French Alps Update
Aug 26th, 2008 | By Fredcaster | Category: Announcements, TravelBonjour, mes amis! Howdy y’all!
This post comes to you from the Haute Savoie region of France. Last night we stayed in Le Grand Bornand, nestled high up in the Alps near Switzerland and Italy. In addition to our usual group dinner, we also had a 1-1/2 hour wine, cheese and sausage tasting. Yum!
So far we’ve done two official rides, although I did a 30 mile warm-up ride on the day before the official start of the tour. We’ve climbed three Cols: Col de la Forclaz, Col de Marais, and Col de la Croix Fry.
Forclaz was a killer, Marais was relatively easy, and Croix Fry was a long grind with a couple of very difficult sections. The scenery in the Alps is absolutely spectacular; almost unbelievably so. The scenery is what keeps me pedaling up the mountains.
Today we head toward Albertville, a recent host of the Winter Olympics, and end the day in Moutiers. Along the way we’ll climb Col de Aravis and Col de Saissys. Later in the week, we’ll do Col de la Madeleine, Col du Telegraph, Col due Galibier, and Alpe d’Huez. Makes my legs hurt just thinking about it.
Although I’ve captured some great video and photos, I won’t be able to bring you any podcasts (audio or or video) until I return home. For one thing, upload speeds here have been atrocious. For another, I’m quite tired every night (!) and need to conserve my energy for the following day’s climbing. I know you’ll understand.
By the way, I am the only one on the trip who brought a bike to Europe. Everyone else rented bikes through our tour operator. They are alloy road bikes and are well-equipped with Shimano 105 components, including a triple ring in the front and a 25-tooth cog in the rear. I’m jealous (so are my knees) because although I changed to 11/27 in the back for this trip, I still have my 53/39 in the front. As I said, long grinding climbs.
That’s about it for now. More later including some photos (again VERY slow upload speeds). Au revoir!
Sounds like things are going great up in the Alps, David! Even we commuter cyclists are jealous. Enjoy your time there and I look forward to seeing the video when you return!
Jealous . . . .HAVE FUN and don’t forget your baby wipe cool down. =0)
Cheers
Norrene
Can’t wait to see the videos. Sounds like you are having a blast.
You get the “tough guy” award for sure with that gear selection. I did a similar trip a few years ago and had a 38×27 as my lowest gear. For the most part it was fine but the first few switchbacks on Alpe d’Huez made me wonder if I was going to see the top. Sheer persistence got me up but there’s no way I would go back without a compact crank. Did you start the clock at the bottom and get a certificate at the top?
Dave,
I guess I missed that, but I thought for sure that we had agreed to go with a 12-27 or a 13-27, or even an 11-26, but I may be wrong.
Anyway, sit as far back as you can on your saddle, pedal forward instead of down, and this is the one time where I would probably have you pedal with your heels either flat or down. Not my favorite recommendation, but sometimes a necessary one.
Upload often.
David
Keep living the dream, just remember everytime it starts to hurt that there are many people who would love to trade places. What you are doing beats sitting in an office etc.
Good luck and enjoy the ride!
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alleycat checking.
Think of it this way, you’re making it to the same point they are, but you are building a lot more muscle along the way. Someday, I’ll have the time to ride in the alps
How’s the weather up there?
Alley cat Check in.
Checkpoint 6 check – in
I’m envious of your trip through the Alps, David. Enjoy this trip of a lifetime! Thanks for letting the Alleycat ride through the Fredcast site.
!t00w
Often find myself here…. but today it’s for the Alleycat!
Alley cat check in (captinsano443)
Ouch, ouch, ouch, not for me.
Alley Cat Yeah!
Found #6
found the next checkpoint. w00t!
Well, I’m jealous – I love cycling in France, although I’ve never been to the famous climbs you’re attempting (my favourite place so far is the Perche region of Normandy). Enjoy yourself, and I’m looking forward to hearing more about your experiences.
go… alley cats
Great post David.
Checking in for Alley cats.
I’m a little jealous of some of the scenery you’re getting to see in person.
Alleycats in the Alps.
Bonjour Checkpoint six!
wow what an awesome trip! alleycat!