Bonjour!!!!

Well, it's raining here in Bourg so no biking today: a little run later and a swim if the thunder and lightning holds off!

Had a superb ten days in Embrun with temperatures up in the high 30's, interspersed with some crazy storms and hailstones the size of sugar lumps.

Rode some hills, trying to build up some strength in these old legs and ran a bit........even swam a couple of laps of the lake although Ellingham will probably be about ten degrees colder I should think. Knee got sore, swelled up but is now settling down again.

Now in Bourg along with almost every other cyclist on the planet. Joanne and I avoided the Alpe yesterday and rode up to the Col de Fer and the Glandon.  We'd forgotten how beautiful it is up there. Any ride that incorporates two Golden Eagles and dozens of Marmots can't be too bad!!!!!!

Shame on the imbecile cyclists we saw chucking their gel wrappers all over the countryside!!! And all the miserable gits who couldn't raise a smile, a wave or a "bonjour" on such a beautiful day........why do you bother to go out and ride if you don't enjoy it!!!

Rant over........we also got back down in time to sit in the sun at the Café de Paris and sup a few beers.......no surprise there then!!

Tomorrow early,(before the hordes),we're off up to Alpe d'Huez with Graham Starmer who's over here for the  triathlon next week. Then, weather permitting I'll put in five or six hours of riding somewhere quietish.

Thanks to everyone who has made a donation and again to anyone who is helping out with kit etc.

Now if only I can find a beer sponsor...............................................!!