Stage Nine

Famous last words from the last posting about the easy 90 mile day we had in front of us.....we didn't take into account today's heat....33c for most of the day. We found it energy draining .
JD had an accident today...he hit a rut in the road which caused him to go over the handlebars. He hit the road with a thump but other than cuts and grazes on his elbow and knee he is OK . Minor damage to bike.
We completed Austria and Liechtenstein today so just need to reach Italy tomorrow. Just one little obstacle in our way....the mountain range seen in one of the photos here. Our route is up the Splugen Pass....we were speaking to a local club rider today and he told us a week ago it was covered in snow but should be ok for us tomorrow. We are all very worried about the climb.I will give you more details about the climbs and facts and figures plus more photos when I get back to the UK..until then tomorrow will be success or failure for our 10in10 objective.
Oh one last thing...we found ourselves mixed up with the Tour of Switzerland mobile village today....quite exciting for us bike riders and again photos when we get home.

Stage Eight

This morning started with a big climb. We had allowed ourselves 3hrs to do it and actually completed it in just over 1hr. I didn't count the switchbacks as I went up but I can tell you the views were spectacular and the cycling was absolutely brilliant. In actual fact today was the best days cycling so far.
We are now in Switzerland as can be seen in the photo of Jon at the border. We crossed over the river into Switzerland at a wooden bridge shown in the other picture.
We are currently camped alongside Lake Instances.
Tomorrow we have an easy day of 90miles and only a total ascent of 1700ft over the entire days distance.
The following day....day 10.... well that's going to be a totally different story......

Stage Seven

<p>Last nights rain had cleared by the morning and although we had some clouds it remained dry. We decided to take a middle route and are now in the Black Forest at a place called Simonswold.
Gradient today were killers at the end of the days ride. Tomorrow we start off with even steeper gradients and an even bigger day.
This ride isn't in the bag yet and the next three days are crucial to us completing this within the ten days limit.
Photos today show the view from our site and Jon checking the route.

Stage Six

Today was a day of decisions. JD and Lorenzo decided that they were unable to continue without compromising the success of the 10in10. They felt that although they could continue riding they were unable to maintain the pace required in order for us to achieve our objective of 10countries in 10days.
Both the guys will continue to ride about 50 miles a day but will not continue with Jon and I.
They both have new tasks though to assist in our success. Lorenzo is producing fantastic meals for us and JD is now helping Dave with navigation and logistics.
Obviously if Jon and I do make it,to Lake Comp OK we will reform as a full team to ride around the Lake and up to the Chapel....
Today the weather was very very hot. Energy shaping heat!!. When we arrived at the campsite the weather blew up into a frenzy with strong winds and then rain.
We are currently camped about 10 miles west of Strasbourg.
Tomorrow we have another decision to make...over a mountain with a shorter distance....or follow a river for almost twice the distance. It depends on weather....so we won't decide till the morning.

Stage Five

<p>&lt;p&gt;We are now in France after also cycling through part of Germany. We will be dipping in and out of these countries tomorrow as well. This means we are at 6in5 and halfway through the ride.&lt;br&gt;<br>
It's taking its toll on some of the team. Jon seems to have lost<br>
strength in his left hand making gear changing difficult &amp; the daily mileage and ascending each day is pushing the team to their limits.....
As I said...today was a long day...we have just had a meal cooked by Lorenzo so now it's off for some shut eye.

Stage Four

We are now in Luxembourg and glad to have moved out of Belgium. The standard of the roads improved as soon as we crossed the border. Today started with a nice hill of  about three miles kicking up to 18% in one section....just what you don't need first thing..the hills carried on throughout the day taking us through some wonderful countryside and pure cycling heaven, swooping down from the tops into stunning wooded riverside sections on totally smooth surfaces...what a difference to Belgium.
Tonight we are eating out at the campsite restaurant. The Campsite is in a place called Larochette.
We are now at four in four.....we will be pushing on tomorrow towards our 10in10 objective.

Stage Three

Cobbles....cobbles.....cobbles. That is what we have had today for about 50 of today's 96 miles. Don't ask why anyone would want to cycle on them...Hats off to those who race on them.
Our teeth were rattling...necks ached...bikes shaking. Total pain!!
We will all be glad to leave Belgium...As we have travelled south in the country they seem to be less bike friendly and the roads today were awful with plenty of gravel on bends etc.
Loads of long hills at about 7%-9%.
We are now in Rochefort and tomorrow will se us in Luxembourg.
The team are in good spirits and everyone, although tired, are holding together well.