So the tour was taking a toll on the legs and other body parts after the first six days of riding. We started off the day on our way to the hotel in a small community outside of Lourdes – you know the city that Madonna named her first daughter after? Or the place where you drink the blessed water in the cavern that cures all? As we were riding we both were having a rough go of it and decided that if we really wanted to do the monster ride the following day that we should just hop in the van at the morning stop about 22 miles out. I was having issues with the new cassette on my bike and Kristin wasn’t feeling well.
We hopped in with the driver of the day, Peter, and then had to pick up another rider who was having bike problems. As we drove through the area and into Lourdes it was a fun time to chat with Peter about other tours he’s worked and about the differences between them all. Then we managed to get stuck on the wrong street in the city with the second most hotels after paris in France. Super narrow streets, tourists galore and a map that didn’t have much in the way of details of the streets in the congested city. We finally were able to escape the trap and make it to the hotel. So with the need of two bikes to get to the shop we all helped sort and deliver bags to rooms and then were off to head back into the black hole of Lourdes. We managed to find the shop quickly that is owned by five times Tour rider Hubert. They looked at my bike and spent a bunch of time trying to sort out why I can’t get into the 29 tooth cog, but they just couldn’t get it to work like it should. Guess it’s a sign, I shouldn’t be such a pansy. The other bike was able to be fixed really quick as well, so then we headed back to the hotel and listened to the end of the Tour stage on the radio. It was kind of like listening to NASCAR on the radio. A whole lot of talking while not a whole lot is happening. Entertaining none the less.
The hotel was great and we were able to get some rest. The next day was going to be a beast.
-JL
