Author Archives: Kathryn
Tour de France stage 18
For the final mountain stage, the organizers have made it a serious one with 2 cat 3 climbs followed by an ascent of Col du Tourmalet and then finally a summit finish at Hautacam. At over 13 kilometers, I had a long hike ahead of me to find Liesa and Fien at the top … Continue reading
Tour de France stage 17
While the peloton would be riding to the top of Pla d'Adet, I was happy to cheat and take a gondola up, saving myself a 10+ kilometer hike. Beautiful morning views from the summit. Lots of camper vans, tents, and gondola passengers, all searching for a good viewing spot. The morning air … Continue reading
Tour de France stage 16
To spend the night in Carcassonne itself was more than my humble budget allowed, so I stayed in a hostel a few towns away. The owner had originally agreed to drive me to town at 6:30am and by the time we left, I'd recruited 4 more guests to join me. We were only halfway … Continue reading
Tour de France rest day in Carcassonne
In honor of the rest day, I wasn't planning to post but it's been such a great day that it would be a disservice if I didn't! Walking around Carcassonne on my way to visit the medieval walled city, I saw a BMC team car which was cool but I had to stop and … Continue reading
Tour de France stage 15
I think it's not just the riders who are looking forward to Monday's rest day. Can you spot the goof? The crew did and had a laugh. Earlier in the week, they also discovered they could use the big accent on the Š as a V and spell vodka. I would love to see a … Continue reading
Tour de France stage 14
Our real estate never lasts long enough, so we have to take advantage while we can! The Gendarme rolled out with the caravan. I'm not an especially big fan of the publicity caravan but I do immensely enjoy hearing emcees Marc and Nicolai giving their dry, over the top commentary as each sponsor … Continue reading
Tour de France stage 13
Right before stage 13 would hit a hors categorie climb for an uphill finish, the peloton would cross Col de Palaquit, a 14.1 kilometer climb averaging 6.1%. My goal for today was to hike up the mountain and find a good spot. The first 3 kilometers were steep, mostly 10%, so there were plenty … Continue reading
Tour de France stage 12
As cold as the Tour had been leading up to the rest day, it's suddenly turned hot. Very, very hot. Fien, Liesa, and I had to defend our small territory against people desperate for freebies who didn't mind at all rubbing their sweaty bodies all over us. It was was that kind of morning. … Continue reading
Tour de France stage 11
While I certainly missed seeing the peloton during yesterday's rest day, it was great to have a day off to do my laundry, visit my friend Guillaume, and explore Besançon. It was back to business as usual this morning with 4 categorized climbs over the 187.5 kilometers of stage 11. People often ask … Continue reading
Tour de France stage 10
I've seen mountain stages in the sun and I've seen mountain stages in the rain. I prefer the sun. Today it was rain. When I woke up at midnight to the thudding of rain on the roof, all I could think about were the poor crew members probably slopping around a muddy mountain in the … Continue reading