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Thu Sep 18th 2014

Carcassonne Day 5	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Carcassonne
Description: TBC
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith John Talbot Katherine Boyce Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Weather: Report: The big one! Starting from Tarascon sur Ariege, we planned three solid climbs including a Tour de France mountain-top finish. Sadly, Des fell victim to his dodgy tummy during the first climb, so returned back to the car and chilled. The rest of the group climbed on and then descended down to Les Cabannes, taking care not to run over too many red squirrels. It really was a fantastic descent! A spot of coffee at the base of the climb set us up for the next couple of hours of climbing. It was pretty relentless - a very consistent 8% plus gradient with almost no respite through the forest soon spread the group out with John showing his climbing prowess at the head of the group, somewhere in the distance. For us lesser mortals it was a case of getting into rhythm and grinding out the time. A pair of bulls on the road made for a few tense moments as riders surged and faded. At the top of Plateau Beille there was a convention of camper van owners all having a large picnic, taking in the views across the Pyrenees. Entertainment was provided by our grimpeur straddling an electric fence and electrocuting his crotch. After a decent break, what went up had to come down. And grimpeur turned into decendeur. You have to see the video. Two hours up, 20 minutes back, averaging over 30mph. Some great tarmac, long curves, not too many hairpins - lovely. Hard as Ventoux? Opinions were divided. Certainly not such an institution, but plenty hard enough thank you! David sadly didn't have such a good time, exploding his rear rim near the top and limped down having managed to straighten the wheel enough to get it through the chainstays. Sadly, it didn't last the remainder of the ride, so we had to send Phil ahead and assume sagwagon duties. By the time we got back to Tarascon, Des had recovered, and patisseries all round helped to fix the aching legs. Although Lance Armstrong won twice on Plateau Beille, we managed it without drugs, so I reckon all of our times were better than his.
Distance: 68.00 km (42.25 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/196262937
At the top of Plateau Beille, Pyrenees behind The beginning of the climb
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Start Locations: WMP
Wantage Market Place; OMH
Old Mill Hall, Grove

Categories: 1* - Suitable for irregular, social, beginner or family riders, pace will match the slower riders. Not hilly or long. Expect rides up to 3 hours. Gentle exercise.; 2* - Suitable for regular riders who prefer to cover some distance but at a more relaxed pace. Likely to be half-day rides. Solid exercise.; 3* - Suitable for experienced riders, may be hilly, long, quick, or any combination! Likely to be half or full-day rides. Challenging exercise.; 4* - Suitable for athletic riders who can ride safely above the 3* standard. Quick rides for the fit.; More Information