Thursday, July 5, 2012

Pyrenees bike trip..."This is a Mother****er!"

Please don't click into this if you object to foul language.

Day Three biking some of the Tour de France. Today, the Col du Tourmalet. Ten hours of cycling, including relentless ascents of 12miles rising 4,600 feet. Blistering sun followed by freezing cold, then lashing rain and thunder and lightening. In a word? Majestic? Euphoric? "This is a motherfucker!" spat one of our group of ten as he passed me on the left. Or was it the voice in my head?


Kevin and I: smiling now suckers, but five more hours to go....


Kevin heading up the pass

Me meeting the fromage seller and son on the pass

Mountain ponies strolling past me...

The kids have only called us once, at 4am this morning, asking for our credit card number to purchase tickets for an A's baseball game....

Allez! Allez! Onto the next motherfucker....
at

40 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 5, 2012 at 3:10 AM

    I clicked for the foul language! Sounds like you are having an amazing time. Love the photos, looks just about as beautiful as New Zealand :P

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  2. The Dainty Dolls HouseJuly 5, 2012 at 5:10 AM

    Haha...foul language indeed, but expected in this instance ;) Looks marvelous and sounds like you are having fun. What a place :)) x

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  3. London City (mum)July 5, 2012 at 5:17 AM

    Hysterical. My kind of trip, language included.

    LCM x

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  4. Eat. Live. Laugh. and sometimes shop!July 5, 2012 at 5:18 AM

    Gorgeous views! I'll say it again: you are amazing. I would be whimpering on the side of the road like a baby and calling a ride. : )

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  5. SarahJuly 5, 2012 at 6:08 AM

    That looks like hell on wheels. Rather you than me. Nice views yes, too much effort to see them though (you can tell how spoilt I am for nice views).

    I'm off motorbiking in the Austrian Alps next week. That's the way to travel believe me. :)

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  6. Metropolitan MumJuly 5, 2012 at 6:51 AM

    This really does look like hell to me. Why on earth are you doing this to yourself??!! Must get back to my sun lounger now.
    xx

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  7. ajcJuly 5, 2012 at 8:18 AM

    Amazing! Mother****er it is but it must feel awesome to get to the top. You look great! I'll be cheering you on in my head and I will think of you when I complain about this little hill on our bike ride to the ice cream store.
    You go girl!

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  8. libbyJuly 5, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    You are incredible! I am so impressed. I'm sure its a wonderful adventure and I would love to do something similiar but it is so not me.......bravo though....motherfucker or not you will have a great time and collect some great memories and photos.

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  9. Curry QueenJuly 5, 2012 at 10:52 AM

    This has confirmed my suspicion that you are totally bonkers.

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  10. ellieJuly 5, 2012 at 11:25 AM

    Oh Wow, you guys are tough. Beautiful scenery though.

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  11. Alexis GraceJuly 5, 2012 at 1:30 PM

    hahahahahaha.... I can only imagine how crazy this has been! Glad you are still laughing!

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  12. ingeJuly 5, 2012 at 2:38 PM

    As you know when you finish this cycling trip it will have been fantastic just not while you are doing it

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  13. Twisted Scottish BastardJuly 5, 2012 at 6:54 PM

    Magnificent. You sure you're not in the Remarkables?

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  14. TrishJuly 6, 2012 at 7:23 AM

    That fromage seller looks so much like a French caricature, all he needs is a string of garlic and a baguette under his arm!

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  15. VinogirlJuly 6, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    The pony photograph is fantastic.

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  16. kim at northerncalstyle.July 6, 2012 at 10:59 AM

    Jody,
    I am amazed by you! Only wish I could do this. Can't wait to see more posts.
    You deserved those bacon sandwiches!

    xo
    Kim

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  17. Rob-bearJuly 7, 2012 at 1:33 PM

    I would be so very sorry for you, except that this is all self-inflicted. Now I won't laugh at you, Jody, and I will extend a little sympathy. But really, you are old enough to know better bout these kinds of things. Best wishes on getting home alive.

    Love the pictures of the pony and the cheese man, btw.

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  18. TattieweasleJuly 7, 2012 at 11:51 PM

    OMG talk about masochism! But the views are great and you look to be having fun. Obviously not quite my kind of fun but hey!!!!!

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  19. Rosie ScribbleJuly 8, 2012 at 10:57 AM

    That looks like very hard work, but those views are fabulous! I'm now feeling very unfit!

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  20. Ladybird World MotherJuly 8, 2012 at 2:19 PM

    Oh, I love you!! This made me chuckle, especially the early morning phone call asking for dosh from the kids. Lovely. Its those family moments you can so treasure. Keep going...am madly jealous. Really. xxx

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  21. DianaJuly 8, 2012 at 5:33 PM

    The scenic photos seemed worth the ride. I can only imagine what I might have said to the credit card number request. Now you got me hanging!! Love Di ♥

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  22. mtgJuly 9, 2012 at 6:39 AM

    ha-ha-ha! You're so brave! beautiful photos. I love "kids only called once to ask for credit card number" LOL
    xx
    Maya

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  23. The Silver BunnyJuly 9, 2012 at 7:49 AM

    Would you like me to translate that in French so you can charm the locals ?xx

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  24. AnonymousJuly 9, 2012 at 11:17 AM

    Something I think I could do, but probably not! Love the views.

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  25. UnknownJuly 9, 2012 at 5:16 PM

    I'm so glad it's you and not me Jody, although I'm sure you're going to come back with enviable thighs! It looks absolutely beautiful though!

    xo Mary Jo

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  26. AnonymousJuly 9, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    I just started following your blog & i love it.
    this year i am trying to make my dreams come true

    follow back please & thank you <3
    xo, kristin noel

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  27. classiqJuly 10, 2012 at 1:55 AM

    It must be a killing effort, but so rewarding in the end, right? Enjoy your vacation, Jody! xo
    Ada

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  28. Carol@TheDesignPagesJuly 10, 2012 at 11:52 AM

    You are awesome. I think I would have stayed behind with the fromage seller and maybe invited the vin seller along as well.

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  29. RoseJuly 10, 2012 at 2:35 PM

    Yikes! This ride seems like a killer! Keep going... we will cheer you on.

    The ponies looked adorable!

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  30. MacyJuly 10, 2012 at 4:40 PM

    Dear god, I can't even imagine thinking of doing a trip like that!
    Except in a car. Could be persuaded into a car...

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  31. Chocolate Cookies & CandiesJuly 11, 2012 at 2:22 AM

    This would be my hubby's dream to do. Any my worst nightmare. I would love to take the same route in a car and check out the spectacular sights. Heck, you're far fitter than I am. I would've died in the first 1km.

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  32. NikiJuly 12, 2012 at 1:15 AM

    I want a make same trip! Love that

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    Replies
    1. About Last WeekendJuly 19, 2012 at 10:48 AM

      Thanks for stopping by Niki, I clicked in to see your Kiwi teething necklaces (even though I no longer have teething bubs) the Amber ones are lovely.

      Delete
  33. AnneJuly 13, 2012 at 12:24 PM

    Hope you are having a fabulous time!
    ~Anne

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  34. Popcorn, Pugs & PeoniesJuly 17, 2012 at 2:28 PM

    I can't imagine ever taking on anything this epic (or athletic) so I will live vicariously through you. Your pictures are amazing!!

    *Erin

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  35. Linda @ DesignInMyViewJuly 23, 2012 at 10:39 PM

    Just found you today (July 23) through a comment you made on....some other blog.

    I've been reading first posts, 50th birthday post, and newest to here.

    You CRACK me UP! :-)

    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  36. cheap prom dressesOctober 18, 2012 at 9:06 AM

    I am drooling over those photos. Gorgeous. Hope you are having a wonderful time.

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  37. UnknownDecember 23, 2012 at 5:07 AM

    Hello, i'm the friend of one of the buskers and you took a photo of me and an other girl. We were in the middle of the place and you gave me your cart, can you send me the photo please to make my own holliday album. Thanks =): margaux.ledrich@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. About Last WeekendMay 2, 2013 at 8:54 PM

      Hi Margaux, I am hoping to find that photo - still searching!

      Delete