Day 11 - overview

A relatively easy day for the boys today - no enormous hills, no bike malfunctions and no interesting incidents.  The delirium is beginning to set in though -with aching legs, tired heads and memory loss (George thinks that today is day 10...).  See below for some individual updates:

Someone should have told George that it wasn't 'wear your
yellow jersey to School' day today

Day 11 - Paul
The early starts are definitely paying dividends in terms of us reaching our daily destination ahead of schedule and minimising the time we spend on the bike in the searing heat. The downside, I know a number of the lads really miss a big morning fuel up, particularly Jamie and Adrian. Today was a fairly comfortable 80 miles but I must admit the rolling hills don’t allow you to get into a rhythm, after the Alps my climbing legs are not great as is my on-going derriere issue. As always the banter was brilliant, having George sing ‘Rhythm is a Dancer’ and the ‘ma nam a na’ song does take your mind of things. Stu is still on high alert with the mystery wolf attack.
I loved attending Jamie’s bike maintenance school and reaching the 1000 milestone is a major achievement for all the team. The finishing line is now in sight!!! Special hugs and kisses to Emily and Grace, I can’t wait to see you both. Xxx 

Jamie: Day 11: 

Birkenwald to Kanner (82 miles) – Today was tough, not on paper, but we rushed off in the morning without a proper breakfast. My energy levels felt low and I couldn’t keep my eyes open on the bike. Luckily, we came across a small local bakery which saved the day.
Today’s route was full of undulating roads. Steve, and I were attacking the descents and slingshoting each other up the hills. Great fun, but was probably not the most economical use of energy. Consequently, I started to fade again during the last 15 miles but still couldn’t resist accepting Stu’s hill sprint challenge, I reckon I edged him by a wheel's length.
Just been for a meal outside the hotel. It had the word "Buffet" in large font on the outside, yet there was no buffet. absolutely gutted! 

Day 11– Stu

Today was good fun, we have eventually found Jamie’s Achilles heel, don’t let him eat, and then keep attacking every climb!! We set off so early that Jamie was unable to devour his usual 5000 calorie breakfast, and by his own words had his worst day’s riding of the tour as a result!! Steve and I fully exploited Jamie’s predicament, but I should add that he still beat me to the top of every hill, but by metres rather than minutes!! 

George (bless him):

Ok so we are at the end of day 10 and passed the 1000 mile mark! We swapped the mountains of the Alps for the rolling hills of the Alsace. Beautiful and much easier on the legs. The tour has been v eventful but there have been so many it is hard to summise, especially as i dont update often. Thankfully the weather has cooled down a smidge from the 40C to about 30C but the thunderstorms are just round the corner.
Legs are tired and bottom is sore and the blisters on the hands are painful but the thought of the welcome home party is keeping us all going. plus i think adrian and james are about to abuse an all you can eat buffet!
Tomorrow i am hoping to learn how to upload photos.
Cheers all!