Sunshine & Warmth!

Sweet heaven, the sunshine and warmth is back! It seems France suffers the same fate as the UK - gorgeous weather during the week and then it nosedives in time for the weekend! Now it's Monday, the weather has improved considerably. Hurrah!

Cruella the Headwind must have decided she'd battered me enough yesterday and that I was worthy of a tailwind today. Thank you Cruella!

I loved my route today. I loved the long climb up to the Col d'Ornon (1,371m - just a bit higher than Ben Nevis), I loved the spectacular scenery, I loved the peace, I loved the tiny mountain villages en route. I often wonder why those little villages/hamlets are there. There must have been a reason in the past, they're ancient.

The descent was glorious. I then pedalled along the valley into Bourg d'Oisans, a gorgeous little town with a big focus on cyclists being close to the famous Alpe d'Huez climb.

I celebrated the last week and a bit of cycling with a well-earned chocolate crepe (I can't believe that's my first one this trip!) and a lovely pot of tea. I sat in the sun to warm back up after the descent. You can always tell cyclists who have just descended a mountain pass - they're well wrapped up with jackets, gloves and sometimes with woolly hats whereas the rest of the population are in t-shirts and shorts!

Time to pedal towards Bourg d'Arud and meet Ellie and co. Hayley (Ellie's Mum) had sent a text to say they would be out cycling this afternoon so I could take my time. As I cycled along, I heard someone shout "it's Andi!" followed by loads of hellos! A few minutes later, I passed Ellie, Hayley and Jonathan (Ellie's Dad) so I think the first group were the Howcrofts and Harry (Ellie's brother). I felt quite famous to be recognised!! I think it's the multitude of bright yellow panniers that are more famous than me!

I'm pitched up at their campsite now and hope to see them a bit later. They must be doing quite a ride :-)

I'm writing today's blog from inside a locked cubicle with a wash basin, the only place I can find a plug to charge my phone battery. How glamorous! The radio is on and they're playing some fab music. Such a shame no-one can see my fab dancing to go with it :-))

I think we're all hoping to cycle Alpe d'Huez tomorrow. There is a threat of thunderstorms so let's hope they hold off until well after we've descended the mountain.

Until tomorrow.....

Andi xxx

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