22 and half hours
0450 and the phone alarm rings. Outside the sound of rain was not what we wanted. The forecast all week had been for a dying southerly, which would be quite good. So much for the forecast at this point. As the sky lightened we could see that all the tops were well covered in cloud, and we were heading that way.
One hour and 10 minutes seems a reasonable time to get out of bed, feed, and dressed and down to the start line for a 0600 start - but it is just enough time, and we wheel in on our bikes to the line just at 0558. A last minute briefing and we are away.
Peleton riding to begin, headlamps and taillights glowing as we ride towards Queenstown. Just before the gorge, a right turn and then immediate left onto a private driveway - oops. I even said as we rolled down it - ‘I don’t think this is right’ - but surrounded on both sides by bikes - there was not much choice. A quick u turn, out the gate and turn into the correct road to begin the ascent of Mt Michael. (1163m a 1000m climb)
All around the gears click down into the lowest cog - we will not get out of this gear for the next hour as we ascend the last remnant of the Pisa Range.
No navigation yet - but once we pass the trig station things become a little more interesting. Almost on top and surrounded by cloud - no reference and no speedo on the bike - would have been handy right now. It’s about 2 kms to the turn we are looking for - 20 minutes pass and we find a split in the road. A small debate with Adam Fairmaid (from another team) and we decide that the left turn may just work. I had looked at the map hard, but in the gloom of the early morning - not really hard enough. The correct turn was in a depression and showed different on the map - but you never know with the maps and the vast number of roads all over the tops of these local mountains.
This track heads in the right general direction and downhill which is where we need to go - but soon the dozer driver got bored, or just decided the line he was taking didn’t work for him either and the road stops. Damm Damm. A quick scout around reveals nothing - steep ground to the left and no sign of continuing road anywhere. Damm.
Well - we are left of the road so nothing to it but to sidle right Some of these tops are rideable cross country - some aren’t. One ridge, two ridges - more roads going where? At least still right. A prominent ridge looms ahead - must be the one. Careful of the spaniards - but they still get Adams team - two punctures on different bikes. We push on and leave them as we hit ‘the road’ Well who knows but it is big and going downhill, so Jeff and I follow it. As it continues steeply down we have the confirmations that we need - deep holes in the middle of the road - we had been warned about these - so all seems good.
Well except for the low cloud and rain. The brakes would be heating up - if they could get through the mud and water. The grass road drops suddenly onto the Nevis Pack track - actually a good gravel road, and some wet looking officials who huddle under the open rear door of a car and a umbrella or two. 5th team through - things look up all of a sudden, and only minutes behind a team we had left on top when we made the wrong turn. It puzzles me all day - but I know from experience that the correct way is not always the fastest - the mistake has cost us no time at all really.
Highway riding back to Cromwell - one team caught and passed and feeling good
Jeff asks as we walk the 3kms to the boat ’You said we were just out making up numbers in this race - what are we doing in 4th place?’
Paddling - two singles - didn’t even thing of trying to get a double - much to my regret later. Out of the main lake, up the Bannockburn arm paddling hard to try and stay ahead of the chasing teams - one in a double and Adams team in a 4 man - well actually the old Arrow 5 person boat from early Southern Traverse days. But to no avail they pass us. But the double boat does not realise the extent of the flow in this arm of the lake is actually still quite strong and by using the eddies I am able to pass them again and arrive at the ‘abseil ‘ just ahead of them. I wanted to avoid any hold up, but two ropes meant that it was not a problem anyway. The 4 person team clears the ropes just as we arrive and by the time the harness is done up we are straight onto the ropes. Back down to the boats and away.
Back out of the Bannockburn arm and bang, straight into the southerly, and it is strong and funnelled in the gorge. Wish I had done so paddle training. It’s a long long way to Clyde (not quite - just to Champagne Gully) but feels like I am paddling to Dunedin - sneaking along the far shore - trying to stay out of the wind. The 4 person boat has long gone, the double, a couple from Wellington, slowly pull away into the distance, and Jeff and I paddle, lost in our own thoughts, at times separated by the width of the lake towards the end of the stage. Ian Huntsman in another double goes past like a express train and quickly fades into the distance, but the and is in sight now and I struggle to get there - putting my paddle down as soon as it is possible to drift to shore.
Stage 3 done - now it just walking / trekking - but it is uphill.
The culvert under the road provides a good shelter from the driving rain squalls that have been passing - just raining lightly right now. Extra layer on - woollen T-shirt, woollen jersey, hat, peak cap, rain jacket - food - maps. Makes me feel cold just sitting here.
We leave just minutes apart from 3 other two person teams and remain in sight up the long uphill road climb. The track stops and disappears so we strike straight up - cross country on sheep tracks knowing that in a 100 metres or so we would hit the power line road. This achieved we continue up and up, at times it almost gets flat and other times it is steep. I miss a grass track heading off to the left and we go a bit high, before realising and coming back down onto the continuation of the road.
The groups coalesce and we eventually reach the high point of the trek Checkpoint 6, but we are yet to go to Checkpoint 5 and to do so we need a handrail - of course we are in the cloud again, damm. Cannot see anything more than a couple hundred metres. The map provides such handrail - a marked fence and we follow the road along the top for a km or so until we hit the fence. Jeff and a few of the others stop to put extra clothes on, but I can’t . One it’s too cold to do it there and besides, two - all my clothes are already on. except for the long johns.
Descending rough ground beside the fence we see two teams coming back up Adam and his four person team, and the Wellington couple. It warms up slightly on the way down but I am still cold and there is but one solution - the long johns are going to become another layer - scarf or cut a hole the crutch to make a head hole The second option it is and using the compulsory equipment knife it is easy to cut a small hole and rip it bigger. (nothing that a good seamstress can’t fix) Slip the arms into the legs and pull the rest down - only covers the top of the chest but it makes all the difference to my temperature.
Checkpoint 5 is just ahead - cross that small deeply entrenched creek and scramble up steeply for 100 metres.
Gavin Mason and girlfriend are huddled in their sleeping bags under a well tied down tarp. We check in and are told that checkpoint 7 is cancelled. so we retrace our steps, down, and then back up the rough ground alongside the fence. A small sheep track makes the climb back up a bit easier.
Checkpoint 6 again. What is the word on the generator shed door? - there are none - but the door of the small locked safe along side says - 1100 volts - so all the teams (4 teams of two) decide that this will do. With no cp 7 to go to it is back down the very same road we came up. Again no views - just cloud although it is a little lighter with signs of sun in the distance, but also a little darker. It’s now 2000 at night.
We leave first but the other teams come past at a dog trot. What's the rush? ‘Got to get of by dark’. Dam - the walk down becomes a run. So from 1647 metres we run down to the boats - 1447 metres of downhill running, except for a couple small uphills and flats. I wonder what my legs are going to be like on Tuesday.
We pass one team still heading up - glad it is not us as they will do the fence line in the dark, and then we catch another team going down. A team of young racers who had kayak problems, and had turned around and went back. They had driven down the gorge and just went for a walk up the hill to fill in time.
2130 at the boats - dark, cold and another long paddle to get back up the lake. The southerly is still blowing although not quite so hard so this paddle is much easier. Still it is a long way, but now I have had one paddle practice so it goes a little easier. Paddling at night is always interesting - light facing to back, so the rescue boat does not run us over, and no lights facing forward. The light of the glow sticks the only reference to the vague shadow of Jeff ahead.
As we near Cromwell the southerly is again well funnelled and we are running down the face of the waves. Not quite surfing but interesting in the dark needless to say. Don’t really want to fall out but the excitement and adrenaline takes away some of the tiredness and makes this last part a lot easier into Cromwell. Around the narrows at Cromwell the wind gusts of the mountains from different directions so more concentration is need and Jeff slips away in the dark.
I expect that I will see him under the bridge, but no, so continue paddling towards the harbour of McNulty inlet. I am a little wide on the approach and have to turn and paddle straight into the flashing lights of the official.
As I drift into shore he asks ‘Where is your team mate?’ Not here I ask. Now I am a little confused. But he look's up and ‘here he is’ Jeff drifts in to the shore.
We had been paddling apart by 100 meters or so for the last km but had not seen each other in the dark (Jeff had circled around to look for me but must have passed to the inside closer to the shore)
Another stage completed. 0100 Sunday morning. The walk back to the HQ passes quickly and we have just one stage to go - one and half hours mountain bike orienteering.
The cryptic clues and map show that we go over towards and through Bannockburn. We miss the first two - the road is named on the map but not on a sign post, and continue on to get, cp 15 (along the true left river track towards Queenstown), then cp 10
(in the quarry) ‘Who staked their claim her?. Although it was written - ‘Who stacked their claim’. Gabriel is the answer on the stake. Cp 11 proved a bit more of a struggle - I knew it should be on the Bannockburn Classic return track - but what the hell were ‘three soldiers’.
We spent sometime along the track looking for it without luck. Counting trees, fence posts, looked at warratahs - part of a fence across the track - around the bottom - and still didn’t see the answer and gave up. (it was on the warratahs - 3 of them and tied down at the bottom)
Onto Cp 12, 13 and 14 in and around the Gold fields Park. Adam sleeping at the foot of the sign said - ‘don’t worry we know the answer it is nine’ and so we wrote nine (wrong) It was a sentence with the number 21 in it, Dam
CP13 and 14 were relatively easy and we start for home, stopping to pick up cp 8 (after a very quick scout to see if CP9 was achievable from the wrong end)
So to the finish though the quiet streets of Cromwell to arrive at 0430. The quick one and half hour orienteering had taken 3hrs (perhaps it we could have done it in 2 1/2 hrs - but certainly not in 1.5hrs)
22.5hrs training in one day - not bad, Sleep did come easy after a quick shower.
Geoff Hunt and Jeff Staniland
Team Two Jeff’s finished 3rd in the two person teams.
We ascended 4,056 meters at 7m/min and descended at 12m/min
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Mt Ventoux
It ‘s quite a drive from Castellane to Bedoin at the bottom of Ventoux
Finally all cars are there but Jef and Robina have left already and Lindsay has continual tyre problems - finally we find a tube that stays up and the now small peleton of 4 head out. We intersect the Ventoux road at the 19km mark having already ridden the equivalent of the extra two kms to get there and start our watches.
The Italian stallion unleashes one of his customary early bursts of speed and we are up to pace immediately. The road rises in front to about 12% and stays there. It is unrelenting. It winds up through forest groves twisting and turning but the gradient does not change - it continues straight up - every corner reveals the same. 12% or so directly up the face of the mountain. Jeff T keeps stomping on the pedals and the battle is on. The pace is steady and consistent to match the unrelenting slope. Small gaps appear in the group and soon each rider is on their own. Against not the others but the mountain. Hamish and Jenny yell encouragement and offer water - but all I can do is shake the head - no breath or energy for words.
Without knowing the hill it is hard to gauge the effort are we all going to burn up and die - can it be this steep all the way? Finally as the trees thin we climb out of the steeper paRTS AND and the gradient eases. Where the road from Sault joins we are able to chance gear fro the first time - 2nd and even third. now the road zig zags a little and the turns enable each time to step up a gear or two before the slope beats us back down to the lowest gear.
Now we are in the treeless zone of the Bald Mountain. A light breeze offers some relief, but when it turns the bright rock reflects the sun straight back. We are lucky that we are later in the day.
Still there are lots of riders on the road - both up and down - earlier Lindsay had reported riders every 10 meters or so, and the reports from mid summer say that more than 10,000 rides attempt the hill each day.
The last three kms climb into the double digits again - 12% plus gradient and these final ones are hard before the last really steep turn onto the final platform of the top.
The girls Kath and Pascale arrive just after Tom with assistance from Hamish top out and champagne is drunk and sprayed. A windless day on Ventoux is unheard off so we have lucked out.
For the record Geoff H 1.32, Jeff T 1.37, Mark 1.37.15, and Linday 1.42 (i think)
Tom records a great ride and takes the ‘ col de Columbia’ prize of the day, as well as the ‘dummy award’ for his miscalculation of the gradients the night before. Both handed out at dinner each night.
How to finish this blog - I have no idea - it has been a great tough two weeks of riding - 945kms in total. The other numbers will be recorded here once we get them from Jef D.
Finally all cars are there but Jef and Robina have left already and Lindsay has continual tyre problems - finally we find a tube that stays up and the now small peleton of 4 head out. We intersect the Ventoux road at the 19km mark having already ridden the equivalent of the extra two kms to get there and start our watches.
The Italian stallion unleashes one of his customary early bursts of speed and we are up to pace immediately. The road rises in front to about 12% and stays there. It is unrelenting. It winds up through forest groves twisting and turning but the gradient does not change - it continues straight up - every corner reveals the same. 12% or so directly up the face of the mountain. Jeff T keeps stomping on the pedals and the battle is on. The pace is steady and consistent to match the unrelenting slope. Small gaps appear in the group and soon each rider is on their own. Against not the others but the mountain. Hamish and Jenny yell encouragement and offer water - but all I can do is shake the head - no breath or energy for words.
Without knowing the hill it is hard to gauge the effort are we all going to burn up and die - can it be this steep all the way? Finally as the trees thin we climb out of the steeper paRTS AND and the gradient eases. Where the road from Sault joins we are able to chance gear fro the first time - 2nd and even third. now the road zig zags a little and the turns enable each time to step up a gear or two before the slope beats us back down to the lowest gear.
Now we are in the treeless zone of the Bald Mountain. A light breeze offers some relief, but when it turns the bright rock reflects the sun straight back. We are lucky that we are later in the day.
Still there are lots of riders on the road - both up and down - earlier Lindsay had reported riders every 10 meters or so, and the reports from mid summer say that more than 10,000 rides attempt the hill each day.
The last three kms climb into the double digits again - 12% plus gradient and these final ones are hard before the last really steep turn onto the final platform of the top.
The girls Kath and Pascale arrive just after Tom with assistance from Hamish top out and champagne is drunk and sprayed. A windless day on Ventoux is unheard off so we have lucked out.
For the record Geoff H 1.32, Jeff T 1.37, Mark 1.37.15, and Linday 1.42 (i think)
Tom records a great ride and takes the ‘ col de Columbia’ prize of the day, as well as the ‘dummy award’ for his miscalculation of the gradients the night before. Both handed out at dinner each night.
How to finish this blog - I have no idea - it has been a great tough two weeks of riding - 945kms in total. The other numbers will be recorded here once we get them from Jef D.
Gorge de Verdon
A knock on the door and jef d proclaims - ‘it’s 2 degrees outside’ - we know that the first section is downhill, so we quickly decide to put the bikes on the roof for the first section of the ride to the ‘pont soleil ‘- by the time we arrive there after coffee and croissants in the local bakery - it has warmed up to a modest 6 degrees and we are off around the ‘rive gauche’ road. From the small river edge we climb slowly through the cool or should I say cold shade of the early morning to finally emerge into the sun at Trigance.
More climbing brings as to the balcon level on the rive gauche - and the views. the peleton had been asking before this - “where is this gorge you talk off?’ But the first view off the day stuns us - below twisting around a s bend far below is the River Verdon. Tall limestone walls drop vertical beneath our feet. The next hour of ridng is broken by many stops as we savour the views on the right deep into the canyon - it’s hard to concentrate on the road ahead. - but be assured it snakes and turns through and around steep walls above and below. though tunnels with view ports - smooth as silk - sometimes horizontal sometimes down or up - we care not. The surrounds overwhelming the riding even. Ahead a restaurant set impossibly on the edge of the world and coffee and cake follow as we sit with our eyes drawn to the valley bottom. Little figures wind along the valley trail below.
The road beacons ad we continue while the other side draws even closer and soon the canyon walls are only a stone throw apart. Deep below somewhere our walking friends - but we don’t see them.
Climbing again finally brings us to a col with views to Time for the lunch. A snack on the side of the road - left over pineapple pizza and banana for Mark and me Others have snack bars or power bars or fresh air.
We roll of the top into a tight group but a surprising tight rolling corner catches Mark unawares and with the hands still on the hoods a quick grab of the brakes - a side ways slide - and recovery - almost - the tire rolls of the rim and it puts Mark quickly on the ground - only meters in front of myself and Robina - he slides along the tar for a couple meters and under the guard rail fence to a stop. We all stop and lift mark to his feet to check him and the bike - surprising little damage to body and none to the bike. Within 5 mins we are underway again - but we all ride a little slower for the rest of the downhill that leads to the pont (bridge) at the base of the canyon.
Climbing again - I pace Jenny to the top at a steady 12kms hr for about 20kms of uphill. The town of la palud-su-verdon sits back from the rim and offers us beer and croissants - a perfect french cycling mix before riding the 8kms along the rim to the car.
More climbing brings as to the balcon level on the rive gauche - and the views. the peleton had been asking before this - “where is this gorge you talk off?’ But the first view off the day stuns us - below twisting around a s bend far below is the River Verdon. Tall limestone walls drop vertical beneath our feet. The next hour of ridng is broken by many stops as we savour the views on the right deep into the canyon - it’s hard to concentrate on the road ahead. - but be assured it snakes and turns through and around steep walls above and below. though tunnels with view ports - smooth as silk - sometimes horizontal sometimes down or up - we care not. The surrounds overwhelming the riding even. Ahead a restaurant set impossibly on the edge of the world and coffee and cake follow as we sit with our eyes drawn to the valley bottom. Little figures wind along the valley trail below.
The road beacons ad we continue while the other side draws even closer and soon the canyon walls are only a stone throw apart. Deep below somewhere our walking friends - but we don’t see them.
Climbing again finally brings us to a col with views to Time for the lunch. A snack on the side of the road - left over pineapple pizza and banana for Mark and me Others have snack bars or power bars or fresh air.
We roll of the top into a tight group but a surprising tight rolling corner catches Mark unawares and with the hands still on the hoods a quick grab of the brakes - a side ways slide - and recovery - almost - the tire rolls of the rim and it puts Mark quickly on the ground - only meters in front of myself and Robina - he slides along the tar for a couple meters and under the guard rail fence to a stop. We all stop and lift mark to his feet to check him and the bike - surprising little damage to body and none to the bike. Within 5 mins we are underway again - but we all ride a little slower for the rest of the downhill that leads to the pont (bridge) at the base of the canyon.
Climbing again - I pace Jenny to the top at a steady 12kms hr for about 20kms of uphill. The town of la palud-su-verdon sits back from the rim and offers us beer and croissants - a perfect french cycling mix before riding the 8kms along the rim to the car.
Nice - Grasse - Castellane
A short drive from Nice is the perfume capital of France and the start of the next ride
Jef D is up early and scores the prime spot in front of the hotel - the strip of the coast ‘rue de anglais’ is a hell place to find a park - it only took 4 laps at 0730 to grab the spot.
Loaded into three cars - minus a driver - (Alice has disappeared to catch up on mum Jane in Italy) we head out to Grasse and a chance for the girls to shop - Fontaine perfumery. We circle the streets looking for a park beside a cafe that would enable us to watch the cars and finding one, the boys relax in the sun to enjoy some croissants and cafe.
It’s one o'clock before we start - after sorting out drivers for the cars and we climb out of Grasse on the route napoleon. Up and up - but we are well used to this idea now, so not fazed and soon we reach the first of 4 cols for the day - Jeff T and Geoff H stop on top first.
In the distance we see the road disappearing over another col but this time it is Tom who out sprints the chasing peleton to take the honours. A ice cream stop is called at the shop on the top - time for Geoff H to try and sop a squeaking roller (to no avail this time)
The day rolled on with both Hamish and Jenny taking first to the top and their own ‘cols’ - it seems that by the end of this ride everyone has had a chance to bag a col.
Another perfect ride and we roll into the hotel at Castellane - Auberge de Teillon.
From the outside - just a plain old hotel - inside the rooms are plain but adequate and we have the place to ourselves.
A cheese and wine call finds us in the back of the village that backs onto the hotel. (the following evening the hotel surprises us with a fine dinning room and one of the finest meals of the tour.)
Jef D is up early and scores the prime spot in front of the hotel - the strip of the coast ‘rue de anglais’ is a hell place to find a park - it only took 4 laps at 0730 to grab the spot.
Loaded into three cars - minus a driver - (Alice has disappeared to catch up on mum Jane in Italy) we head out to Grasse and a chance for the girls to shop - Fontaine perfumery. We circle the streets looking for a park beside a cafe that would enable us to watch the cars and finding one, the boys relax in the sun to enjoy some croissants and cafe.
It’s one o'clock before we start - after sorting out drivers for the cars and we climb out of Grasse on the route napoleon. Up and up - but we are well used to this idea now, so not fazed and soon we reach the first of 4 cols for the day - Jeff T and Geoff H stop on top first.
In the distance we see the road disappearing over another col but this time it is Tom who out sprints the chasing peleton to take the honours. A ice cream stop is called at the shop on the top - time for Geoff H to try and sop a squeaking roller (to no avail this time)
The day rolled on with both Hamish and Jenny taking first to the top and their own ‘cols’ - it seems that by the end of this ride everyone has had a chance to bag a col.
Another perfect ride and we roll into the hotel at Castellane - Auberge de Teillon.
From the outside - just a plain old hotel - inside the rooms are plain but adequate and we have the place to ourselves.
A cheese and wine call finds us in the back of the village that backs onto the hotel. (the following evening the hotel surprises us with a fine dinning room and one of the finest meals of the tour.)
Saturday, September 25, 2010
lots of route des grandes alpes photos on flickr
and more photos tomorrow as well
A day to Savour
A day to SavourFollowing the recommendation of the Escapade hotel owner we took a completely different route to that in the ‘route de grande alp guide.
Down the gorge du Cians - red rock ala grand canyon - the difference is that it is 4 degrees as we leave the top of the gorge and sure it is below freezing as we drift into the ever deepening canyon of red rock - with a blue stream filling the valley bottom.
Mark stops for photos - luckily as the corner soon after tightens considerably and your truly takes two big bites of the brake to slow while Jeff D used every inch of the road to make the corner and it was only just.
Several photo stops later and we empty ot of the valley onto a shoulder of zig zags down again into the valley, but here we leave this system and climb (again on the hotel recommendation) up a increasingly narrow and beautiful valley rood - direction Pierias. Unexpected visual pleasures open around each corner and this more than makes up for the increasing steepness. - we think it exceeds 12% in places and is the steepest climbing we have done on the ride so far.
But the scenery of this tight valley more than make up for it.
A couple cars come pass with - rally signs on them and they are soon followed by a lotus, fiat, porsche, some more standard french wagons, a cadillac and others. A three day car rally / tour making its way past on one lane tar road. We all pay each other respect, But the group are very surprised with calls from some cars of ‘go kiwi’ and Jenny even more surprised to hear her name called (Jenny and Hamish stayed with friends in Grenoble the week before and by utter chance the tour stops on the col - the most remote spot we have been too - and their friends are there.)
We - the car drivers and us - exchange stories in a mixture of Frenglish / French and English, before we begin a 15km descent down a single lane tar track - scattered rocks and holes do eventually cause a problem with the Italian stallion - now referred to as the pony - puncturing and being forced into the support wagon - unable to repair or replace the tube.
This entire ride to this point - the Gorge de Cians, the climb (steep as it was) up through Pierias, the descent through ILonse down to the D2205 is rated by all as the absolute best ride of the tour so far.
The valley ride into Nice, is smooth and fast - 36-39kms hr - before we back of to 33kms so too stay as a tight peleton. Mark punctures once, then again in the final 10kms ride along the Nice waterfront.
The day is finished by a swim in the Med, before we head into the old town for dinner.
Friday 24 September Day 8 Barcelonette to Beuil 83km
After a plesant stay in The Grand Hotel with its cycling memorabilia in a very quaint village we set off on cool morning with rain forcast.
The road started to wind its way gently up a beautiful valley the altitude at barcelonette was 1100m and the first aim was the Col de la Cayolle at 2300m.
Cycling up hills has taken on a whole new meaning for me here in France. The thought of climbing up one 1000m plus hill a day back in NZ is something I never would have considered our thought possible previously. Let alone 2 x 1000m plus hills in the same day!!!
The legs felt leaden initially, but luckily the gradient started gently and the valley was truely spectacular. The road was small and twisty and virtualy carless which added to the beauty and wound through the Mercantour National Park. It was 30km to the col and there were some great photo opportunities. Tom and I cruised along at the back at our own pace taking the role of “Lantern Rouge” or tail sweepers very seriously. The gradient was kind for the first 20km then rose up to 8% for a few of the last 10km with a cold head wind adding to grind.
It was a quick change at the Col de la Cayolle into all our warm gear as it was misty and down to a cold 4 degrees. The larch forests were said to indicate a warmer climate as we close in on the Mediterranean!
What goes up must come down and the best thing about a 30km climb is a wonderful 30 km descent. This started off bumpy but shortly after a warming hot chocolate at a quaint refuge the road became smooth and it was another truely awesome downhill, all 33km of it. At one stage we were passed by a small truck and Jef, Geoff, Jeff, Mark and I jumped in behind it and drafted more than 10km behind it at 40 to 50kph without hardly a pedal stroke.
Eventually we found ourselves in another beautiful French village, this one called Guillames at 780m, so thats 1500m downhill!!! At this point the veteran’s ride finished (apart from Robina and Geoff who are in the open division). Tom, Jenny and I tried to complain as the next climb looked great also, but were informed that at this stage in the tour only one 1000m climb per day is allowed for veterans. The offer of a beer and lunch soon appeased us.
Apparently the open division never got out of second gear during the next climb up another small and stunning valley. They topped out at 1780m at Valberg which is a ski area in winter and had a short 5km descent to Beuil just as it started to rain. We stayed at L’Escapade with a michelin star restaurent and the 14th centuary village was very quaint and we all enjoyed a great evening.
Written by Hamish
The road started to wind its way gently up a beautiful valley the altitude at barcelonette was 1100m and the first aim was the Col de la Cayolle at 2300m.
Cycling up hills has taken on a whole new meaning for me here in France. The thought of climbing up one 1000m plus hill a day back in NZ is something I never would have considered our thought possible previously. Let alone 2 x 1000m plus hills in the same day!!!
The legs felt leaden initially, but luckily the gradient started gently and the valley was truely spectacular. The road was small and twisty and virtualy carless which added to the beauty and wound through the Mercantour National Park. It was 30km to the col and there were some great photo opportunities. Tom and I cruised along at the back at our own pace taking the role of “Lantern Rouge” or tail sweepers very seriously. The gradient was kind for the first 20km then rose up to 8% for a few of the last 10km with a cold head wind adding to grind.
It was a quick change at the Col de la Cayolle into all our warm gear as it was misty and down to a cold 4 degrees. The larch forests were said to indicate a warmer climate as we close in on the Mediterranean!
What goes up must come down and the best thing about a 30km climb is a wonderful 30 km descent. This started off bumpy but shortly after a warming hot chocolate at a quaint refuge the road became smooth and it was another truely awesome downhill, all 33km of it. At one stage we were passed by a small truck and Jef, Geoff, Jeff, Mark and I jumped in behind it and drafted more than 10km behind it at 40 to 50kph without hardly a pedal stroke.
Eventually we found ourselves in another beautiful French village, this one called Guillames at 780m, so thats 1500m downhill!!! At this point the veteran’s ride finished (apart from Robina and Geoff who are in the open division). Tom, Jenny and I tried to complain as the next climb looked great also, but were informed that at this stage in the tour only one 1000m climb per day is allowed for veterans. The offer of a beer and lunch soon appeased us.
Apparently the open division never got out of second gear during the next climb up another small and stunning valley. They topped out at 1780m at Valberg which is a ski area in winter and had a short 5km descent to Beuil just as it started to rain. We stayed at L’Escapade with a michelin star restaurent and the 14th centuary village was very quaint and we all enjoyed a great evening.
Written by Hamish
Thursday, September 23, 2010
climbing to the first col d’Izoard
After enjoying our best dinner of the tour last night at the home of friends of Jeff and Robina’s who live near Briancon, we headed off again on our bikes from Hotel Edelweiss at about 8.50am. It was a bit cooler this am and most of the riders had arm warmers and jackets on to start the day.This was said to be a 2 col day, each of over 20kms and over 1000 vertical metres of climbing. From the hotel we started climbing to the first col d’Izoard within about 1 minute, so this was a good wakeup call .I’zoard is described in the French Government Tourist Office literature as one of three of the 16 major cols on our route that are “unclassified(very difficult)” the others being Galibier (yesterday) and Iseran.
The peloton very quickly broke up as we all made our way up through some absolutely stunning and remarkable landscapes. Very stark and almost desert like after we passed through the forest. Much like Lindis or Central Otago in places- very little vegetation , great views looking down the valley and into the craggy tops above, and strange rock formations.The climb got steeper and harder as we went higher, and most of the extra clothing started to be shed as the temp rose.
I wasnt there at the col when the leaders summitted so can only speculate as to who was first. I can say that it wasnt me and that in fact I called up the everfaithful Alice to pick me up just near the Napolean Refuge and drive me up the last 200 m or so. Conquering both Galabier and Telegraphe yesterday had taken the sting out of my old legs for today’s effort.
The girls Pascale Kath and Di all went off for a walk for 2-3 hours again while the rest of us toiled away on our mangles- they seem to be having a more fun and a cruisier time on this trip than I am. Maybe I should be with them.
Back to the bikers. We all regrouped at the Col for the obligatory photos .There was no cafe open there so the peloton took off almost immediately on the fast 30 km descent into the next valley.A short stop to regroup and straight back in te direction of the second col for the day Col de Vars. But surprise surprise. There was a major diversion en route first, around a few kms of road works. Being in a tight little valley, any diversion can go only one way. Yes straight up the valley wall on a very small ancient side road. This unexpected additional third climb for the day very quickly assumed the name Col du Diversion. Once this was negotiated the peloton regrouped once again at the foot of the Vars.It was becoming very hot by now. Jeff D was down to bare top and much water was being consumed and bottles reloaded from Alice’s car.
Eventually the bikers dribbed and drabbed their way onto the Vars summit, lead by Mark G ,and a very competitive Geoff H finishing together.Some were looking a little the worse for wear at this stage, and to my observation this included Lindsay w and Jeff T who had both done 3 cols yesterday,(Telegraphe, Galabier and Alpe-d’Huez) while the rest of us did 2 .It was cold and windy on the Vars Col, and the weather seemed to be closing in ahead of the predicted bad weather from tomorrow. Jackets back on. And then the peloton rode together down the 30 km descent to Barcelonnette at a very good clip, and perhaps the first time that we have all ridden together as a peloton for such a distance. It felt good.
Barcelonnette is a really cute little town and our hotel is right in the Town Square. It was apparently so named because it was once owned by a wealthy Spanish Baron, who brought a lot of Spanish people here, many of whom then moved on to Mexico for a time about 1800 and made their fortunes and returned here. There is a significant Mexican influence- adobe houses- mexican food on the menus and mexican restaurants etc.
We have been riding in parallel with a
similar group of German riders for some days, and they are in town here tonight too, but we have not seen them. Thet are said to be planning to ride all the way to Nice tomorrow- seems excessive- we are taking 2 more days .
Final comments-Mark was awarded todays Col du Colombiere award for extreme helpfulness to his friends-Geoff H earned himself the dummy of the day award for falling off his bike-Hamish and Jenny tonight didnt repeat last night’s effort with the Chartreuse they bought from the Monks-Robina and Jeff were first to bed and Jeff Turner Hamish Jenny and Alice were last ie apart from mewhen I get there in about 1 minute
by Tom
The peloton very quickly broke up as we all made our way up through some absolutely stunning and remarkable landscapes. Very stark and almost desert like after we passed through the forest. Much like Lindis or Central Otago in places- very little vegetation , great views looking down the valley and into the craggy tops above, and strange rock formations.The climb got steeper and harder as we went higher, and most of the extra clothing started to be shed as the temp rose.
I wasnt there at the col when the leaders summitted so can only speculate as to who was first. I can say that it wasnt me and that in fact I called up the everfaithful Alice to pick me up just near the Napolean Refuge and drive me up the last 200 m or so. Conquering both Galabier and Telegraphe yesterday had taken the sting out of my old legs for today’s effort.
The girls Pascale Kath and Di all went off for a walk for 2-3 hours again while the rest of us toiled away on our mangles- they seem to be having a more fun and a cruisier time on this trip than I am. Maybe I should be with them.
Back to the bikers. We all regrouped at the Col for the obligatory photos .There was no cafe open there so the peloton took off almost immediately on the fast 30 km descent into the next valley.A short stop to regroup and straight back in te direction of the second col for the day Col de Vars. But surprise surprise. There was a major diversion en route first, around a few kms of road works. Being in a tight little valley, any diversion can go only one way. Yes straight up the valley wall on a very small ancient side road. This unexpected additional third climb for the day very quickly assumed the name Col du Diversion. Once this was negotiated the peloton regrouped once again at the foot of the Vars.It was becoming very hot by now. Jeff D was down to bare top and much water was being consumed and bottles reloaded from Alice’s car.
Eventually the bikers dribbed and drabbed their way onto the Vars summit, lead by Mark G ,and a very competitive Geoff H finishing together.Some were looking a little the worse for wear at this stage, and to my observation this included Lindsay w and Jeff T who had both done 3 cols yesterday,(Telegraphe, Galabier and Alpe-d’Huez) while the rest of us did 2 .It was cold and windy on the Vars Col, and the weather seemed to be closing in ahead of the predicted bad weather from tomorrow. Jackets back on. And then the peloton rode together down the 30 km descent to Barcelonnette at a very good clip, and perhaps the first time that we have all ridden together as a peloton for such a distance. It felt good.
Barcelonnette is a really cute little town and our hotel is right in the Town Square. It was apparently so named because it was once owned by a wealthy Spanish Baron, who brought a lot of Spanish people here, many of whom then moved on to Mexico for a time about 1800 and made their fortunes and returned here. There is a significant Mexican influence- adobe houses- mexican food on the menus and mexican restaurants etc.
We have been riding in parallel with a
similar group of German riders for some days, and they are in town here tonight too, but we have not seen them. Thet are said to be planning to ride all the way to Nice tomorrow- seems excessive- we are taking 2 more days .
Final comments-Mark was awarded todays Col du Colombiere award for extreme helpfulness to his friends-Geoff H earned himself the dummy of the day award for falling off his bike-Hamish and Jenny tonight didnt repeat last night’s effort with the Chartreuse they bought from the Monks-Robina and Jeff were first to bed and Jeff Turner Hamish Jenny and Alice were last ie apart from mewhen I get there in about 1 minute
by Tom
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Saint Michael de Maurienne -> Briancon 61km
Saint Michael de Maurienne -> Briancon 61km
col de telegraphe 1. 570m and col du Galibier
The Ride Today
Turn right as you leave the hotel and start climbing - the last instructions - how right they were - straight into 8% grade - it eased a little to 6%, and we rode up the Telegraph mostly as a group - Hamish a little off the pace but much closer after a few rides under the belt. A steady 10kms per hr climb for 12kms.
Surprised to see the Italian Stallion (or pony) and his sidekick Jeff T not there, but figured we would see them at the top.
The view down to Saint Michael really demonstrated the vertical climb behind - thank good ness we could not see the way ahead.
The day had been set up for a couple days as a battle royal with Jef D looking to take everyone on for a king of the mountain title - but this not to be with the two of the front deciding not to play the game.
From the summit - really a shoulder it is a pleasant 5km descent to Valloire
After the plateau Valloire, the road climbs up the valley before turning right and zig- zaging up onto the high wild country leading to the pass Col du Galibier at 2645m
Steady tempo riding in groups of two, or one soon had everyone at the top - mostly ahead of the other group on the road - a 12 strong German group. Tom got the award of the latern rouge - although it had been contested by Hamish for while.
A pleasant lunch at the Col de Lautaret and a swoop down the vlley road to Briancon
col de telegraphe 1. 570m and col du Galibier
The Ride Today
Turn right as you leave the hotel and start climbing - the last instructions - how right they were - straight into 8% grade - it eased a little to 6%, and we rode up the Telegraph mostly as a group - Hamish a little off the pace but much closer after a few rides under the belt. A steady 10kms per hr climb for 12kms.
Surprised to see the Italian Stallion (or pony) and his sidekick Jeff T not there, but figured we would see them at the top.
The view down to Saint Michael really demonstrated the vertical climb behind - thank good ness we could not see the way ahead.
The day had been set up for a couple days as a battle royal with Jef D looking to take everyone on for a king of the mountain title - but this not to be with the two of the front deciding not to play the game.
From the summit - really a shoulder it is a pleasant 5km descent to Valloire
After the plateau Valloire, the road climbs up the valley before turning right and zig- zaging up onto the high wild country leading to the pass Col du Galibier at 2645m
Steady tempo riding in groups of two, or one soon had everyone at the top - mostly ahead of the other group on the road - a 12 strong German group. Tom got the award of the latern rouge - although it had been contested by Hamish for while.
A pleasant lunch at the Col de Lautaret and a swoop down the vlley road to Briancon
Monday, September 20, 2010
Megeve to Bourg St Maurice
Waking up to another clear but cool day and smiles on our faces for the ride ahead reminding us of the reasons why we're here. However Pascale walking out of our accommodation after doing battle with the hotel owner over extras that he wanted to charge, will be great fuel for the walkers of 5 this time that where heading back to Chamoinx to the other side for a night in a mountain hut, while we sit on our ass yet again and start heading to Bourg St. Maurice 80k's and 1700m climb later.
So back on the road for a quick, but cold, down ward ride until a re-meet to shed cloths in prep for the 600m climb. Nice grade and easy un-cluttered road with little traffic. Winding through tree clad areas into meadows with the occasional ski lift...... just a lift, no base building or anything else in the middle of nowhere, would be great to see it in winter for sure. Once at the top of cols 'des Sairues it was time to put on the helmet and prepare for the decent.
One thing we are finding out fast, for every up hill we are treated to an ever increasing delight of down hill riding on amazing roads!! This section was once again filled with shreks of laughter and full tucking while trying to pass on the inside. Once into the trees though it made for some very close calls on some of the switch backs as Hamish found out in full lock and side ways.... but out the other side in one piece just a little paler for the experience.
Cup of coffee at the bottom and ready for the 1100m climb towards Cornet de Roseland. A steady hour of 7 and 8 % climb with steep canyon walls either side, found us at the top after scenary that filled the camera like never before.
Now I think we have all cycled in tight decents before but this one would have to be at the edge for any road builders plans. Not much more than a single lane through tight wooded canyon that dropped a staggering 1000 m over a short distance of 16 k's that then emptyed out in our final destination of Bourg St. Maurice.
Well earned beer and food later it's another end to some of the best cycling, I for one, have ever had the chance to do!!
But another thing that we are always learning (should know better by now) is Hunts sly grin when he informs that tomorrow brings a climb of over 2000m and 130k's distance.... dam I dislike this man sometimes...... :)
So back on the road for a quick, but cold, down ward ride until a re-meet to shed cloths in prep for the 600m climb. Nice grade and easy un-cluttered road with little traffic. Winding through tree clad areas into meadows with the occasional ski lift...... just a lift, no base building or anything else in the middle of nowhere, would be great to see it in winter for sure. Once at the top of cols 'des Sairues it was time to put on the helmet and prepare for the decent.
One thing we are finding out fast, for every up hill we are treated to an ever increasing delight of down hill riding on amazing roads!! This section was once again filled with shreks of laughter and full tucking while trying to pass on the inside. Once into the trees though it made for some very close calls on some of the switch backs as Hamish found out in full lock and side ways.... but out the other side in one piece just a little paler for the experience.
Cup of coffee at the bottom and ready for the 1100m climb towards Cornet de Roseland. A steady hour of 7 and 8 % climb with steep canyon walls either side, found us at the top after scenary that filled the camera like never before.
Now I think we have all cycled in tight decents before but this one would have to be at the edge for any road builders plans. Not much more than a single lane through tight wooded canyon that dropped a staggering 1000 m over a short distance of 16 k's that then emptyed out in our final destination of Bourg St. Maurice.
Well earned beer and food later it's another end to some of the best cycling, I for one, have ever had the chance to do!!
But another thing that we are always learning (should know better by now) is Hunts sly grin when he informs that tomorrow brings a climb of over 2000m and 130k's distance.... dam I dislike this man sometimes...... :)
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Mont Blanc
Today, is a walking trip for all! Meet at 9am, that's 9 in bold print, for all those cyclists, who might feel that walking is an inferior past time compared to the serious business of Tour de France!!! At 9.10am sharp, we embark into two vehicles towards the poster picture perfect ski town of Chamonix.
To qualify for a group discount,12, not being nearly worthy of the title, we would have to hi jack another 8 unsuspecting tourists quietly digesting their morning degustation of croissant and cafe. Fortunately for them, we were having trouble containing our own troops let alone, organising a well structured pre-meditated attack.
Desbecker? check. Hunt? check. Troops ready and primed to hot foot it in one fell swoop, onto the gondola...... three, two, one shuffle forward and voila, mission accomplished. Everyone of the group with a window position, and a full view of a messy death if a cable were to let rip.
The trip up in the gondola, was, i have to report, without incident, but the view was terrifyingly breathtaking. As the ground rapidly retreated, the majesty of the mountains became unavoidable, and we were all pulled into the thrall of the magnificent skyline.
Released from the potential carnage of gondola wreckage, and consequent BBC World News coverage, (my kids might never have known), we walked alive and well onto a platform and viewing area(complete with shop and cafe) that i can only describe as being completely too civilized for the wild grandeur in our presence.It felt disrespectful, like viewing a lion in a cage or a chained elephant doing tricks, but knowing that only a few steps beyond this 'safe' area, mother nature was in charge, and respect was paramount.
The lookout area was a massive feat accompli,and erected in 1958 by some hardy souls, and for all my misgivings, I would never (not being anything other than a recreational walker)have experienced this wondrous place.So "thankyou" for all of your hardwork. When our bare legs could stand the arctic chill no longer, we re-grouped, well nearly, and made our way to the mid station for the start of the walk to the train. A well-managed track , made for a beautiful traverse across the alpine terraine, a glacier and so much more, (though, the whistling marmots were illusive)! Back in Chamonix, a beer, a picnic and a head count, Robina?check. Di?check. Lyndsay????
To qualify for a group discount,12, not being nearly worthy of the title, we would have to hi jack another 8 unsuspecting tourists quietly digesting their morning degustation of croissant and cafe. Fortunately for them, we were having trouble containing our own troops let alone, organising a well structured pre-meditated attack.
Desbecker? check. Hunt? check. Troops ready and primed to hot foot it in one fell swoop, onto the gondola...... three, two, one shuffle forward and voila, mission accomplished. Everyone of the group with a window position, and a full view of a messy death if a cable were to let rip.
The trip up in the gondola, was, i have to report, without incident, but the view was terrifyingly breathtaking. As the ground rapidly retreated, the majesty of the mountains became unavoidable, and we were all pulled into the thrall of the magnificent skyline.
Released from the potential carnage of gondola wreckage, and consequent BBC World News coverage, (my kids might never have known), we walked alive and well onto a platform and viewing area(complete with shop and cafe) that i can only describe as being completely too civilized for the wild grandeur in our presence.It felt disrespectful, like viewing a lion in a cage or a chained elephant doing tricks, but knowing that only a few steps beyond this 'safe' area, mother nature was in charge, and respect was paramount.
The lookout area was a massive feat accompli,and erected in 1958 by some hardy souls, and for all my misgivings, I would never (not being anything other than a recreational walker)have experienced this wondrous place.So "thankyou" for all of your hardwork. When our bare legs could stand the arctic chill no longer, we re-grouped, well nearly, and made our way to the mid station for the start of the walk to the train. A well-managed track , made for a beautiful traverse across the alpine terraine, a glacier and so much more, (though, the whistling marmots were illusive)! Back in Chamonix, a beer, a picnic and a head count, Robina?check. Di?check. Lyndsay????
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Route des Grandes Alpes Day 2: Morzine to Megeve
Except for the car alarm going off on the street in the middle of the night for about 5 minutes, I think we all had a pretty good night in the Igloo Hotel. Bright eyed and keen to get going, we were rolling our wheels at 9 am as planned. No confusion on the route today as there were constant signs directing us to the Col de Columbiere, one of the classics of the Tour de France.
Beautiful forests along the way, cow bells ringing on the road side, an incredible array of classic European mountain chalets with exquisite wooden detailing, we were all grinning as we made our way out of Morzine and the immense terrain of Avoriaz, the largest of the European ski areas. As we had gained about 600 metres in altitude and 90 km distance yesterday from Geneva (375m) to Morzine (975m), the climb as we started this day took us to the ski area and Col des Gets, about another 200m higher (1170m).
From the top, we were treated to an exhilarating curvy downhill that only the Alpes can provide...screaming down through the mountains, sucking off the back wheel of the mate ahead, leaning into the perfectly banked bends and switchbacks, we flew down the road to some little village at 475m. Giddy with adrenalin, you'd think we had just had our first skydive or kayak ride through a class 6 rapid...we couldn't stop blabbering.
Through to the other side of the village, we connected with our main man, Hayden, the king of support drivers. Stripping off our wind proofs and helmets (no helmet laws in France), we began the first of the big climbs - the Col de Combiere which tops out at 1618m. A slight respite at the village of Reposoir about 1/3 of the way up, we mentally and physically endured the 12% climb right up into the cloudy mist at the top. Temperatures were cool which made for user friendly cycling and the riding times ranged from 1hr 12min to 1hr 40min with all managing a high spirit along the way. The painted writing is constant on the road surface spurring on legends of the Tour de France. The cafe at the summit was welcome to escape the cold mist outside, a hearty bowl of soup, cups of tea and coffee as waited for all to arrive, then donning all our warm clothes, we screamed down another wicked descent, drawing up quick for the herd of goats blocking the road and a couple of photos of the valley WAY below.
Bottoming out, regrouping, pedalling a short distance, then another climb up the Col des Aravis, topping out at 1486m from a 925m start. This one didn't hurt quite so bad as the gradient was easier on the legs and the front peloton of 6 accepted the pace set by Robina. All was fine until about 100m from the summit when she decided to burn us with a sprint that increased in velocity until she had spurned the 5 of us.
No time for a stop as there was a breeze which would chill us fast, we grabbed wind shells from Hayden and screamed down another unbelievable downhill to the town of Flumet, 15km and about 800m below. As we delve deeper into the Alpes, the village architecture becomes more pure and ancient with the smattering of newness that comes from the real estate game of the ski areas. The cow bells are constant, the hillsides lush after a verdant summer of growth, and the harvests have been, or are happening.
A left turn at Flumet directed us to the final 10km which took us to Megeve, a diversion allowing us the opportunity to visit Chamonix tomorrow for a trip up the Aguile de Midi and a tramp on the peaks. A meaty day under our belts, 94km with a couple of hefty climbs, the wine and laughs flowed easy with the inaugural presentation of the Col de Columbiere award which will be followed each day with intrepid interest...this adds to the Dummy award which was presented last night and passed tonight from Tom to Lindsay. Staying at the Hotel de Prairie, we are all looking forward to a quiet sleep sans car alarms.
Beautiful forests along the way, cow bells ringing on the road side, an incredible array of classic European mountain chalets with exquisite wooden detailing, we were all grinning as we made our way out of Morzine and the immense terrain of Avoriaz, the largest of the European ski areas. As we had gained about 600 metres in altitude and 90 km distance yesterday from Geneva (375m) to Morzine (975m), the climb as we started this day took us to the ski area and Col des Gets, about another 200m higher (1170m).
From the top, we were treated to an exhilarating curvy downhill that only the Alpes can provide...screaming down through the mountains, sucking off the back wheel of the mate ahead, leaning into the perfectly banked bends and switchbacks, we flew down the road to some little village at 475m. Giddy with adrenalin, you'd think we had just had our first skydive or kayak ride through a class 6 rapid...we couldn't stop blabbering.
Through to the other side of the village, we connected with our main man, Hayden, the king of support drivers. Stripping off our wind proofs and helmets (no helmet laws in France), we began the first of the big climbs - the Col de Combiere which tops out at 1618m. A slight respite at the village of Reposoir about 1/3 of the way up, we mentally and physically endured the 12% climb right up into the cloudy mist at the top. Temperatures were cool which made for user friendly cycling and the riding times ranged from 1hr 12min to 1hr 40min with all managing a high spirit along the way. The painted writing is constant on the road surface spurring on legends of the Tour de France. The cafe at the summit was welcome to escape the cold mist outside, a hearty bowl of soup, cups of tea and coffee as waited for all to arrive, then donning all our warm clothes, we screamed down another wicked descent, drawing up quick for the herd of goats blocking the road and a couple of photos of the valley WAY below.
Bottoming out, regrouping, pedalling a short distance, then another climb up the Col des Aravis, topping out at 1486m from a 925m start. This one didn't hurt quite so bad as the gradient was easier on the legs and the front peloton of 6 accepted the pace set by Robina. All was fine until about 100m from the summit when she decided to burn us with a sprint that increased in velocity until she had spurned the 5 of us.
No time for a stop as there was a breeze which would chill us fast, we grabbed wind shells from Hayden and screamed down another unbelievable downhill to the town of Flumet, 15km and about 800m below. As we delve deeper into the Alpes, the village architecture becomes more pure and ancient with the smattering of newness that comes from the real estate game of the ski areas. The cow bells are constant, the hillsides lush after a verdant summer of growth, and the harvests have been, or are happening.
A left turn at Flumet directed us to the final 10km which took us to Megeve, a diversion allowing us the opportunity to visit Chamonix tomorrow for a trip up the Aguile de Midi and a tramp on the peaks. A meaty day under our belts, 94km with a couple of hefty climbs, the wine and laughs flowed easy with the inaugural presentation of the Col de Columbiere award which will be followed each day with intrepid interest...this adds to the Dummy award which was presented last night and passed tonight from Tom to Lindsay. Staying at the Hotel de Prairie, we are all looking forward to a quiet sleep sans car alarms.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Day one Geneva -> Morzine
Straight out of the blocks this morning Lindsay was firing on all cylinders and the peleton of 5 rode to the start line (20kms) in Geneva just managed to hang on to the back wheel (Lindsay likes to now think of himself as the Italian stallion - having done some training in Italy)
Nice roads and cycle lanes soon saw us on the Geneva waterfront waiting on the jets d’or to blast (for the photo opportunity) A coffee (and crepe) filled the time
1034 and we departed for Thonon and the true route des grandes alpes start.
A busy road and 30kms saw us struggle a little to find the D902 but a Morzine.
sign saved the day and we turn south for the first time into the gorge diablo.
Uphill climbing - but it is only a 3 % grade so easy spinning almost all the way to Morzine.
A small zig zag to finish and we find our hotel the Igloo.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
route des grandes alpes - the peleton of one
Have had two solid rides in the hills of Tuscany and looking forward to a ride part way around lake Garda in northern Italy at sparrowfart. ciao Lindsay.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
route des grandes alpes
hi geoff,
the advance peleton can report that riding in europe is fantastic. the advance peleton of 1 enjoyed a spin at 6.30am for 90 mins this morning in theTuscan hills, traffic very very obliging, cool in the morning but around 28 in the afternoon. one short 10 per cent grade but mostly gentle rolling. where we are is an internet wasteland but in an internet cafe now. reports will be sporadic. ciao everyone from Di and Lindsay in Tuscany...
the advance peleton can report that riding in europe is fantastic. the advance peleton of 1 enjoyed a spin at 6.30am for 90 mins this morning in theTuscan hills, traffic very very obliging, cool in the morning but around 28 in the afternoon. one short 10 per cent grade but mostly gentle rolling. where we are is an internet wasteland but in an internet cafe now. reports will be sporadic. ciao everyone from Di and Lindsay in Tuscany...
Of Dreams, Porsches and Girls
Riding in Andorra '09
The last day suggestion - ride a short distance down the valley, then climb 7km, another 15kms to a X country ski resort - but what would I do with the rest of the day - so the 3 nations tour beacons - the north wind decides that a down river ride to start is best - it would always seem that to ride down to home would be the best anyway.
A quick glance at the map - not long enough it turns out - because the names on the col and towns did not stick - only the last col which did not feature on road signs boards till 3/4 of the ride are complete.
Out of Tallo is easy - 2 clicks and turn left onto a national road - down with the river through the gorge to La seux du Urgell 34kms on smooth fast tar - too easy but I note the drop - it was 1120M at the start and we are now at 750 metres - I know the Pass is over 2000meteres so all to aware that the ascension ahead is growing.
Follow the signs to Andorra - it’s strange for a kiwi to think that I’m heading up a busy road into another country - Should I have bought my passport ?- Will they stop me at the border/ - in fact I have no id - nothing - just a phone and 40 euro in the back pocket
The border post is busy but no one stopping cars going in - so in under the building and out the other side - already I’m back at 1100meters and the climbing has not been too bad.
The road is busy though - a steady stream of trucks / cars and buses - all polite - they stay behind until there is room to pass and I feel no pressure - except from the road which continues to climb. I’m in the lowest gear on the borrowed Massi bike - and it is here I stay - only once after heading through the tiny enclave of Encamp do I feel like another (lower) gear.
I’m just following the signs to Andorra la Velle (the capital) although there is really no where else to go, in a narrow valley climbing ever up into Andorra - a steady stream of exotic cars. Porsche 4 * 4, BMW wagons, and small zippy cars pass.
Andorra la Vella appears - trapped in it’s valley with peaks towering and buildings climbing the hill sides - even in town it’s not flat and I remain in the low cog
Where is it I’m going ? What was the name of the pass?
The next village ’Encamp’ has a i information office and I stop briefly and check the tourist map to be sure - the lady answers me that the road will climb more steeply.
Ski lifts appear and the altimeter reads 1700 as the cold wind increases out of a valley direct from France to the north. I stop and put the vest on as I climb directly into it, lucky only for a short distance before turning into the lee of the mountains that must be the Andorra French border.
Ahead finally the horizon appears but the 10km to pass sign takes a little sting out of the enthusiasm, but the country entertains and the road remains constant - a steady but easy gradient (at least for the granny gear)
Another major ski area fills the cirque to the right and the road now climbs in a serpentine fashion so common in the Alps. It’s a joy to ride - the tar smooth - the traffic light - the legs still turning over nicely after 3hrs 50mins in the saddle. One two three.....seven or eight hairpins to the top @ 2085 meters. The snow still lying in thick patches on the road side.
Boy that coffee and coke will be good on the pass - but only a couple of run down service stations - the lady in one informs me that ’cafe in quatra kilometers’ - at least that is what I thought she said.
In the shelter of the building the arm warmers go on as well and the descent begin. After only 1 kilometer and 3 hairpins I see the village / the ski station of pas de la Casa. It’s a typical new French style station - new buildings in ski station style - probably a Irish pub or two, but it’s a coffe shop I’m seeking and the first one see is the one.
Cafe con lecha - no I’m close to France and figure it must be cafe au lait by now, with coke, croque monsieur, apple tart and english speaking waitress to serve. A second coffee and I’m feeling fine again. The remnants of the coke go in the water bottle - pull up the arm warmers and head out of town.
Two hundred metres later the French border - a huge line up of cars entering Andorra but those leaving are not bothered and away we roll.
At he roundabout I do a full circle to see where I was and to take in the view - brrr - it’s cold in the wind and the brakes stay on to keep the wind chill down - tuck in behind a couple of cars to allow them to break the wind. Still really don’t know 100% how far down or how much up to the next col - although ahead the road begins to match the remnants of the map in the back of my mind and the road sign Toulouse or barcalona reinforces it .
Straight ahead and up - ultra smooth wide no traffic and the saddle already in view just a km ahead - all easy because I know what awaits - 30km downhill. To have the wind at your back - competing with BMW’s and others for corner space on a selection of hairpins, then on the lower valley roads - running with the trucks that slow to pass and offer great drafting when they do - legs feel good after 5hrs of riding in them and three days of riding before. It’s a easy smiling ride back into Puigcerda.
At the shop where I borrowed the bike from the spaniard named Mickey stage 17 of the Giro graces the big screen. So I stop with a couple of the local boys and watch the last 35kms over a coffee con lecha. Pellisato wins (liquigas) with Armstrong showing his face in the last 10kms to try and pull him back, or was he just testing the legs ?????
18kms to home - feel like a champion - legs still have power, the buzz of the day, watching the Giro, thinking that you are a cyclist - after a day riding in the three Nations tour.
For the record ascension 1535 metres - distance 132kms - time 5hrs 15mins - –
the route - Tallo La Seu da Urgell -. Andorra -> Andorra La Velle -> Encamp -> Port d’ Envalina -> Pas de la Casa (lunch) -> Cl de Puymonens -> Puigcerda
The previous rides
Sunday 65kms / average 27kms hr / 1000 metres acension 2hrs 2mins
Monday 61kms / 800 -900 meters acension / 2hrs 5mins
Tuesday 2hrs easy valley ride Georgie / Marti (under 23 mtn bike champ - pro rider)
The last day suggestion - ride a short distance down the valley, then climb 7km, another 15kms to a X country ski resort - but what would I do with the rest of the day - so the 3 nations tour beacons - the north wind decides that a down river ride to start is best - it would always seem that to ride down to home would be the best anyway.
A quick glance at the map - not long enough it turns out - because the names on the col and towns did not stick - only the last col which did not feature on road signs boards till 3/4 of the ride are complete.
Out of Tallo is easy - 2 clicks and turn left onto a national road - down with the river through the gorge to La seux du Urgell 34kms on smooth fast tar - too easy but I note the drop - it was 1120M at the start and we are now at 750 metres - I know the Pass is over 2000meteres so all to aware that the ascension ahead is growing.
Follow the signs to Andorra - it’s strange for a kiwi to think that I’m heading up a busy road into another country - Should I have bought my passport ?- Will they stop me at the border/ - in fact I have no id - nothing - just a phone and 40 euro in the back pocket
The border post is busy but no one stopping cars going in - so in under the building and out the other side - already I’m back at 1100meters and the climbing has not been too bad.
The road is busy though - a steady stream of trucks / cars and buses - all polite - they stay behind until there is room to pass and I feel no pressure - except from the road which continues to climb. I’m in the lowest gear on the borrowed Massi bike - and it is here I stay - only once after heading through the tiny enclave of Encamp do I feel like another (lower) gear.
I’m just following the signs to Andorra la Velle (the capital) although there is really no where else to go, in a narrow valley climbing ever up into Andorra - a steady stream of exotic cars. Porsche 4 * 4, BMW wagons, and small zippy cars pass.
Andorra la Vella appears - trapped in it’s valley with peaks towering and buildings climbing the hill sides - even in town it’s not flat and I remain in the low cog
Where is it I’m going ? What was the name of the pass?
The next village ’Encamp’ has a i information office and I stop briefly and check the tourist map to be sure - the lady answers me that the road will climb more steeply.
Ski lifts appear and the altimeter reads 1700 as the cold wind increases out of a valley direct from France to the north. I stop and put the vest on as I climb directly into it, lucky only for a short distance before turning into the lee of the mountains that must be the Andorra French border.
Ahead finally the horizon appears but the 10km to pass sign takes a little sting out of the enthusiasm, but the country entertains and the road remains constant - a steady but easy gradient (at least for the granny gear)
Another major ski area fills the cirque to the right and the road now climbs in a serpentine fashion so common in the Alps. It’s a joy to ride - the tar smooth - the traffic light - the legs still turning over nicely after 3hrs 50mins in the saddle. One two three.....seven or eight hairpins to the top @ 2085 meters. The snow still lying in thick patches on the road side.
Boy that coffee and coke will be good on the pass - but only a couple of run down service stations - the lady in one informs me that ’cafe in quatra kilometers’ - at least that is what I thought she said.
In the shelter of the building the arm warmers go on as well and the descent begin. After only 1 kilometer and 3 hairpins I see the village / the ski station of pas de la Casa. It’s a typical new French style station - new buildings in ski station style - probably a Irish pub or two, but it’s a coffe shop I’m seeking and the first one see is the one.
Cafe con lecha - no I’m close to France and figure it must be cafe au lait by now, with coke, croque monsieur, apple tart and english speaking waitress to serve. A second coffee and I’m feeling fine again. The remnants of the coke go in the water bottle - pull up the arm warmers and head out of town.
Two hundred metres later the French border - a huge line up of cars entering Andorra but those leaving are not bothered and away we roll.
At he roundabout I do a full circle to see where I was and to take in the view - brrr - it’s cold in the wind and the brakes stay on to keep the wind chill down - tuck in behind a couple of cars to allow them to break the wind. Still really don’t know 100% how far down or how much up to the next col - although ahead the road begins to match the remnants of the map in the back of my mind and the road sign Toulouse or barcalona reinforces it .
Straight ahead and up - ultra smooth wide no traffic and the saddle already in view just a km ahead - all easy because I know what awaits - 30km downhill. To have the wind at your back - competing with BMW’s and others for corner space on a selection of hairpins, then on the lower valley roads - running with the trucks that slow to pass and offer great drafting when they do - legs feel good after 5hrs of riding in them and three days of riding before. It’s a easy smiling ride back into Puigcerda.
At the shop where I borrowed the bike from the spaniard named Mickey stage 17 of the Giro graces the big screen. So I stop with a couple of the local boys and watch the last 35kms over a coffee con lecha. Pellisato wins (liquigas) with Armstrong showing his face in the last 10kms to try and pull him back, or was he just testing the legs ?????
18kms to home - feel like a champion - legs still have power, the buzz of the day, watching the Giro, thinking that you are a cyclist - after a day riding in the three Nations tour.
For the record ascension 1535 metres - distance 132kms - time 5hrs 15mins - –
the route - Tallo La Seu da Urgell -. Andorra -> Andorra La Velle -> Encamp -> Port d’ Envalina -> Pas de la Casa (lunch) -> Cl de Puymonens -> Puigcerda
The previous rides
Sunday 65kms / average 27kms hr / 1000 metres acension 2hrs 2mins
Monday 61kms / 800 -900 meters acension / 2hrs 5mins
Tuesday 2hrs easy valley ride Georgie / Marti (under 23 mtn bike champ - pro rider)
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
They call it character building
Had a nice ride yesterday
Well it was hard day at the office
Around lake Dunstan - it's not to bad - only 96kms but normally a wind one way or other.
Forecast is not good but what the hell - only scattered clouds here in the morning and looked like the fronts had passed in the night - how wrong this was to be.
Nice drive to Cromwell - dry roads but to the south over Bannockburn some rain to be seen but remained dry at the start line until the start
big fat heavy rain drops - but only for 30secs and didn't really notice as all rugged up - lightweight pullover under the cycle jersey with wind vest over the top and arm warmers.
Of course the vest and arm warmers come off on the way up the valley toward Tarras.
The siren goes and the front of the field accelerates up to about 50kms instantly and the front group quickly pulls away - I settle for a slightly - only slightly less frenetic second group and soon it settles into a steady rhyme - at a pace I can go all day at - so that is good.
Around the corner at Tarras - and make sure that I am at the front of the group incase of any attacks but the cross wind means no one keen to go hard at the front and we revolve around - about 40 strong - although I never go near the back.
A little hill about 40km mark does nothing to sort the group out - still pays to be at the front as you cross.
Across the Luggate Bridge and we know that it is going to be windy home - legs still feel 100% and I keep the pace going up the hill before we turn into the wind.
As we leave Luggate the first of the strong gusts that are the outriders of the storm start arriving - ahead the sky is black and in the distance the sound of gunfire - no - it' the thunder starting to roll around the hills.
Soon enough the stronger gusts - I'm sure at one stage we got down to 5kms / hr pace as we fought through them- but the wind eased a little as the rain came - don't get me wrong - its still blowing hard and now the rain is big and fat and heavy and then it turns to hail - the roof - no that is the helmet - keeps most of it off, but it could well have been a grit truck ahead of us throwing sand and pebbles back at us for all we could see.
A quick wipe of the glasses makes no difference - viability has dropped to 200meters or so and the lightning is crashing into the surrounding hills.
We drive on - not hesitating, while later we hear others are driven of their bikes to find shelter in pubs, under tress and in farmer houses.
The vest so quickly taken off I can't put on - it is in the back pocket - I did get it out and get both arms in but unable to zip it up - the wind is to strong and the group moving too fast - even in the conditions. As the rain eases a little the pace continues - but I am really glad this group is skilled because if anyone had braked I would have not been able to react in time - the fingers don't feel the levers - the brain is not connected to the legs - I see them working but the are not connected to me - occasionally flashes of lights in the eyes - it's not lightning - so not sure - perhaps the brian shutting down - as we close on home the pace goes up again and the group splinters in two. I loose the front group by meters and then as the 2nd group goes past I almost miss them - claw my way on to the back wheel - only just - and then I come right again - it's my only bad patch - but still no connection to body from the brain. I know where I am - but that's all - slight uphill to the junction - a long 1km to the corner and sprint 8oo meters to the line. The group surges forward after the corner but not really a true sprint - everyone is just happy to cross the line as quick as possible - ride the km to the finishing chute and disappears to the car - no high 5's - no thanks 'that was a good ride' just disappear to try and get warm
I try and talk to someone - realize I don't make sense and walk - can't even think about how to get back on the bike - to the car and shiver my way out of the clothing into layers of clothing - thank god for that North Face down jacket. It takes about 1hr for the shivering to stop - coffee triple shot please / chocolate and by prize giving I am fine - although the down jacket stays on - even inside.
They call it character building
I finish 4th (55+) 2hrs 47mins 66th across the line out of 260 (about 30 in our peleton so we are about 30th across the line)
Average speed just 34kms hr
Well it was hard day at the office
Around lake Dunstan - it's not to bad - only 96kms but normally a wind one way or other.
Forecast is not good but what the hell - only scattered clouds here in the morning and looked like the fronts had passed in the night - how wrong this was to be.
Nice drive to Cromwell - dry roads but to the south over Bannockburn some rain to be seen but remained dry at the start line until the start
big fat heavy rain drops - but only for 30secs and didn't really notice as all rugged up - lightweight pullover under the cycle jersey with wind vest over the top and arm warmers.
Of course the vest and arm warmers come off on the way up the valley toward Tarras.
The siren goes and the front of the field accelerates up to about 50kms instantly and the front group quickly pulls away - I settle for a slightly - only slightly less frenetic second group and soon it settles into a steady rhyme - at a pace I can go all day at - so that is good.
Around the corner at Tarras - and make sure that I am at the front of the group incase of any attacks but the cross wind means no one keen to go hard at the front and we revolve around - about 40 strong - although I never go near the back.
A little hill about 40km mark does nothing to sort the group out - still pays to be at the front as you cross.
Across the Luggate Bridge and we know that it is going to be windy home - legs still feel 100% and I keep the pace going up the hill before we turn into the wind.
As we leave Luggate the first of the strong gusts that are the outriders of the storm start arriving - ahead the sky is black and in the distance the sound of gunfire - no - it' the thunder starting to roll around the hills.
Soon enough the stronger gusts - I'm sure at one stage we got down to 5kms / hr pace as we fought through them- but the wind eased a little as the rain came - don't get me wrong - its still blowing hard and now the rain is big and fat and heavy and then it turns to hail - the roof - no that is the helmet - keeps most of it off, but it could well have been a grit truck ahead of us throwing sand and pebbles back at us for all we could see.
A quick wipe of the glasses makes no difference - viability has dropped to 200meters or so and the lightning is crashing into the surrounding hills.
We drive on - not hesitating, while later we hear others are driven of their bikes to find shelter in pubs, under tress and in farmer houses.
The vest so quickly taken off I can't put on - it is in the back pocket - I did get it out and get both arms in but unable to zip it up - the wind is to strong and the group moving too fast - even in the conditions. As the rain eases a little the pace continues - but I am really glad this group is skilled because if anyone had braked I would have not been able to react in time - the fingers don't feel the levers - the brain is not connected to the legs - I see them working but the are not connected to me - occasionally flashes of lights in the eyes - it's not lightning - so not sure - perhaps the brian shutting down - as we close on home the pace goes up again and the group splinters in two. I loose the front group by meters and then as the 2nd group goes past I almost miss them - claw my way on to the back wheel - only just - and then I come right again - it's my only bad patch - but still no connection to body from the brain. I know where I am - but that's all - slight uphill to the junction - a long 1km to the corner and sprint 8oo meters to the line. The group surges forward after the corner but not really a true sprint - everyone is just happy to cross the line as quick as possible - ride the km to the finishing chute and disappears to the car - no high 5's - no thanks 'that was a good ride' just disappear to try and get warm
I try and talk to someone - realize I don't make sense and walk - can't even think about how to get back on the bike - to the car and shiver my way out of the clothing into layers of clothing - thank god for that North Face down jacket. It takes about 1hr for the shivering to stop - coffee triple shot please / chocolate and by prize giving I am fine - although the down jacket stays on - even inside.
They call it character building
I finish 4th (55+) 2hrs 47mins 66th across the line out of 260 (about 30 in our peleton so we are about 30th across the line)
Average speed just 34kms hr
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