Etape du Tour – (cr)Act 2
Hullo faithful friends, now that i'm able to lift a finger to the keyboard without fear of collapsing, i can convey some sincere thanks for your support and generosity over the last week. we've managed to raise almost £1,000 for Plan and their work in Kwapa, Uganda, in a very short time. i've been incredibly touched by your show of collective munificence, so thank you again. the ride itself was epic: nearly ten hours in (or around) the saddle, four and half of those climbing, and almost the same amount of time under rain. the descents were slick, exhilarating and, once the fingers began to fail from the cold, more than a little worrying. but what an amazing feeling, plummteting out of the clouds alongside a select group of lycra-clad nut-cases (proving there's still some truth in the old proverb about shit and hills). i managed to place respectably (1476 out of 4696 starters) from a position fairly far back in the pack (i was a little too honest when answering the questions about previous experience). When i commented to Tash that next time i would do whatever it took to start near the front, i was met with a gaze of such withering intensity that i quickly realized i'm not likely to be hitting anyone up for funds again, any time soon. so, there's some further evidence, if you can be arsed, in the shape of: photos route and stats videos you'll be pleased to know, none of these show me in a particularly flattering light. with thanks and salutations. jay p.s. tomorrow (Wednesday's) stage of the Tour will follow our exact route -- Pau to Bagneres-de-Luchon. it would be nice to see the views on telly that were hidden by clouds on the day, but, if i'm honest, i'd probably rather the pro's got served a heaping plate of rain and suffering. is that so wrong?…