Departure: Lamoura at Dawn#
On Friday, September 8, the morning coolness of Lamoura welcomed me as I dressed lightly, anticipating a sunny day. A decision true to my habit, which paired with the excitement of the 6 o’clock morning departure.
The Early Stages: From Enthusiasm to Uncertainty#
The initial momentum propelled me ahead without draining too much of my energy reserves, a strategy that proved its worth between 8 AM and 12 PM, my peak physical and mental form hours.
However, the road was not without hitches. Directional mistakes nibbled away at my lead, testing my lucidity. Was it the complexity of the route or a dip in my concentration? The answer remains blurry.
The Swiss Jura: Splendor and Difficulty#
As I entered Switzerland, I was awestruck by the majestic beauty of the Swiss Jura, an ideal backdrop for the intense ascent that awaited me. A particular 5.5 km climb with an average gradient of 13% put my limits to the test, demonstrating just how much of a challenge this race really was!
Technical Mishaps and Moments of Adaptability#
The first day threw a curveball my way, where the bumpy roads got the better of my GPS holder and front lamp. This ordeal revealed my adaptability in a crisis, finding improvised solutions to continue my journey into the darkness. To overcome the GPS mount breakdown, I plugged in my earphones with voice guidance activated, simultaneously tracking the route on my watch.
The Battle Against Cold and Fatigue#
The night brought with it biting cold and dampness, becoming a test of endurance. The discomfort, coupled with a lack of sleep, made the night seemingly endless. However, strategic breaks and moments of comfort, like warm pastries at dawn, were welcomed lifelines.
Revitalization and End of the Trail#
After a well-deserved rest in a welcoming church, I was ready to set off again, rejuvenated and determined to continue the race. The pursuit of Régis, the leader, became my main motivation. The demanding route, intense climbs, and damaged roads added to the complexity, but the encouragement received at Bellegarde gave me an extra boost to push to the end.
Arrival: Back to Lamoura#
Arriving back at Lamoura marked the end of this strenuous but enriching adventure. Beyond the second place, it was a race of discovery, learning, and personal surpassing.
Reflections and Lessons#
Upon reflection, this race has been a valuable learning opportunity, whether in terms of sleep management or equipment preparation. Lessons have been learned and will be integrated into future challenges.
A Heartfelt Thank You#
A big thank you to the family-like and attentive organization of this event, which made this experience even more memorable.
