Pain is all in the mind

And it has certainly been in mine these past couple of days - Having arrived at Les Senies late on Wednesday night, I was out yesterday on an 8O km loop which started and ended in Saint Paul de Jarret near Foix. After heading down towards Tarrascon on a back road, I took a left at the village of Bompas on the the aptly named Route des Corniches. A stiff but strangely un-named 8km climb up took me onto a ridge from where I was able to descend down a narrow and tricky lane into Les Cabannes. From there I struggled up the fearsome Plateau de Beille where the Tour de France will pass tomorrow for a mountain top finish. Already there were a good many camper vans and tents in position and many more arriving as I climbed. Many offered words of encouragement which was good as at times I was going so slowly that flies were gathering around me. The total climb was an ascent of 1,255 m over 16km to a height of just under 1,800m. At the top it was quite chilly and misty and as usual with nothing much to recommend it apart from the spectacular views. On the whole climb I was only over taken by two guys (much younger!), just near the top, but then again I only passed one rider myself. I am planning to watch the Tour there tomorrow. The crowds will be vast so I am planning on going up some of the way on foot, having parked near the bottom wherever I can find a space. Today dropped my Bianchi in at Cycle Passion for a service and the two new Mavic Askium wheels I had brought out from the UK. I thus ventured out on the Trek with heavy legs and an uncomfortable right knee. Did 75km down to and over Montsegur (1,095 m) coming back via Lavelanet. Then a quick tea and back to Pamiers to collect the Bianchi. All was done, but they got me a bit worried when they started pointing at the chain - in fact they say it is half worn and only (!) has about another 5,000 kms left in it. We all had a chuckle when I said that it will be a good two years before I got to that point. The bike is feeling heavy though, compared to the Boardman I picked up in Halfords. Not so sure making do with this bike for the Alps trip in August is the right thing now....