DAY 18 TOURMALET | TOUR DE FRANCE CHALLENGE – CYCLING EVERY STAGE PLUS THE TRANSFERS | Amy Cycling Adventures
Video DAY 18 TOURMALET | TOUR DE FRANCE CHALLENGE – CYCLING EVERY STAGE PLUS THE TRANSFERS with Amy Cycling Adventures
Video DAY 18 TOURMALET | TOUR DE FRANCE CHALLENGE – CYCLING EVERY STAGE PLUS THE TRANSFERS with Amy Cycling Adventures YouTube Channel.
DAY 18 TOURMALET | TOUR DE FRANCE CHALLENGE – CYCLING EVERY STAGE PLUS THE TRANSFERS
Amy Cycling Adventures: Conquering the Cols in France
On day 18 of her incredible cycling journey, Amy found herself in a sweltering apartment, feeling the exhaustion of the previous days weighing heavily on her. With sweat dripping down her face, she confessed to her companion Kyle, “This might be the worst night’s sleep I’ve ever had.” Today was pivotal; she was gearing up for her longest ride yet—a challenging 130-mile trek across the breathtaking French Alps, including an infamous climb that would push her limits.
The Start of the Journey
The day began bright and early at just before 5 a.m. Amy was determined to get a head start on her expedition, knowing full well the challenges that lay ahead. Starting in the small town of Palo, she planned to finish her ride at Superbagneres. However, her journey was marked by a slight detour due to unexpected road closures. “I’ve got to head back on myself,” Amy lamented, but she quickly shifted her mindset, stating, “No more tears, just spinning gears!” This resilience set the tone for the day.
Facing Fear and Anticipating the Climb
What lay before Amy was her biggest ascent yet: the climb to Col de Tormalet, which would be the highest she had ever ridden. Mixing nerves with excitement, she made her way through gentle climbs and green landscapes, exchanging jests with Kyle as he prepared to meet her at the summit. “I’ve done this climb virtually in my garage,” she said with a chuckle, comparing her indoor training sessions to the real thing. “If I can do it there, I can certainly tackle it with these incredible views.”
Navigating the Elements
The weather played its part, with rain briefly dampening the road and Amy’s spirits. Yet, she pressed on, reminding herself, “I’m not made of sugar.” Determined to conquer her fears, she felt invigorated by the fresh air and the sheer beauty of her surroundings. With each mile, she gained confidence, exclaiming, “Look at this! That water is so blue—gorgeous!”
Conquering Col de Tormalet
Upon reaching L’ station Savin, where the official climb began, Amy dug into her energy bars and prepared for the final push. Having trained hard for this moment, she believed in herself: “I’m really enjoying it. It’s not easy, but it’s so beautiful.” After tackling the first stretch, the steep gradients tested her physically and mentally as she ascended towards Col de Tormalet.
With the summit in sight, she relied on her cycling experience while mentally recounting past climbs. “Nothing that I go through on this bike is as bad as what I’ve already been through in my head when I was poorly,” she reminded herself. She felt the thrill of victory as she crossed the summit, celebrating not just the physical achievement but her sheer determination and resilience. “This is the highest I’ve ever been on my bike,” she announced with pride. “I can’t believe I made it!”
Refueling and Facing the Remaining Challenges
After a well-deserved break at the top, where she fuelled up with pasta and sweets, Amy still had three challenging climbs ahead. She knew she needed to maintain her energy and positive mindset. The camaraderie of fellow cyclists and the stunning scenery uplifted her spirits. “It’s all about tapping out, one pedal at a time,” she reminded herself, emphasising the importance of pacing and mental strength.
The Final Stretch: Against All Odds
The final climb, Superbagneres, awaited, and Amy was more determined than ever. She understood that every stride had led her here, and she was resolute in facing what lay ahead. With her body fatigued yet her spirit undeterred, she climbed, counting down the meters, reminding herself what had been accomplished thus far. “Two more mountains to go, I’ve got this!” she shouted, bolstered by the cheers from her cycling companions.
The final stretch felt surreal; the finish line was within reach. “Woohoo!” she exclaimed, the thrill of the climb invigorating her tired legs. Accompanied by newfound friends who joined her for the final ascent, Amy realised the power of community—each cheerful voice lifting her spirits as she approached the culmination of her long day’s adventure.
Conclusion: Achievements Beyond Miles
After a staggering 132.37 miles, including an elevation gain of 16,191 feet, Amy completed her journey. “My bum was in the saddle for 10 hours and 43 minutes, and I kept a steady average speed,” she reflected, soaking up her incredible achievement. More than just miles cycled, this was an expedition of self-discovery, community, and the exhilaration of conquering one’s fears.
As she looked around at the mountains she had scaled, Amy realised that each pedal stroke had not only brought her closer to her physical goals but had also raised the stakes for her charitable efforts. Having surpassed her initial fundraising target, she concluded, “What a ride! I can’t wait for the next adventure!”
This article captures Amy’s exhilarating journey across the French Alps, showcasing her challenges and triumphs during a long-distance cycling adventure. The structural elements such as headings and subheadings organise the content for enhanced readability and SEO performance.
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