DAY 24 – QUEEN STAGE – COL DE LA LOZE | TOUR DE FRANCE CHALLENGE |RIDING EVERY STAGE + THE TRANSFERS | Amy Cycling Adventures
Video DAY 24 – QUEEN STAGE – COL DE LA LOZE | TOUR DE FRANCE CHALLENGE |RIDING EVERY STAGE + THE TRANSFERS with Amy Cycling Adventures
Video DAY 24 – QUEEN STAGE – COL DE LA LOZE | TOUR DE FRANCE CHALLENGE |RIDING EVERY STAGE + THE TRANSFERS with Amy Cycling Adventures YouTube Channel.
DAY 24 – QUEEN STAGE – COL DE LA LOZE | TOUR DE FRANCE CHALLENGE |RIDING EVERY STAGE + THE TRANSFERS
Amy Cycling Adventures: Conquering the Queen Stage in France
Introduction to the Journey
In the realm of cycling, few challenges rival the sheer test of endurance that Amy faced on Day 24 of her cycling tour across France. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, Amy prepared to tackle what many would deem the “Queen Stage,” a title denoting the most formidable ascent of the tour—Stage 18. This was not merely a day of cycling; it was a quest that would push her physical and mental limits as she ascended iconic mountain passes.
The Setup: Preparation for the Queen Stage
As dawn broke early at 5:00 AM, Amy was filled with anticipation. With a 9-mile transfer to Viff and a daunting 137-mile route ahead, comprising climbs that would exceed 19,000 feet, today was destined to be a monumental challenge. The day was set to become the toughest she had ever faced, but she welcomed it with open arms.
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” she thought, ready to tackle three ‘Hors Catégorie’ climbs—the highest rating for a climb. These climbs were not just tall; they promised to test the limits of her stamina and resolve, requiring her to focus on one ascent at a time.
A Day of Challenges and Tests
The route was earmarked for picturesque yet arduous climbs beginning with the Col de Glandon, followed by Col de Madeleine, and culminating at the formidable Col de La Madeleine. Boasting a steep ascent, this stage was riddled with testing gradients. Moreover, weather conditions were turning hot, adding to the day’s intensity.
As she rode on the gradual climb towards Col de Glandon, Amy reflected on her previous training. The countless hours spent in the saddle, the early mornings, and the sacrifices were all leading to this moment. Amy had prepared meticulously, but nothing could prepare her for the challenge of the mountains towering ahead.
The Climbs: Confronting the Mountains
Col de Glandon: The First Ascent
The first major climb was breathtaking, both in scenery and difficulty. With the sun rising behind her, illuminating the mountain range, Amy began her ascent with optimism. “One pedal stroke at a time,” she reminded herself.
Despite the beautiful surroundings, the climb took its toll. The sustained gradient of 5.5 per cent felt steeper with every passing kilometre. Amy relied on her mantra, “I can and I will,” whispering it to herself as she pushed past the discomfort, determined to reach the summit. After a challenging ascent, a glorious vista awaited her at the top, validating every ounce of effort she had exerted.
Col de Madeleine: The Midway Challenge
With the first peak conquered, Amy faced her next challenge—the Col de Madeleine. Here, the climbing became even steeper, with parts exceeding a gradient of 11 per cent.
Drenched in sweat, each turn seemed to mock her efforts, but the encouragement of fellow riders and the sight of her support crew brightened her spirit. Kyle accompanied Amy, riding alongside her, ready to offer snacks and words of motivation. The camaraderie shared on the road was vital, breathing life into even the most physically demanding segments of the ride.
The Final Push: Achieving the Summit
As the terrain reached its highest point at Col de La Madeleine, Amy’s determination was unwavering. She felt the strain in her legs, but her resolve deepened. The mantra and laughter she shared with Kyle resonated through the climb. The mountains that once appeared daunting were now a beautiful canvas of nature she felt privileged to ride through.
Each arduous pedal stroke drew her closer to the summit, where victorious cheers awaited her. At 2,000 metres above sea level, the joy was almost palpable. Standing at the peak, exhaustion mingled with elation. Amy’s focus had paid off—she was not just conquering climbs but defeating her inner doubts. The breathtaking scenery made all the effort worthwhile.
Reflection on the Journey
As she embarked on the descent, Amy couldn’t help but feel grateful. The sweat, toil, and fatigue of the day had transformed into a glorious memory—one etched in her heart forever. Surrounded by friends and fellow riders, she celebrated. “If I had the chance to do this all over again, I would,” she thought, her spirit soaring higher than the peaks she had just conquered.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead
With Day 24 behind her, Amy’s adventures in cycling continued. The experience had taught her that mountains were not just geographical features but monumental journeys of self-discovery and endurance. As she prepared for the upcoming stages, Amy reflected on her accomplishments with pride, knowing that her journey was about more than just cycling; it was about resilience, community, and an unwavering spirit to achieve.
Through every grind and every climb, Amy’s cycling adventures were undeniably about pushing boundaries, exploring breathtaking landscapes, and enjoying the ride in every sense. As the days of her tour wound down, she knew that the memories forged through this extraordinary experience would last a lifetime. Cycling was not just a sport for Amy, but an adventure, a passion that continued to drive her forward.
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