So, the final day of the Double Cent Cols Challenge arrived. Even though at times, our energy levels seemed to be all over the place, from extreme highs to extreme lows, from feeling good to feeling horrible, from hot to cold, it has been one big adventure.
Today, we rolled as a group in a much more mellow fashion from the town of Ales. Again, as we were a bit lower and in a valley, so starting temps were fresh (aka: cold) but as has been the norm this week, as soon as we started to climb, gloves came off, gilets were opened and up we went.
We rolled over a few cols on the way to Feed #1 in a cafe. I had taken a few side road diversions and met up with Phil (from LMT) and Jen finishing up fixing Jen’s first flat of the day. Most of the way up the next col, the tire went flat again. A larger knick in the tire, most likely left over from Spain, had been causing some problems in the Cevennes as we rolled over gravel and chestnut bits. The second time we placed a small tire boot (old piece of tire) in and it held until Feed #1 where Phil was nice enough to give Jen a new tire since our spare was in Yogi’s van.
After leaving Feed #1, it was down a twisty but fast and flowy descent to the first of two harder climbs (Col de l’Espinas). A wooded-to-open climb were the feel of these two climbs. Upon reaching the top of the l’Espinas, I elected to head 4 km further up to Aire de Cote which was a 200 m climb up to some hiking and biking trails. Views were great along the way and the descent back down was about as straight, fast and non-technical as they come. Fun!
Aire de Cote - worth the view
Next up was a punchier and angrier climb - Col de l’Asclier. I elected to push a bit harder on these two climbs since it was the last day of the Double. It was another great climb which finished under a small tunnel at the top. I also met up with Jen and a few other riders for some photos. Down to lunch we went on another fast, flowy descent. No shortage of them today.
Lunch was supposed to be in a cafe, but to take pressure of the team and riders, Phil changed it to picnic style. Louise and Livio did not disappoint - come to think of it, their Feed Stops were always top-notch. Small pizzas shaped like quiche were great!
The final few cols remained. I again elected to do a bit more exploring and found the original col sign for our first after lunch col. But it did take some riding on what was really not much of a road any more, but still fun nonetheless.
Finding original col signs
Friday afternoon traffic jam
After some more fun descending, we met up and regrouped at Feed #3. Just near the top of the last col, Jonny had to help Phil out and ride the remainder of the way to the top and into the feed. Too funny to watch!
As a group we rolled the last nearly 30 km into Castries where our journey started only 11 short days ago. Time does not seem to fly when riding but when looking back, it really does fly by.
At the post-event dinner, awards were handed out and many kind and encouraging words were said. I still firmly believe no matter what happens on one of these trips, anyone who signs up for a Cent Cols Challenge is taking on something bigger than themselves and will step out of their comfort zone or be forced out on more than one occasion. I saw this even more so than usual in the group in the Cevennes and to all I say Chapeau!
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