Stage 15: L'Alpe d'Huez

Well.  We're almost to the end.  Several gruelling days in the Alps, a time trial, and then onward to Paris.

I have to say that it's been a long time since I've seen quite so many broken collar-bones on a Tour. 

And, sadly, that the race for the green jersey seems to have come to an end, unless of course Oscar Freire can pull off something spectacular.  Though my prediction of a McEwen 2002/2004/2006 win would seem to be coming true.

I think the saddest moment of the Tour so far happened for me today -- watching Tom Boonen at the side of the road, at the end of his road, so to speak.  He was in tears, and I was this close to tears myself watching him.  But if cycling teaches me anything, it's that you can have a great spring, and look forward to a good Tour, and then have things just not go right at all.  And then, you keep moving forward -- he'll be back, tour of the Netherlands and another one I've forgotten, and maybe by then he'll be back in form.

But it just goes to show what a challenge the Tour de France is.

As for the Tour de Fleece -- well, it's much the same for us, too, I think, at least for me.  I take on other, smaller, spinning projects throughout the year, and often I don't think too much about what I'm trying to accomplish.  I've discovered both this year and last year that taking three weeks out of my schedule (a feat in itself, I think many of you will agree), devoting myself to one project, to one challenge, has proved to be more beneficial than I'd ever realized.  I won't write too much about that today -- will save it for the end of the Tour -- but it's what I'm starting to think about as we move into the final days.

But a reminder -- taking on a challenge of this nature is already a success unto itself.  Remember that if you're feeling discouraged.  Give yourself a pat on the back, climb back on, and keep going.

Comments

[The Purloined Letter]

What a timely post. My most recent post (http://thepurloinedletter.blogspot.com/2006/07/tour-update.html) made me feel really close to the finish line. But my father's serious illness definitely closed me down by the side of the road. Although he had been staying with us at a beach hotel in his hometown, this morning he was taken to the hospital. I spent the whole day knitting and staring into space rather than happily winding off my yarn and steaming it. We'll see soon if I was just along for the beginning of the ride or if I find myself seeking solace in yarn washing in the middle of the night.... As you said, it is pushing yourself to try that really makes the race meaningful--not [whether your yarn is dry] you finish the race.

[Janice in GA]

It looks like I'm going to fall by the side of the road too. :( I've got almost 6 of my 8 oz spun, but the effort it's taking to spin it all is wearing me down. :( I haven't totally given up, but I'm probably going to have to be picked up by the SAG wagon, alas.

[KatyaR]

I got my Tour t-shirt yesterday--so cute! I had to go back and order the mug, too.

I think we've all done a great job. Just like the actual Tour de France participants, you have to roll with whatever the course throws at you. There's no shame in knowing that you've given it your best try. I'm proud to be a part of such a talented group of people.

Hang in there, everybody--just a few more days!

[Tj]

KatyaR has it right, IMHO. I prefer to look at our efforts from the viewpoint of non-spinners - "Wow! That's fantastic! You can make yarn!" Be proud of your talent.

[anj]

My landlord came by while we were watching the tour and saw me spinning and was all "WOW! you are so connected to what you make, like right out of Lancaster (PA)" And ya know.. she is right. We are so connected to what we make. And giving yourself 3 weeks to rekindle that connection is a fabulous thing to do.

I'm just so pleased I happened upon this idea and how it tied my knitting and biking loves together. Funny how we can take that connection and pull it through with others on the internet. THANKS!