Day 6 - Beaune to Bellegarde sur Valserine

It's late this wont be a long post today. It was a very long day. 104 miles and more than 8000ft of climbing and temperatures into the early thirties at times. A great day though with some fabulous views. It started off very flat and the first 30 miles passed quickly with a road train working together to pull us along to a nice little coffee stop. Then we carried on up a reasonable climb of a couple of thousand feet with gentle gradients but the sun was getting high in the sky and draining energy fast. We met with the landy for our picnic lunch on a small village green which was also the home it seems to some French camper an club for the weekend. We used the picnic table then made our excuses and left. 

The rest of the day passed gorgeous lake views and small villages slowly showing hints of the alps with cow bells and architecture demonstrating a not too distant connection. 

Riding up into some hills which we all know are alpine foothills, there were some beautiful lakeside vistas today. Coming late in the day was the biggest climb of all. About 5 miles of climbing up to a little over 6000ft. As I rode up I met some French boys cycle touring from their home in Paris to Switzerland. We chatted and celebrated the summit at the top together. They with a lump of marzipan and me with a damp cereal bar from my back pocket. I waiting in the shade and amongst swarms of flies for about 20 mins and the land rover then appeared, hearing that everyone was well on their way I moved on before I got too cold and aware that JP had now arrived at the hotel. A beautiful descent lasted for about 9 miles on sweeping fast roads and eventually I. Was descending into the town and helping JP to organise the rooms for everyone. The support car was still out there supporting and doing an amazing job, it's a tiring week for a support crew. Their day last just a along dashing from one place to the next and getting food and provisions for a bunch of hungry cyclists is no mean feat in some French towns. 

Alex and Nick made use of a small village drinking fountain and washing pool today. Taking the opportunity to dunk not just their heads but while bodies in the water. 

Tomorrow will likely be a longer day. 90 miles so less than yesterday but 14000ft of climbing. That's 6000 more than today! 

Looking forward to meeting up with the Fullagars and the Cleminsons but we shall be sad to see Kolya go home tomorrow. He has been a lovely addition to the team and coped with the heat and the hills much better I think than he ever expected. 

And so to tomorrow.....