I was watching the TdF coverage the other day where a former participant was talking about the day's stage which was mostly flat with a tough category 1 climb at the end. This climb was about 5K (3.1 miles) at a 9-10% gradient, ending in a short final segment at 20% -- otherwise known as a "wall!" So he was saying how tough it was on the riders to go for an hour or more in their 53-11 gear (a gear I don't think I've ever used, unless once down a really big hill!) and then they have to go into their 39-23 "climbing gear" for the finish.

39-23 as a climbing gear?? I've just been on a discussion here about my bike with a 46/30 crank that gives me a 30-32 low gear and I'm still concerned about making some of the hills (not mountains!) that I sometimes encounter! Talk about putting me in my place even more than where I thought I was...

Still one of my favorite times of year to watch the racing and travelogue of the French countryside!