Looking back.....

Memorable/best bits:

Paul - Apart from finishing it?? :) For me, quite literally, reaching the summit of the Tourmalet. The whole climb was memorable in fact - especially with 3km to go when I saw the van a couple of hairpins below me just as I was hallucinating about French bread and jam. Lifesaver! 

Alix - Ooooh, so many it's hard to pick. Ditto to finishing it, obviously! From a riding point of view, definitely the col d'Aspin and the col du Pailhieres. Just stunning!! Of course the mighty Tourmalet too  - although that might equally qualify as my 'bad day out'. It is one 'badass' climb! I did also love the blast down to the coast on Day 5 (Ann, Alex, it was just like being at Hatfield......err, so not!! Lol). 

Things we didn't know, but now we do:

There are two 6 o'clocks in the day (Alix!)

Stretching and rollering is essential torture

You can never apply too much chamois cream

Eating 'real food' is the way to go....especially anything surrounded by chocolate

Suntan cream and sweat is not good for a peachy complexion (but it is good for attracting insects)

Your feet can go up 3 sizes in the heat

Yes, there can be too much 'daube de boeuf' (Paul!)

An extra 6km DOES matter ( Day 3, you were right Tom!)

A 32 sprocket is not there 'just in case you need it'

You shouldn't promise to write a blog every day, then worry everyone by stopping on the 2nd day!

Our fellow 'Raideurs':

This was the first trip we've ever done like this i.e. with a group of people who we didn't know beforehand, but it's been a great experience and the people we met could not have been nicer. It's been a privilege to share the journey with everyone! Lovely to meet.....

Max (Max power? Max speed? Max.....food intake? Super nice guy....unless you're a snake or a criminal!)

Rod, Alan, Ian & Billy Whizz (aka the Glasgow armchair. Thanks guys....you helped us out on more than one occasion!)

Monica ('I'm not a cyclist, honest!'......don't believe a word of it!)

Alex (Stay rubber side down at the Maratone des Dolomites, Alex.....good luck with the ride!)

Stephen ( Mr Retro.....see you at the Eroica next year?)

Marty, John and Tom (the Ozzie hard men. Stay on the right side of the road in Italy - especially after the wine-tasting!)

Jason & Simon (the speed merchants. Only recognisable from the rear to us for most of the week! )

Graham & Debbie/Marmot Tours:

Finally, what can we say about Graham and Debbie? They are just lovely, lovely people who have really looked after all of us this week. Endlessly kind, positive and encouraging - nothing has been too much trouble. They are extremely knowledgable about both the 'Raid' and the area we have been riding through....and they've always been in the right place at the right time when we've needed an M&M fix (Alix) or a hose down (Paul). They've really made the trip for us and have been great fun and great company all week. If you do end up reading this Graham and Debbie, a HUGE thank you again to both of you!

Overall, a brilliantly well organised trip by 'Marmot'. We would definitely go on another adventure with them!