Thomson Bike Tours day 4 - Col de la Croix Fry + three other cols

In many ways today was the most enjoyable of the trip from a pure cycling perspective. For a start, there was no van ride - we rode straight from the hotel and did a big loop back to base again. Rather than do one or two big ascents we did four (or was it five?) smaller climbs, although admittedly one of them was the HC Col de la Croix Fry. Funny: a couple of months ago this climb would have freaked me out; now it was just another part of a long and pleasant day on the bike.

For the first time this morning there was a bit of stiffness and slight pain in the quads. After four days, though, that's good; it usually gets me around the afternoon of the second day, so the training has worked well.

We set off from the hotel and the first climb was the 7 km Col de l'Epine, a category 2 at 7%. It came and went without incident, just attractive woodland scenery and an easy spinning rhythm to the top.

The delightful Kate, a former pro cyclist and one of our ride leaders for the day at the foot of the Col de l'Epine.

At the top of the col.

The next climb was the Col de la Croix Fry, an hors categorie climb at 11.2 km, 806 metres and 7%, with a 3 km section in excess of 10%. Yes, this was a bit harder work but there was the attraction of an alfresco lunch at the top.

The table was set for another bike group but first in, best dressed...

With South African buddies Raoul and Avi - note the stylish T de F give-away headgear.

Then it was largely downhill with what Toni, Thomson's GM described as 'bumps' - the Col des Aravis, an unnamed col and did we do the Forclaz as well? - can't remember.

Another great day - 104 km and 3,000 metres of climb.