The one with the big climb
''We had a very early start, setting off at 6:30am on a 45-minute transfer to our starting point. This morning's warm up was delivered by Bill and comprised some stretches followed by a welcome rendition of 'Sunshine Hill'.
We set off after Colin told us the first part of the day would be a long but consistent climb. We began to doubt that claim as the first 10% incline was followed by a second, then a third, then a fourth. Colin claimed my Garmin was showing it wrong, but other Garmin owners agreed with my assessment.
David Fawcett surprised us by taking a nicely wrapped sweet from Mike and throwing it in his mouth, paper and all. Guy Bolam was so keen to get to lunch that he misunderstood our guide's hand signals and went flying down a hill before stopping to turn around and climb back up it. Lunch finally came after a very hard morning, but we were all rather tired and a little concerned about what was to come.
David had a near miss with a bus and Frank inadvertently told two jokes over lunch, not realising they were funny until Rutz explained them. Later, Ian G forgot that it's best to unclip the side you want to put your foot down and had what I think was the first proper fall of the trip.
I just want to say how brilliantly everyone did today in tough conditions and one of the hardest days I've had on my eight challenges. We covered 57km and climbed 1756m. Time in the saddle ranged from 5 hours 40 minutes to over 6 hours - no wonder many of us are sitting down gingerly tonight.
It's a huge achievement for us all, especially given the rain we encountered late in the day. We were all pleased to turn to the person on out right and give them a hug well done.
A final mention to Colin who made the right call to get us on the bus for the last leg to the hotel. He's on his eighth ride and these trips would be far poorer without him - thank you Colin.''
Brian Downton - Downton Ali Associates
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