This had been a very tough tour and most days I was right on my limit. The heat had been a major debilitating factor but also the big Alpine climbs are I think, longer and a bit steeper over longer distances than what we had experienced in the Pyrenees the year before. It was quite an endurance test and in hindsight an extra day to spread the climbing would have helped. Chris was imperious and his regular weekly evening mountain biking on the Mendips throughout the previous winter had clearly helped with his superior fitness. This year Phil, although clearly very fit, was not as strong on the bike as in previous years and I was much closer to him on the climbs particularly in the early part of the week.
Writing this blog a couple of months after competing the tour has helped put what we achieved into some kind of perspective. Although at the time I was a bit disappointed that we hadn't completed the official Raid route in its entirety it now seems insignificant and the memories are of stunning views, fresh Alpine mountain air, lots of excellent food, some strong debates about all things Brexit, politics,life and the universe and being comfortable in the company of great friends.
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