What a day! – C2C Day Five, Part 2

By Will

We woke in trepidation after Chris had billed the day as “Day 4 plus” – the stats would suggest he was right at 140km and 2800m of climbing. Greeted at breakfast by leaden skies it was clear that the weather was not going to help and Kate’s clinic was open on the restaurant floor as Geoff’s knee was not looking good.

The shape of the day started to unfold fairly quickly – we reached the base of the Col Marmare in good time with poor weather unable to mask completely the stunning scenery. However 2km up the Col Franca’s derailer exploded and Geoff’s knee gave way……. and Rupert refused to get in the van – these episodes split the riders into two groups until we regrouped in George’s Gorge before the Col de Jau.

By this time all riders were in various stages of hyperthermia as the weather turned very nasty at the top of Marmare – Calder’s knee was also causing trouble although it is difficult to know how much as to explain would technically be whinging.

Everyone set off up Jau in good spirits, Franca on a new bike and Geoff and James requiring new knees. Everyone made it over Jau and back to the hotel – an amazing feat.

The day encapsulated the spirit of the trip – many laughs, never a cross word and great teamwork. Chapeau.