the birm*

Pain from beginning to end (and after)/I’m an idiot

Well I guess all the reading about mates riding in exotic places and races influenced my decision to go for a wee spin on the GT. It was raining and cold (4 degrees), but hey, I’d be going uphill so would soon warm up…

I finished some work at camp, donned the tights, bike pants, thick thermal socks (used to be waterproof but no longer…), thermal top and sleeveless jacket.

I headed up towards les 2 Alpes (the ski resort above camp) at a pretty slow but steady pace. Having not ridden for a while meant that the climbing was pretty sustained and painful, but the temperature was perfect and the rain wasn’t bothering me. After 35 minutes/400m of vertical ascent, the rain turned to slush and then to snow. I decided to turn around when the ground became white.

As soon as I turned the bike around I knew it was going to get real painful. The snow/slush/rain was slapping my face and I had to close an eye as it was too painful. my legs, arms and face were getting real sore and cold, but my thumbs were the worst.

I tired to keep the balance between speed and safety and managed to make it back home where I immediately stripped (painfully, as the feeling was gone from my fingers) and got in a warm shower. The pain in my thumbs was unbelievable but it only lasted a few minutes. I kept bumping the temp up but it felt cold on my arms the whole time. weird.

Anyhoo, now I’ve warmed up al is well and I’m quite satisfied with the hour ride…next time I won’t be such an idiot and will wear/take the appropriate gear!