to summit.
Third climb: at chalet Reynard 5 kms from to summit.
Finish: meeting point back at chalet Reynard.
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