We're doing the hardest stage of the Tour de France this year -- three climbs over the col du Marie Blanque (very steep last 3km at 10%+, up to 14%), col du Soulor (long, long climb), then 20+ miles up the gorge and then onto the Tourmalet, 18 miles up to the highest point in the Pyrenees.
That's got everyone a bit nervous, so to lighten the load, we headed into the Farmers Market (picture the Waitsfield farmers market x10 in a town about the same size). The mission -- euro capris for the guys who can pull those off (I'm not in that category). Needless to say, a lot of laughs.
Next, to Lourdes for holy water. Lourdes is an international pilgramage site for Catholics. Legend has it that the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd girl, and then to her priest, telling them that the waters from a spring had healing powers.
The town has a pretty special vibe and we visited to pray in the chapel and rub some of those healing waters onto our legs. The Mayor demonstrates in the video below:
Lastly, a 45 minute spin to loosen up the legs for 8 hours plus tomorrow and then pull everything together in advance of the 4a wakeup call. Big day tomorrow -- say a prayer for us!
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