Everywhere around us were glorious mountain vistas. Simply unparalleled scenery mixed with everpresent leg strain. Markham, Rich, Bill and I ground it out for an hour and a half, stopping occasionally for photo ops and water. On the steeper grades, Markham and I would separate somewhat with the four of us coming back together on the easier slopes. After 18 km or so, Markham and I went on alone until, finally, we spotted flags flying over the inn that marked the top, about 2 km ahead. The last km Markham got out of the saddle and doggedly picked up the pace, not with his usual burst but just as effective. I stayed with him till the last 200 yds, then dropped back slightly to a pace I could sustain. As we approached the Andiamo van parked in front of the inn, Markham called out, "Water!" and then, "Is this the top?" "No!" replied Kathy, our tour guide, "It`s 2 km yet!" This was cruel news, and I kept on pedaling, with Markham soon catching back on. After a long straight climb, the road either disappeared to the left or continued up a new mountain to the right. The right turn option was demoralizing. Markham jumped out of the saddle again, betting on the road turning left, and this time he was rewarded with a sharp turn and the summit. It was, as usual, a powerful performance by Mr. Smith. Nel, the tour leader, was waiting with van no. 2 and quickly scanned us for signs of dehydration or over-exertion. We apparently passed the test--she couldn`t see inside :) Rick and Bill arrived a few minutes later, then others followed little by little. Nel set out a picnic lunch and we took an hour to rest, refuel, and tell stories before descending back down the road we had just come up.
That climb was a load! It put into perspective what we have ahead....
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