With Cath away in Quebec for the week, 3fidi went off to France to ride La Route Verte (the green route) from Vittel (of mineral water fame). There were about 230 riders for La Grande Route Verte, a ride of 160kms.
Things began well enough. A depart fictif had us roll through to the next town before the heat was turned up. We spent the first 60kms riding at 40-45kph+. Then we hit the first hill. I missed the break of about 40 riders. We chased, until the bunch disappeared out of sight around a corner. Then we eased a little. At the next hill (20%) the bunch broke again. Again I missed the cut. But we chased it down and finally caught it at the second and final feed station. I had to get water (it was nearly thirty degrees – hot for May). But that meant I had to chase again, going up the hill that began immediately after the feed station. It wasn’t pretty. A little while later another group formed and we rode on. But by this stage, we were tired, there was a headwind, and we rolled home at a more gentlemanly pace. Time was around 4hrs30.
Stopped in Nancy on the way home. Very nice.