The cruelest climbs... The Pyrenees are known for their scorching temperatures and steep grades. The pace is slow, sometimes excruciating slow. Because most of the route is chip seal—a layer of tar with rocks thrown over it—the roads can be excruciatingly slow compared to the smooth blacktop commonly found in the Alps. Between the slow pace, lack of wind, and relentless sun, it feels like riding in a sauna—with a blow dryer on you. It gets worse: When chip-seal roads get hot, they start to melt and disintegrate. Bike tires literally stick to the road—with every pedal stroke, you hear the noise of sticky tires peeling off the tar. No one is immune to the problem. Also, the pebbles that form the road start to detach and ricochet all over the place. Wearing glasses has never been so important: The wheel of the rider in front of you becomes a pitching machine, sending pebbles flying toward your face. And yes, it hurts. bicycling/tour-de-france/expert-analysis/cruelest-climbs
Posted on: Sat, 06 Jul 2013 14:10:32 +0000
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