Stage 15: 110 km’s. Sisteron to Guillestre.

Sisteron, France

Europes biggest Lake.

Tuesday May 31:  And did the weather turn ! We woke this morning to steady drizzle and low misty clouds after a night of steady rain in Sisteron. Despite our best wishing over breakfast, the wet conditions were not going to clear before our 9am start so out for the second time this Euroride came the wet weather gear. We had 110km’s to ride today from Sisteron to Guillestre and a course that was not overly challenging thankfully after the fairly solid last two days. But still 110 km’s is 110km’s and wet weather tends to sap ones strength even if the terrain is not difficult. We had an interesting ride up over a few lower level Col’s (up to 1000m but long and steady climbs at low % gradients) and then we rode along and through some stunning deep valleys where we had high mountains with some cliffs on both sides of us. We also passed by a huge man-made lake and hydro dam system as you can see in the pics above. It is the biggest lake in Europe. It drizzled on and off lightly throughout most of the day and at best was some 13-15 deg C. But while we were riding, we were not that cold, just a little uncomfortable by being in cycling clothing that was fairly damp all through. On the climbs and flat it was OK but when descending we felt the cold air. Our group stopped for a lunch break at the 85 km mark at 12.30pm where a hot coffee and warm ham & cheese sandwich eaten inside was great. Getting going again after 45 mins or so was a challenge as the legs and body kind of go into hibernation or sleep mode and the first few km’s after lunch – the body somewhat resists –especially when it’s cold out. We arrived here in Guillestre which is another small town hugging the sides of the mountains that are tourist/ski/outdoor enclaves. The hotels in the last few days have been considerably older with less ‘stars’ and I guess typical hotels for the French but the beds are comfortable and the showers are hot so that is what really matters. This weather is a little of a concern tonight as it brings snow also and we are at altitude with three large Cols – two in excess of 2000m plus tomorrow to ride over…Lets see what the morning brings – maybe a break in the weather…or ?