I am totally hammered, but oh so happy. We rode 80km (50 miles) with 8500 feet of climbing. First we ascended Bourg d'Oisans to La Berarde. We finished the day climbing Alpe d'Huez. There are campers lined up along the entire climb on Alpe d'Huez and that stage of the race isn't until Wednesday. All the old French men cheered for me as I fought my way to the top, screaming 'oi oi' or 'o lay, o lay.'. I have no idea what either of those chants mean, but they certainly helped. I just checked my watch. We were on the bike for about 4.5 hours today, burning some 2400 calories. Crazy! Let's hope I can walk tomorrow.
Off to shower. The entire group is having dinner tonight together. Bonsoir!
6 comments:
Oh Kimmy, we are so happy for you. I can't believe they started you on Alp d'Huez.... What bragging rights!!!!!
Thanks for the updates. It makes us feel like we are there cheering you and le tour on.
M&D
"allez" (pronounce Al-lay) is what they were cheering - it's "Go!" I got lots of that when we were riding in France - the old men really seem to love the lady cyclists. Oh, and I had a long-sleeve golden wool jersey that I was wearing, so I also got several shouts of "Mailloit Jaune" (yellow jersey)!
I'm glad you're having a great time! I am so jealous. You should be rid of the jet lag now that you have been on the bike. Have fun!
Fun, fun!! Glad you enjoyed it.
Yep, they love to urge on riders with 'allez, allez'. We would be riding through some farmlands and the farmers would stop what they were doing and shout it at as as we rode by. You should shout it at the Tour pros when you see them come past you.
Kimmie,
We're so proud! We know how tough of a climb L'Alpe is! Well done! Enjoy girl. You deserve it.
Anna & Willem
Aloha Kimmy!
Wow. First day at the Tour and you do the Alpe d'Huez! Excellent.
As far as the "oi, oi, oi!" comment: blame the Aussies for that. Its their classic sports and drinking cheer.
I'm so glad you found some stand-in teammates to cheer you up this classic climb!
GO CODE 3!
Evan
Hi Kimmy, glad you are having such a wonderful time. I am totally jealous. Miss you
Wikie
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