G_N#6 Col de la Couillole 1.678m
It was time to get the job done and to reach the sea in Nice. So out of bed, a last strenghtening breakfast and then lets go. The mountains became lower our legs more weak - so that went hand or better feet in feet.
As our hotel was situated pretty high the first climb of the day up to Col de la Couillole was a nice warm up - and to be honest that morning was a bit chilli though. The following descent then was one of the nicest we had that week; regardless to say the weather was perfect again. Winding narrow roads surrounded by big mountains and nice trees and no traffic at all we also passed the beautiful mountain village Roubion.
Reaching Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinee at the river Tinee it was clear: just one more mountain pass to go and the we would smell already salty air coming up from Nice. As a nice side effect the last mountain was Col Saint Martin. We had a Martin in our team and i still believe he was the smartes of all. He made it happen to spend the most time with our guidin Melina that week. We others too focused on mountain passes he had the best talks during our trip - how bored can you be ;-)
Anyways - last peak, last race and so we all were focused to let it go and see what our body and legs are able to deliver. Good soul Martin made a great reception on top with his table full of good food. Also on top we had the chance for our last photo on a pass - which we did.
During the descent and last kilometers to the coast line we followed quiet roads which still gave us some little climbs, but more and more the stress went out of us having done an incredible ride in a nice team.
Reaching a city is always quite a bummer as traffic starts to pick up. We made it though on bike paths and finally under a big scream we did reach the coast. No accident, not even one puncture - i guess we really were angels in this week.
This night we had no rule anymore in regard to celebrate and drinks...
...eventhough for Melina, Ossi and me the next day still brought a bit a work - see Encore
bike: pretty Betty, Specialized Tarmac S-Works
starring: Jürgen Kern, Michi Wagenhofer, Martin Koroschetz, Christian Kux, Robert Walli, Ossi Wiesinger, Günther Klement, Harry Köll, Gerhard Bauer, Elmar Schamp, Gerry Samer and Guide-in Melina
distance: 116,67 km
climbing: 1.840 m
time: 5:04:11 h
