Sitting here on the TGV, ripping across the French country side. We must be doing a fair click, up near 200kph - sitting in the comfortable 1st class seat (actually fairly sure 1st class just means you have a seat) it still feels like we're really moving. I've been flicking through my photo's of the last few days, since I posted last I have been to the Plateau d'Beille to watch a mountain stage finish and also checked out the stage start at Limoux. That brings the Tour de France experience to 1sprint finish, 1 mountain top and 1 start.

I've done more climbing on the bike in the last 3 days than I think I have done in the last 6months. The Plateau d'Beille was a great climb, about 15k in total, i've got to tell you it's a little bit worrying when you climb for 35 or 40mins and you can't even see the top, nor is the slope getting less steep. France certainly redefines my perception of a mountain, they are spectacular, possibly the best all-round tourist attraction France has. I was happy that I was only passed by a few people while climbing (there were people everywhere, every person that owns a bike was out there) those that passed were all on serious bits of hardware and judging by their cycling kit, were no strangers to the Pyrenees. 

I climbed to the 3k to go mark before getting shut down by the French police (Gendarmes) who told everyone to walk the rest of the way - this would have been useless as the road flattens out toward the top (where Frank Schleck attacked before the line) and the pace is on. It was estimated 600,000 people were on the 15k hill, it was an electric atmosphere, without being overly crowded, actually everything I expected and more. The start wasn't quite as good for me, though it was great to get up an close with the riders during the sign on. I have some good photos that i'll post in the picasa album (link below).

Having written this in 2 parts, I am now in Grenoble. This is a beautiful city, infect quite unique compared to everything else I've seen. I can notice the difference in the alps and Pyrenees regions, I am only guessing that Grenoble is a younger city, albeit with the Bastille it must still be 1300s (something to research).

I'll meet with the Sonic chaps for a ride tomorrow morning - something 'easy' before the assault on d'Huez. Might be rainy on Wednesday, with a chance of snow on the mountain (yah, 2deg tomorrow) but warming to 3deg on Thursday, so we will likely go with the warmer, dry day.

Hope all is well where you are. 

Wade