The Adventures Of Campy Girlymann

The climb was a category five. Miles long that wound its way up the French Alps. The Tour de France riders were pacing themselves, knowing that the steepest section of the climb was yet to come and keeping a watchful eye for a break away.  The top rider from a French team was in the lead. France was ecstatic to finally have a French team in the lead. Jean Claude, had his teammates surround him, making sure that he would keep the lead without being attack and rode with the help of domestics to give him water and prevent the wind from draining his energy.

Jean Claude talked with the team's captain, there didn't appear to be anyone willing to challenge him yet. For the most part, the rest of the pack was holding on, waiting for a mistake, or lucky break to take advantage of the lead rider.  He felt confident that the stage would be in his pocket and smiled.

Up ahead, dark clouds covered the mountain peak and a roll of thunder shook the ground beneath the riders, or was it? Jean Claude listened for the rumble again, only this time it seemed it was coming from behind and gaining fast.

"Pierre?"

"Yes Jean,"

"Is there a thunder storm behind us?"

"I only see clouds in the distance, up ahead."

"Then what could be that great noise?"

"I don't know, but something big is headed this way."

Jean Claude looked behind him, he could see riders at the back of the pack splitting as if the road itself had cracked wide down the middle.  There was the sound of a train, of metal being tested to its utmost, there was sweat flying and a low groan that went like a wave over the riders.

As Jean Claude looked, his mouth dropped opened while a large rider peddled up to him, winked and rode on. Jean Claude began to follow but soon realized he would never catch this phantom rider.

"Who was that?" He asked around at the riders near him.

"The legend lives on," one rider said with a smile.

"It's Campy Girlymann, a legend in his own time." Pierre said and crossed himself, kissing his fingers when he finished.

to be continued...