Rest Day

7/21/10
Today I took it easy. Late last night a rain rolled in and it has been overcast and intermittent sprinkling all day long. It's pretty eerie seeing the mountain tops in the clouds. I had just a crepe and cappuccino for breakfast, looking forward to trying lunch in France. There's got to be a good reason after all for shutting down the country from 12-3pm every day. I walked down the hill and found the church that everyone had been returning from with containers of water. All the tourist shops along that route sold containers in every size with "Lourdes" and a picture of the church on it. I stopped by and saw that the castle is open until 6:30pm, so I'll drop by there after this. I just stocked up on supplies while stores were open so I can leave early in the morning without worrying about stopping for water. I'll probably get a cappuccino in Argeles-Gazost, a little extra caffeine couldn't hurt. Then I'll turn left this time and attempt to climb the 'Col du Tourmalet'. Assuming success, I'll be climbing from about 1350ft to 6940ft elevation over a total distance of about 30 miles. I've ridden Mt. Wilson out of Los Angeles several times, riding from about 800ft to 5600ft in 25 miles; so it seems feasible, but I need an early start because if I'm not a good ways up before they make me stop riding (usually about 1hr before riders arrive) it will make for a late ride. At least the way down will be easy! I'm definitely stashing my stuff in the hotel and riding only with food, water, cameras, and wet/cold weather gear. If I'm feeling alright, I think I'll give running behind the riders a quick go. They already go by so fast that I'd love to extend the thrill, and maybe get a little airtime for my efforts. My shimano SPD shoes have actually been pretty comfortable as my only shoes (along with some sandals to let my feet breathe a little after a ride). OK, time to ascend the castle!