Haute Route day 3: random "Rest Day" facts & figures

‎Today was the short day of the week. Short means an uphill time trial up the Col du Granon - 12km and 1000 meters vertical. 

It went well, the weather is back with sun and blue skies, and I think everyone is happy to see it after yesterday: tons of riders and especially the smaller riders were complain‎ing of the impact from yesterday's cold  & rain. Some near me paid visit to the medics, etc.

‎Our team all rode the climb well (especially Trev) and the fatigue is starting to show its effects and patterns: I am now beginning to notice the same riders who are around me everyday, and starting to feel the fatigue - this morning the legs were very reluctant to wake up.

Short day means more time for rest and reflection, so here are some random facts from the week so far:

-There is a guy from Denver riding a belt-drive Spot single speed. It's insane, his gear is a 50x24t... and he is in the top 100.

- I was 26th fastest up the Izoard yesterday... at least that explains some of today's awesome feeling!

-3 days into free massage, and the french massage girls of my dreams is named Aurelie. Unfortunately, today she was superseded by the french massage man of my dreams, Maxime.

-its amazing how little things in life like sun, and time to actually eat lunch before 2:30 in the afternoon are taken for granted. Today I enjoyed both.

-Trev Williams is doing Canada/Calgary/team Speedgoat pro‎ud. Today he absolutely crushed the TT for 12th place. 

-The size and layout of European hotel rooms does not stop amazing me. Sometimes the layout is so small you can't even perform basic ‎functions - add the complication of race luggage and it gets laugh-out-loud comical.

-the coffee is not so good in smaller French hotels. ‎Fortunately "Claude the Butler" is here with his mobile espresso shop packed into a 1971 Peugot panel van. It makes a difference.

-we are burning a lot of calories. By the time we eat, it's mid-afternoon and the temptation is to order two plates!

Tomorrow is the monster "Queen"‎ stage: 165km and 4250M climbed over the Galibier, Telegraphe, Croix de Fer, and Les Duex Alpes.