Rainy Day vs Ride Day vs Rest Day

Day 3 in Briancon, it continued to rain heavily throughout the night and this morning we woke to a Dandenong's esq misty drizzle and fog. See pics. Knowing that this was the in fact forecast for the day, and tomorrow is our big double peaks day, no significant climbs were penned in. Should the rain clear momentarily ride options would be assessed, but for the moment a leisurely big breakfast and a chill out on the lounges, sufficed as the first and perhaps only point of order.

This status quo lasted all of 45mins, as Phils very early to bed, well rested steel sprung legs, began to pace anxiously like that of a caged animal. At the first hint of a break in the rain.. he was wet weather kitted up and switched on. Like a child on Christmas morning, there's no such thing as too early to get up..

As an optional ride, I choose the potentially soft option of staying dry, warm and having a rest day, Tony kitted up and joined Phil for a local hills ride, the only roads out of here are up anyway. Their plan was to stay local and ride for two hours or until the forecasted lightening storm and accompanying downpour hit.. which ever came first.

My choice not to ride triggered the rumour mill.. some time alone to up his EPO... Blood Dope.. Recharge the electric motor hidden in the frame???
Or was it simply a commonsensical approach to staying warm and dry before t'rows 120km two peak ride.. maybe that was it, but hey, the truth often makes a boring read.

So Kudos to Phil and Tony managing to dodge the rain drops and add another 900 odd vertical metres to their trips climb totals.

Dinner tonight, in preparation for tomorrow's big day, was in the old town. Built in the 1500's and still fortified by the original wall and the moat. Meals were fantastic the village at night even more impressive. See pics.
'Gentleman to bed.. for tomorrow we ride!'