Holiday Fun

This is the first Holiday season that I've spent in Europe in 28 years on the planet. I may be getting old (Gabe says I can now count myself among the 'almost 30 somethings'), and the earth may be getting tired, but are both still trucking along enough to know that the best possible use of my time these days is cycling on it while the air is still breathable and the climate still livable. Recently, a high pressure weather system has camped out over the Rhone Alps, making Chambéry a sunny and pleasant place to ride over the past week. We've done a three hour ride almost every day possible, with today being the first where I woke up to wet roads. Perhaps no biking today, but we are here still desperately waiting and praying for snow.

For all those getting ready to celebrate the New Year in style, I wish I could say something earth-shatteringly meaningful. For now I'll just wish everyone a healthy and happy 2007, and hopefully you'll take it on a bicycle. If not, then a good new year's resolution might be to head to the nearest bike shop and pick up a new one. Now that's a resolution we can live with!

7 Hour Delights!

Lately the weather here in the Alps has been untouchable. Warm, sunny, and just right. This week I went for two 7 hour bike rides with some shorter rides mixed in. Yesterday, my friend Davide and I went for a ride over the Col du Galibier and the Col de Sarenne. The Galibier happens to be one of the longest climbs in Europe and the Sarenne is quite steep the entire way. People always speak about 'Alpe D'Huez' when the truth is that the col on the other side is probably twice as hard! I was able to keep a good rhythm on the way up, and even pass a nice couple on a Harley with an american flag on the back...quite happy with myself considering I am not racing!

Earlier in the week I tackled the Joux Plane followed by a near five hour ride across the Aravis and Bauges mountains to Chambery, three cols included. The Joux Plane is tough. I could easily understand why one would want a little extra bit of Landis' juice running in the system! A little? Heck, a lot! I rode the whole thing in the 39/24 with sections in the 27. Granted, I am not super fit at the moment, but it's a good climb to remind you to keep biking!