Cyc'd European Tour 2014 - Day 9 Rest, Recovery and Riding.

Today most people took it easy after the epic day that was Alpe d'Huez and Galibier yesterday. Everyone was late to ride for breakfast without the proposal of an early roll out to attack a few cols. We wandered down to the Alpe d'huez village to check out the shopping and coffee options. 

There was some discussion of riding but most obtained. Matt keen to grab one more Col headed out to tackle Croix der Fer. 

Stephen and I were much more subdued option for a roll down the hill to have lunch at Bourg d'Oisans, sadly this of course meant another ride up the hill. 

The little town was very picturesque and a complete haven for cyclists with a bike rack on every corner. 

We enjoyed entirely more lunch than we deserved given the descent but it was hard to say no to the deliciousness on offer. 

The others higher up in Alpe d'huez continued their tour of the village, some opted for a liquid refuel after the weeks riding. 

Other lived out life long dreams wandering through Alpe d'huez. 

With lunch polished off (and some time for desert) we headed back up the hill for an easy effort on the Alpe. This time was much ride pleasant than the vomit inducing effort of yesterday. There was plenty of time for photos and taking in the view. 

Meanwhile the more serious ride Matt had conquered the Col and was enjoying coffee at the top before finishing off an epic 107km ride. 

The rest of the crew rested up generally amazed at all the riding and climbing we'd managed to accomplish in our short time here. 

Once all back home it was time to start the pack up process ready for us to say goodbyes and head back to reality. 

Finally. Rather than my take on the whole thing. This is what everyone else had to say (in no particular order. 

Flynn -> It’s cold at altitude.

Cam M. -> Unfortunately time did not permit a visit to the town of Pussey to see how compact cranks are made

Anthony -> Epic riding, unbelievable scenery, consumed more food than I thought possible, finished each day fully satisfied. 

James -> All five senses are assaulted with the magnificent beauty of riding the French Alps, a continuous kaleidoscope of wondrous  experience shared with fantastic friends.

Jase -> What can I say? I saw trees of green, clouds of white, bright blessed day and dark sacred night and I think to myself, what a wonderful world, whooo yeah!

Danny -> France 1, Troe nil.  France an easy winner.  will be back!

Kent -> I'm riding 30km km uphill for coffee it better be bloody good. 
Roberto -> flapjacks, bollards and guards and French scenery stunning. 
Craig -> two words.... That hurt. Stick a fork in me I'm done. 
Bruce -> in the words of daft punk faster, better, harder, stronger. 
Gav ->Bike riding means simplicity and simplicity means happiness.
Tracey -> life is like a bicycle in order to stay balanced you must keep moving. 

Matt -> If France was a woman I would marry her.

Stephen -> (don't have an actual quote but I'm sure he'd say) Just awesome. "Are you going to sprint? No are you?......Booom!"

Cyc'd tour 2014 by the numbers. 

Days riding - 9

Number of kilometres - 921.9 (1121.9 including the Swiss extension)

Number of meters climbed - 26,097 (29,622 including the Swiss extension)

Number of calories burned for the week - 43,888 (or 87 flapjacks)

Number of flats - 2 (I'm not counting your pinch on the same flat Jase)

Number of days I had to pinch myself to check it wasn't a dream - 9