TheBikeTrip http://thebiketrip.posterous.com France 2011 Alps and Pyrenees posterous.com Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:59:51 -0700 Last day in Paris and end of trip http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/last-day-in-paris-and-end-of-trip http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/last-day-in-paris-and-end-of-trip Well all good things come to an end and today was my last day in Paris.

You gotta love a hotel with a 12 PM checkout. With a 10 PM flight out, I planned to hit a couple of sites and maximize time before undertaking the 27 hours back to Sydney.

I took a lazy stroll up to the Sorbonne University area and went looking for the Honour Roll, or at least a record of the famous alumni. I was keen to locate St Ignatius Loyola who founded the Jesuit order of Priests, and also set up the schooling system still in place today that my son attends in Sydney (St Ignatius Rivierview). I eventually found this massive building that had hundreds and hundred of names chiseled into the wall. I can't recall his exact dates when he was there (Circa 1530's), but eventually I found him on the 3rd column of about 200.

From there I went across the road to The Pantheon. This is an amazing structure that the Architect borrowed the best from the Greeks and Romans and anyone else with an eye for detail. It is grandeur on a grand scale.

Initially built as a Church for the patron saint of Paris (St Genivieve), it was later handed back to the people of France. Beneath the floor is a crypt containing literally a who's who of great French Nationals who have contributed across all fields of endeavor. There are great writers. scientists, philosophers, leaders........the list goes on.

I love this aspect of the French patriotism, let's celebrate and recognize our favourite sons and daughters and do it on a grand scale. In and outside the Pantheon there are a series of massive columns holding up high one of the most ornate domes you are ever going to see. Aside from the Eiffel Tower this is my number 2 Place to visit in Paris. I had my good camera (not iPhone) there to snap away, so will try to get some of those pics up later.

After that it was back to Hotel > Train to Airport and now I am posting this from Dubai before the final leg to Sydney,

Thanks for sharing part of my journey with me. I have enjoyed entering the world of blogging, and while I still sent some traditional postcards, I believe it a great crossover from old to modern times blending journaling and staying in touch with many. Thanks again for all you positive comments and thoughts along the way.

If you have friends out there who seek more specifics around the cycling aspects of the trip, then I am more than happy to share details in this space. They can reply to this blog to find me.

It's been one he'll of a a ride and eat over 3 weeks in Italy and France.

Regards

Cycling Foodie

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Tue, 05 Jul 2011 18:09:14 -0700 Paris, Queues and The Eiffel Tower. http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/paris-queues-and-the-eiffel-tower http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/paris-queues-and-the-eiffel-tower

A big day out in Paris trying to cram a much as possible playing tourist.

At the height of Summer in a city the size of Paris you are going to run into queues at all the popular destinations.

First stop was the Musee d'Orsay to check out all the European Masters and a truckload of amazing art. Paintings, sketches, sculptures and everything else in between. 90 minutes to get in, but worth the wait.

On to the Champs Eleysee and then the Arch de Triomphe. I was looking for Clark Griswald and family doing laps, but I must have missed him. I drank the most expensive coffee (6.30 Euros) ever in my life in a cafe while watching the TDF. It was worth it as Cadel Evans won Stage 4.

In the evening off to the world's biggest Mechano set The Eiffel Tower. Another 90 minute queue, but again worth the wait climbing up the stairs till level 2 (1060 steps). The sun started to set and then the lights came on.......magic!!! Not even the gusty cold winners could stop me from spending an hour on the top level.

Lift down and then a Taxi back to St Germain for a late supper of Steak and Frites washed down with a sublime Bordeaux red.

What a day and night.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:12:48 -0700 A Paris evening http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/a-paris-evening http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/a-paris-evening

A extra long train trip from Lourdes to Paris with delays did not get me into my Hotel until after 7 PM. I am staying in the Left Bank in the St Germain area (aka The Latin Quarter). After a quick shower I hit the streets to find some dinner. Not a hard thing to do here as this place was pumping. People everywhere enjoying the late Summer nights and spilling from the multitude of cafes.

I crossed the Seine river and checked out the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral, and then meandered back down towards the Louvre museum. Just the entrance alone should be in a museum. It is that pretty under the last rays of a falling sun.

The buskers and poets were in full force, and I found a new food experience to die for..........Banana and Chocolate Crepe. I am not sure if this is in the Atkins Diet, but who cares I am in France and you need to do these things.

A big day tomorrow to see how much sightseeing I can pack into a day and night.

Au Revoir till then.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:09:51 -0700 Last day in Lourdes http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/last-day-in-lourdes http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/last-day-in-lourdes

With the exception of a last 30 minute ride around the town of Lourdes, today I played the tourist in a town that exists in every sense of the word on the tourist.

Lourdes as a town has existed for well over a millennium, and through the ages has been under rule from a variety of countries and their extended armies. What really bought it to initially France and later the World's attention, was back on the 11th February 1858 when a 14 year old girl Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have seen an apparition of the Virgin Mary while out collecting firewood with her friends. Over the next few months she experienced another 17 visits from Mary in the area known as The Grotto.

Now as a practicing Catholic I first learnt of this story nearly 40 years ago when my Grandparents had visited Lourdes back in the 1960's. To spend today immersing myself in the town with other Pilgrims visiting all the historical sites was an amazing experience.

Over the past week I have seen thousands upon thousands of people come in and out of town as part of their pilgrimage (be that in an organized tour or as a family). After Paris the town of Lourdes is the 2nd most visited town in France with over 5 Million people coming here each year. They come from all over the world. Irish, Spanish, Italian, German, Scottish, American.............you name the country and I bet you that they have been here this year (Nth Korea and Albania aside).

It is a massive organizational effort to coordinate the daily religious activities in a variety of languages across a town of only 15,000 inhabitants (14,943 that work in Tourism). There are 1000's of volunteers that come here just to help out as guides and cater to those not as fortunate.

Whether one believes or not that Mary did appear over 150 years ago, there is something special as you move through the Sanctuaries and The Grotto where the water still pours from the cave that Mary appeared in.

As I mentioned before the town is built on the Tourism, and I have never seen so many Souvenir shops. At a a rough count there would be 200 shops selling every conceivable piece of paraphernalia you can think of. My pictures will give you a flavor.

At 9 PM each night they have the Procession which I went to twice. This was one of my highlights with thousand of people holding candles and singing hymns at the same time in a variety of languages.

Well tomorrow I am off to Paris for a couple of days of leisure after 2 weeks and 930 KM of cycling the Alps and The Pyrenees. It has been a blast, and to watch Cadel Evans slot into 2nd today in the TDF after Stage 2 made was amazing.

Food wise I had a great Tarragon Chicken tonight that was served to me on a black bathroom tile (I hope it was clean). My camera was out of battery, so sorry for no pics. It was excellent and has a real rustic feel and taste to it. It went well with the Citron (lemon) tart I had afterwards.

Till Paris from the Cycling Foodie.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Sat, 02 Jul 2011 15:30:50 -0700 Lourdes > Pau > Lourdes http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/lourdes-pau-lourdes http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/lourdes-pau-lourdes

First of all a quick greeting to my son Luke who etches further into his teenage years with his 14th birthday today Happy birthday Champion, I hope I am still taller than you when I get home.

Greeted again with blue skies I jumped on the bike and with no agenda (aside from climbing no TDF Cols) I just rode. I ended up on some back roads a few KMs outside Lourdes and eventually set off for the town of Pau which is 50 km north west of Lourdes. With a fantastic tail wind and flat flat roads I was there in no time.
Lots of farming lands to be seen with Sun Flowers just about to open there eyes as the weather gets warmer. The TDF leaves the town of Pau for Stage 13 this year. The helicopter shot of the riders pushing alongside the field of sun flowers is TDF number 1 photo. A good day for Cadel picking up 2nd place and also having some of his rivals get caught up in a crash 10 KMs from the end. Only 20 stages to go.

Tonight I went into the Basilica/Sanctuaries and watched the evening procession at 9 am. Very moving indeed and an amazing amount of people suddenly appeared out of every nook an cranny. I'll give more detail tomorrow as I have a big day planned to attend a few tours and museums on the whole Lourdes experience.

Dinner tonight was a Pizza that you would not serve a beggar (and there are plenty of those here). It must have had 3 pounds of Mozzarella on it, and it was my foodie lowlight of the trip. After a 100 km ride I would have eaten cardboard, which possibly might have been better : >

Till tmrw

Cycling Foodie

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:37:14 -0700 Pics from Col du Tourmalet and Luz-Ardiden http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/pics-from-col-du-tourmalet-and-luz-ardiden http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/pics-from-col-du-tourmalet-and-luz-ardiden

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:25:16 -0700 Col du Toumalet. Luz-Ardiden and Blue Sky Climbing http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/col-du-toumalet-luz-ardiden-and-blue-sky-clim http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/col-du-toumalet-luz-ardiden-and-blue-sky-clim I would like to dedicate today's blog and bike riding to my good mate John (Mig) Lock. For those of you not aware, Mig is my cycling buddy, and pretty every weekend for the past 7 years or so we cycle together. We had talked about this trip numerous times, and unfortunately the day after we booked the trip in February he had a bad accident in a social game of soccer and ruptured his Achilles tendon. This is not a light injury, and it takes 6 - 8 months (longer for those not fit) to recover. After training and planning for months already I decided to proceed ahead with my trip, and told John I will do recon for our next trip once he has mended and is back in fighting fitness. This one is for you Buddy.

So today I was greeted with the most glorious Blue skies that Monet would have been proud to paint. I was going to attempt a super ride........put simple a double Hors Categorie endurance test.

On the menu was the giant of the Pyrenees the Col du Tormalet (2115 metres) and then to follow that with a climb to the ski station at Luz-Ardiden (1715 meters). Both these climbs will be completed at the back end of Stage 12 of this years TDF. I was going to ride the last 55 km of this stage to see where my cycling "Mojo" stood.

Before I could hit the climbs, I had to cycle about 30 km South of Lourdes arriving at the beautiful postcard Spa Resort town of Luz-Saint-Saveur (try saying that with a mouthful of peanuts)!!!

I had been warned about the Tourmalet and the sheer fact that this is a colossus of a climb stretching 18 km up at a thigh busting 7.5 % grade. Well in first few KMs the mountain threw everything at me, but today I had come to play ball. Aside from having some reasonable physical condition before undertaking this trip, the most important muscle for me is the 6 inches between the ears. A strong mind is needed when you know that the first climb was going to take the best part of 2 hours.

Anyhow I got into a good tempo and before too long was halfway up the hill. It was hot and I consuming vast quantities of water to stay hydrated. I estimate I would have drank around 6 liters of fluids today to try and replace the sweat that just keeps pouring out of you.

Once I hit the top I was as happy as a pig in the proverbial. I took some pics, drank some ice cold Coke and ate the Cherry pie from the Chalet (highly recommended). After refueling I then took off down the hill like a Pro and was back in Luz-Saint-Saveur in 25 mins.

From there I then started on the 13 km summit of Luz-Ardiden. This climb is pretty famous, as it is where Lance Armstrong crashed in 2003 when climbing the last part of the stage. He got his handlebars caught up in a spectators hand bag and hit the deck like a sack of spuds ( you can see on You Tube "Lance Crash Musette Bag").

Anyhow enough about the Texan, this blog is about a proud Victorian!! The 13 KMs took me a little over an hour, and I bad a quick rest at the top. I shot some video and pics and hopefully they covey the savage incline near the top.

The decent down is an absolute cracker, and it's fast, furious and require a little nerve ducking in and out of the multiple corners. Once at the base I continued on back to Lourdes. All up it was just under 130 KMs, in 6 hours and 25 mins of some of the best cycling I have even done. I am not sure what the French word is for exhausted and exhilarated, but that is how I felt upon completing this marathon day.

After a couple of beers I sauntered down to the local restaurant for some Paella. While not a culinary highlight on this trip, it was a decent serve to replenish the spent fuel from today........... as was the Banana Split!

Cycling Foodie

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:22:48 -0700 Hautacam and riding the quite roads http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/hautacam-and-riding-the-quite-roads http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/hautacam-and-riding-the-quite-roads

Today was a fun cycle day. Not too hot, not too cold and a wind that would be lucky to lift a tissue. Its days like this you just want to suit up and hit the road.

Before I describe the ride I thought it might interest you to describe what "suiting" up actually means. Now if I was a local I would not need a lot of the gear that I carry, but as an Aussie abroad here is what I take and wear before I turn a pedal.

I wear a good pair of cycling shoes (Italian quality) and some thicker socks for the cold weather. I wear a cycle short that's known as a bib'n'brace style that I apply a cream to the chamois area. This ensures my little derriere is not subjected to any rash or infection. The cream it like Sorbalene or Vitamin E cream. For those who have endured a rash in this area, then it is mandatory to use this on +2 hour rides. As it is cold I wear thick cycle tights, an under shirt and then another Lycra cycle top. In the last few days I have also been wearing arm warmers and for the cold and wet weather I carry a shell jacket that is wind and water resistant. To finish of I have gloves, helmet (not everyone wears them here) and my sun glasses. Glasses of any type are essential on descents. You want to see the bug I cleaned of my lens the other day when I was doing about 60 KM down a hill. I also wear a heart rate monitor that talks wirelessly to my bike speedo.

I carry a small tool kit and pump which allows me to repair flats and also any minor adjustments. I also carry my iPhone to capture these pics for you and to listen to music, along with my decent camera and some ID, cash and credit card. In my one remaining pocket I carry 3-4 Energy Gels that are pretty much pure carbohydrate for easy consumption while still moving.

On the bike it's 2 water bidons and 2 speedos, 1 which is a GPS unit that allows me to capture and map the ride details later from my PC.

I decided to split the day into a morning and afternoon ride today. First up I did a slow casual ride South of Lourdes for about 35 KM along some real pretty rural county roads. Every 5 KM you ride through a little town and then it's crops or freshly cut and rolled hah bales dotting the landscape. Back for lunch and then a quick nap to prepare for the arvo ride which was to the ski station known as Hautacam.

This ride is a Hors Categorie that has featured on the TDF on 4 precious occasions, most recently in 2008. That year a couple of Italians skated up the summit and made some of the climbers around them look slow. 2 days later the organizers threw them both out of the Tour after they both were busted for EPO.

I could have done with sone EPO today as it is a tough 13 KM ride straight up a grade that in some places spikes up to 14%. By the time I got to the top it was covered in cloud and the Temp was 8 degrees. In the valley 1100 metres below it was 22. So down I went at a rate of knots hitting over 70 kph in 2 sections of open road. Yee Haa!!!

Tonight I stayed in and cooked pasta that was helped down with a glass of Bordeaux Red (a big glass as I earnt it with 90 KMs today). Till tomorrow from the Cycling Foodie.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:14:50 -0700 Photos from Col d'Aubisque & Col du Soulor http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/photos-from-col-daubisque-col-du-soulor http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/photos-from-col-daubisque-col-du-soulor

Here are the Photos

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:42:00 -0700 With my head in the clouds - Col du Soulor and Col du Galibier http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/with-my-head-in-the-clouds-col-du-soulor-and http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/with-my-head-in-the-clouds-col-du-soulor-and

Apologies there are no photos with this post, once I get my WIFI up again I will load up some pics.

Today I again woke to heavy clouds ans drizzle over a gloomy Lourdes. The weather forecast has not looked good for the past 2 days, although there is a promise of some sun this coming Thur, Fri and Sat. As I am only here for a limited window (and on the other side of the world), I just need to suck it up and get on with the cycling in the less than ideal conditions. I bought the wet weather gear on the chance I would need to use it, and this has been a good decision.

So the course for today was to tackle some of the hills that are going to be used in this year's TDF. Stages 12 and 13 will be duked out in the Pyrenees this year for the first serious climbing among the GC protagonists, including a home town finish right here in Lourdes. The winner would surely be the result of some divine intervention, something you cannot be busted for like EPO.

So the plan today was to knock of 2 Cols that are on the same road (D918). All roads follow this easy to understand format.N = National, D = Department, in Lourdes that is the Haute Pyrenees. So it was a 90 KM out and back route to summit the Col du Soulor (1474 metres) and then punch a little further up the road to the Col D'Aubisque (1709 metres). In Mathematics terms yesterday's ride was like your basic times tables, and today was Advanced Calculus!!

The Aubisque is a Hors Categorie, and the Soulor is no picnic either. I left from my base at Lourdes and cycled 12 km down the valley road to a beautiful little town called Argeles-Gazost. From there it is pretty much a climb the rest of the way up the D918, with the exception of some small flat sections and a few dips to get around a montain bend here and there. After I went above 1000 metres in elevation, I literally did have my head in the clouds. The weather then turned really cold and the rain then just hung around like a thick blanket over your shoulders. Even though I have all the kit on to protect me, I enventually started to get frozen fingers and toes where climbing harder is the only real way to keep things somewhat pleasant. I took well needed coffee breaks at the Soulor Summit, and then again at the Aubisque. It is real farming territory here; and along the way I had the company of Goats, Cows, Sheep and some very large future Pancetta providers (Pigs). At 1704 metres the visibility was down to the front of your nose.............in all seriousness maybe 25 - 30 feet absolute tops. The descent was probably the most tricky I have done with all my bike skills put to the test. Aside from animal, other cycle and car alert, I had poor visibility, poor brakes and the only part of me that was dry was the "Small" of my back (males might need to defer to their female partners to find out where this is on the body).

Once my head was extracted from the clouds, the descent begame a little easier, and it was good to ride this part, as that is what the Pros will be doing in what shall be a fast decent into Lourdes in about 2 weeks time. All up I did the 90 KM in a little under 5 hours, very tired but so incredibly pleased with my 2 Col day.

For dinner tonight I got to have my local Cassolet dish which is a local speciality here in the S/W of France. Its a tasty stew with a base of White Haricot Beans, pork sausage, duck confit with a few other spices that slowly cook and bubble away in a stock for several hours in the oven. It is eaten with a little green salad, bread and washed down with an icy cold Belgian Beer. I certainly earn't one today.

Regards,

Cycling Foodie

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:21:00 -0700 A wet Lourdes and an idiots guide to the TDF http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/a-wet-lourdes-and-an-idiots-guide-to-the-tdf http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/a-wet-lourdes-and-an-idiots-guide-to-the-tdf

Well it took me the best part of 14 hours to make the journey from the Alps to the Pyrenees. If you look at a map of France it looks like a fairly simple journey from Le Bourg D'Oisans in the South East corner across to Lourdes in the South West corner. Unfortunately the speedy bullet trains don't operate this route, so I caught a 1 train to Paris, survived the underground Metro and then another train to Lourdes.

The bullet trains are exactly that. The speed these trains generate is quite something to feel and see. Its only when you see the train running alongside a freeway where the cars you are passing look like they are dawdling. Anyhow I got in around 9 pm and it was still 30 degrees and there crowds of people everywhere. I decided that shower, eat and bed were my best options.

This morning the weather did a complete back flip, and it was cold, drizzling and only 12 degrees ( my tan was going to suffer today big time). I decided to avoid the Tourist stuff today and just get on the bike work the legs. I kitted up with all my wet weather gear and did a 60 KM loop north to a town called Tarbes. No hills to speak of and just a good opportunity to blow the cobwebs out.

So as I have limited photos today and will reserve another day for the Lourdes immersion experience I thought I would give you the Idiots Guide to the TDF. When the Tour starts in 3 days time, then you will become the "local expert" in your office/home/ pub etc. Feel free to quote from this article........people will only be impressed with your learned and informed mind.

Okey Dokey let's get this thing started shall we? The Tour started back in 1903 by Henri Desgrange who wanted to promote his newspaper, and he thought that by sponsoring a bike race around France would be a good way to do it. This year will be the 98th edition, with some years lost to both the World Wars.

The original event proved a hit, and soon other countries wanted in and started sending their cycling best across to tackle the Grande Boucle (The Big Circle) as it was known. To create further interest to the event, other contests within the race were added to the race such as the best Sprinter (green jersey), best Climber (white jersey with red polka dots) and the White jersey (not because the French like white flags!!) but for the best rider under 25 years of age. There is also a Teams Category for best team with the lowest cumulative time for their 3 fastest guys on each stage. The winner of course wears the yellow jersey (malliot jaune) for having the quickest time around the 3,430 KM course. The leading time category is also commonly referred to GC (general classification).

So this year there are 22 teams with 9 riders on each team. They race over 21 stages with a couple of rest days thrown in after stages 9 and 20. Two of the stages are Time Trials (known as the race of truth). There is a Team time trial on stage 2 and an individual stage on stage 20 which normally settles a few places in the top 10 just before the finish.

For the majority of teams they will not have a rider capable of winning any of the above categories. In reality only 4 - 5 people are really in contention for the respective jerseys, so it begs the question why are they there?

To get invited to ride the Tour is a massive honor, and the various sponsors of these teams want to get maximum exposure of their jersey when it is being beamed into millions of households around the world. So what the team managers (Director Sportif) do is select certain stages for 1 or 2 of their guys to get into a breakaway first, and hopefully if they are good enough hang on and win the stage. The cameras are on these guys for a long time, so the sponsors are getting good value for their Euros. Some of these teams cost about 8 - 12 million Euros (12 - 17 Aussie) a year to sponsor a team of about 25 contracted riders.

So within each team you have TimeTrial specialists, sprinters, GC and climbers. If you are neither of those, then you are generally known as a "Domestique". Loosely translated it means that you will do all the dirty work for your team leader to give him every chance of winning the category he is trying to win. It might mean carrying 12 water bottles (bidons) up to team mates at the front of the race, handing your bike over to your leader if he has a mechanical (eg, flat tire) or just riding in front of your leader for 2 hours so that he can benefit from staying out of the wind and conserving much needed energy for the end of the race. They say that this can as much as 30% easier for the guy behind.

So this year my predictions are the following. Alberto Contador (drug appeal pending) to win again from Andy Schleck. I think Cadel Evans will finish around 5 to 7th............I hope higher as he has good form, but he is 34 and his last 2 tours have been not good due to injury.

Green jersey will be Mark Cavendish, Teams will be Trek Leopard, a Froggy like Charteau will win the Climbing gong and I have no idea on the white jersey.

The excitement is building here, I trust you all have your couches ready and prepared for the 3 weeks starting this Saturday when Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin entertain us each night.

That's it for tonight for as I am off to have my first ever "Cassolet" a local French delicacy (a stew with beans and other goodies) I shall report on that tomorrow.

Regards,

Cycling Foodie

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:00:33 -0700 Last day in Le Bourg D'Oisans http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/last-day-in-le-bourg-doisans-59003 http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/last-day-in-le-bourg-doisans-59003

Well today was my last day in the French Alps, and I really took it easy as the affects of the past few days were taking their toll and the energy levels were down a little.

I wandered down to the local Church and went to the morning mass. I think "Amen" was about the only word I recognized, and my attendance lowered the average age there by about 10 years.

I called into the photo shop to collect some pictures that a local photographer takes as you near the peak of the Alpe D'Huez and the Col du Galibier. I have snapped these from my iPhone so hopefully they provide some perspective of the slope and effort being exerted. It's quite funny as you round the 2nd last bend and you have this crazy French photographer snapping away and saying "Bonjour, Bonjour" while passing you a photo ticket that I someone manage to stuff into my back pocket.

Today I rode the local Mountain called Col D'Ornon. It's a short little 12 KM summit that took a little over an hour to climb, and about 15 mins to descend. Plans to have a 2nd crack on Duez were shelved as the Temp hit the 30's and my petrol tank was empty. I am just finishing packing all my gear back into my bags, as tomorrow I catch 1 bus and 2 trains on a cross country from here to Grenoble to Paris and then to the little town of Lourdes in the Pyrenees. It will be a 13 hour day, so I have a good book to pass the time as I ride the Bullet Train.

Culinary highlight today was a Chocolate Crepe smothered in Chantilly cream. Very French and very rich.

Till Lourdes from the Cycling Foodie.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Sun, 26 Jun 2011 12:24:00 -0700 Last day in Le Bourg D'Oisans http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/last-day-in-le-bourg-doisans http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/last-day-in-le-bourg-doisans

Well today was my last day in the French Alps, and I really took it easy as the effects of the past few days were taking their toll and the energy levels were down a little.

I wandered down to the local Church and went to the morning mass. I think "Amen" was about the only word I recognized, and my attendance lowered the average age there by about 10 years.

I called into the photo shop to collect some pictures that a local photographer takes as you near the peak of the Alpe D'Huez and the Col du Galibier. I have snapped these from my iPhone so hopefully they provide some perspective of the slope and effort being exerted. It's quite funny as you round the 2nd last bend and you have this crazy French photographer snapping away and saying "Bonjour, Bonjour" while passing you a photo ticket that I somehow manage to stuff into my back pocket.

Today I rode the local Mountain called Col D'Ornon. It's a short little 12 KM summit that took a little over an hour to climb, and about 15 mins to descend. Plans to have a 2nd crack on Duez were shelved as the temp hit the 30's and my petrol tank was empty. I am just finishing packing all my gear back into my bags, as tomorrow I catch 1 bus and 2 trains on a cross country from here to Grenoble to Paris and then to the little town of Lourdes in the Pyrenees. It will be a 13 hour day, so I have a good book to pass the time as I ride the Bullet Train.

Culinary highlight today was a Chocolate Crepe smothered in Chantilly cream. Very French and very rich.

Till Lourdes from the Cycling Foodie.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Sat, 25 Jun 2011 12:19:24 -0700 Col du Galibier, Blueberry Tart and I have found what I am looking for. http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/col-du-galibier-blueberry-tart-and-i-have-fou http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/col-du-galibier-blueberry-tart-and-i-have-fou

After yesterday I thought it would be hard to top the cycling experience I had cresting Alpe d'Huez. Well I think I can confidently say that today was cycling nirvana on EPO.

I started the day slowly as my legs were quite sore from yesterday's effort. For those of you who have played contact sport, I can only describe the pain like 2 decent corked thighs that is the result of too much lactic acid being built up in my muscles from a little more climbing than I would normally do. There are a few ways to remedy this such as hot/cold treatment, massage, stretching and the Chemist option (Nurofen Plus) works a treat.

Every Saturday in Le Bourg D'Oisans is market day. They literally block every alley way and there are around 100 stalls selling everything from farm fresh produce, a million cheeses (my wife's heaven), clothing and the usual tourist nick knacks. The photos should give you an idea of the "Le buzz" it generates. I browsed, sampled and ate my way through the retail maze. Now I was ready to cycle.

In the opening line of U2's "I still haven't found what I'm looking for", Bono sings about "I have climbed the highest mountain.....". Well I'm not sure what mountain the Irish lads were referencing, but today I cycled (and climbed) my highest mountain. it is known as the Col du Galibier and it is a colossus by anyone's standards.

Let's me share a few facts about the mountain that has featured in the TDF since 1911 when the race organizer (Henri Desgrange) thought it would be good to throw in a few little hills to spice up the race. He must have been a real "Le Prick" because the racers back then would have been using single speed bikes weighing about 2.5 heavier than what they use today. These guys were the real heroes of the sport, and the road back then was probably not much better than goat track. Is it any winder the French created the "derailleur" gearing to tackle future climbs?

Anyhow each mountain used in the TDF each year is graded by a difficulty scale that goes from 1 - 4. The scale is determined by the length and the % grade of the hill. eg, a small 3 KM hill with a 4% grade would be a 4. The longer the hill and the steeper the grade it goes up to a 1. Now here is where it gets interesting, some of the hills are known as HC (hors categorie).......in my best French this means it can't be rated as it is outside the 1 - 4 scale. In other words if you are facing a ride with a HC summit, then your in for a tough day at the office. Col du Galibier is a HC ride. In this years TDF they ride it twice over 2 days. Once from the side I did today (apparently the easier route), and then for good measure the next day where it will be paired with another HC summit.

So today it took me a little over 5 hours to ride the 96 KM Route. The summit is 2,646 metres high, and the actual climb part is just shy of 43 KM.........you could call that a tough day at the office. Hopefully the pictures capture sone of the amazing scenery along the way.

A final footnote is that while riding up the hill I called into this little town Les Freaux for a quick break and a drink. While initially there just for an ice cold Coke, my pasty detector quickly zoned in on this Blueberry Tart that must have been created by the Rhone Alp pastry Gods. Naturally I ordered a wedge the size if my hand, and thus was as good as it gets. A short crust pastry holding aloft a beautiful plump set of glistening blueberries (must be the mountain water and air) with a perfect balance of sweetness to reign in the tartness of the little fruit. If there is a better Blueberry Tart out there you know of, then point me in the direction and I'll start cycling tomorrow.

Till next time.

Cycling Foodie

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:55:12 -0700 Alpe d'Huez, Solitary Man and St Christophe http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/alpe-dhuez-solitary-man-and-st-christophe http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/alpe-dhuez-solitary-man-and-st-christophe

About 10 years ago I was up late watching the TDF on SBS TV. I remember this particular stage late in the race where the leaders were racing up this last monster hill. All the big guns were there dueling it out after already being on the saddle for over 5 hours. History tells us that Lance Armstrong won the stage that day, and then 2 days later his 3rd TDF title out of 7 he was to win. That day a little seed was planted in this author's mind........"I have to go there one day and cycle up that hill".

Well today my friends (only 1 decade on) got to live out my cycling fantasy. The Alpe D'Huez summit is the most famous in the TDF. There has been so much written about this little 13.8 KM climb into cycling folklore over the years. Only recently in 2008 our Aussie Cadel Evans lost the Tour that year when a rampant Spaniard called Carlos Sastre took the bull by the horns and got enough of a lead to win the title 2 days later by a mere 22 seconds.

So here are a few facts about this climb. Although only a short distance of 13.8 KM it rises a staggering 1100 meters over a road that has 21 switch backs. Each bend has a plaque erected for all the previous Stage winners going back to the 1950's.

The ride requires one to dose (as opposed to dope) ones efforts so that you do not blow up in the first 2 KM's. I just sat on an easy gear and tried to keep my heart beat no higher than 160. After getting through the hard stuff I settled into a rhythm and in an almost hypnotic state started peeling the bends off 1 by 1. Some 80 minutes later I hit the top. The time is approximately double what the Pros get up the hill, but I played it safe and achieved my goal of not stopping. In a few days I will have a crack at going a little quicker. The descent is a beauty which hopefully the photos do justice in showing the pitch of the road.

I celebrated the ride with a well needed massage (thanks to the magical hands of a local masseuse) who only spoke 3 words of English "50 Euros Please".

After that I hit the food shops for my daily pastry (twirly snail thing), Brie Cheese, Jamon (ham) and a crusty baguette.

With daylight till 9 30 PM, I snuck in a little 44 KM ride to a quaint little village called St Christophe up another majestic valley. Although only a small ride it had a bit of everything. The road snaked along the customary blue river for a few KMs, and then it rose up through a canopy of trees while the afternoon sun played an interesting game of "Peek-a-Boo" with me.

Before long I was confronted with some very steep sections where the road slope was hitting 14% (ouch!!). Eventually I arrived in St Christophe and had a well earned Coke at the local Bar. The owner tried very hard to get me to buy her Strawberry pie..........maybe a other day love as I told here I would blow my PPD (pasty per day) allowance. That's diet imposed, not budgetary I should add.

I then scooted down the hill and now I am back about to jump into a hot bath.

Tomorrow or Sunday I will be tackling the "Big Kahuna" known as Le Galibier.

A final note to thank you all for your wonderful support and comments to date. It is greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Cycling Foodie

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:22:39 -0700 Le Col de la Croix de fer and Vanilla Slice heaven http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/le-col-de-la-croix-de-fer-and-vanilla-slice-h http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/le-col-de-la-croix-de-fer-and-vanilla-slice-h

Well today I awoke to the gentle pitter patter of rain and plans for a ride were put aside. I managed to have a sleep in, write some postcards (a dying business in this modern world) and as luck would have it find an amazing Vanilla Slice at bakery number 3. That little indulgence would be easily burnt up in a matter of minutes later this afternoon for the climb that lay ahead ahead.

In a previous post I have made mention of the Champion Italian Cathedral and Stained Glass builders. Well the French must dominate Hydro Electricity plants and the most Turquoise colored dams. Pretty much every valley road you head down there is a river, which is fed by a creek, which if fed by a waterfall, which is fed by a massive series of glaciers on top of some big hills. So it makes sense to build these dams and to use the flow of the water to convert to electricity.

Anyhow the rain cleared around 1 PM and I headed of on a 80 KM jaunt to the hill with the Iron Cross on top of it. In French it's called (and it's a mouthful) Le Col de la Croix de fer. The ride cuts up through this valley which was shrouded in thick clouds that were almost sticking to the trees. There is a river and 2 amazing dams with the Turquoise colors as my right hand companions on the 2.5 hour ascent. The first section of 7 KMs was brutal and made me wonder why some someone would drag an Iron Cross up to a 2067 metre summit. It eventually returned to a respectful 6% slope, and I had the company of a 61 year old Dutchman for the last 10 KM. He was telling me stories about the great Australian cyclist Phil "Skippy" Anderson who came over and forged a great professional career during the 80's and 90's in Europe (a hero of mine).

Anyhow after 1600 meters the trees disappear and the temp dropped to a chilly 8 degrees. It feels even colder as the sweat on your Lycra rapidly cools. Anyhow after a few pics I donned my wind jacket and went screaming back down the 23 KM descent.

Of special note for me today was that my cycle top I wore today was something I had bought back in the late 80's when I was first in Europe. While I stretch the material a little more than when I was a svelte 22 year old, I don't think back then I would have had the motor (nor mental power) to summit this baby today. "Age shall not weary them"!!

On a final note to some of you cycle nutters out there. My bike is equipped with a triple crank (affectionately known as a Granny gear) that allows me to pedal a little easier up some of the steeper sections. It must be Beer O'Clock so I am out of here.

Cycling Foodie

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:24:00 -0700 Cycling downhill http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/cycling-downhill http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/cycling-downhill

cyclingdownhill.MOV Watch on Posterous

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:42:24 -0700 Credence, The Doors and Les Deux Alpes http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/credence-the-doors-and-les-deux-alpes http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/credence-the-doors-and-les-deux-alpes

Today I woke up to very low hanging clouds over the village after some rain overnight. I decided to do a tour of the village while the roads dried out under a peeking sun.

It's not a big village, just lots of little alleys and cross streets with the main highway going through town like the equivalent of a Main Street in country Australia. There are lots of bike and sports shops offering you everything you need from biking to skiing to bush walking. There are the usual cafes and bars, and at least 2 bakeries so far I have sampled their fare. Pear and custard tart today was "Ooh La La" (not sure if that is a French expression BTW).

In case you get the impression I am eating my way through France, I also knocked off another 2 rides today covering 92 km's. In the AM I cycled to a pretty famous Ski Resort called Les Deux Alpes. Thats a fancy way of saying "2 Mountains". It's the playground of the Rich and Famous, and for 30 mins........Me!!!!

Breath taking views riding up through the valley to the Chambon Dam and then a nice little 9 KM to the Ski resort. Heading back down was pretty cool as I hit 70 kmh on the speedo. Part of the return course will also be used in this years TDF and I saw one of the teams training. They were going a tad faster than me..........but only because I have not yet got over my jet lag.

In the late arvo I headed out to a small alpine village called Vaujany. I was expecting a nice easy ride along the valley which I got until having to climb a 7 km hill to the little Ski village. The views from the top were worth it.

So I am now about to head off for some dinner and to try some of the local plonk. I might warm up with a Beaujolais, meander to a Chardonnay and then ease into a full bodied Burgundy. They might have to carry me home. Till tomorrow from the Cycling Foodie.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:58:47 -0700 Villard Notre Dame http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/villard-notre-dame http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/villard-notre-dame

Today I tested the legs with 2 climbs from my base in Le Bourg D'Osians.

In the AM I did a climb to a cute village called Villard Reymomd. 32 KM to blow the cobwebs out.

Just now I am at the top of climb number 2 Villard Notre Dame. Very hard ride with heart beat notching 170 and the grade pitching over 10% in sections. At least I get to roll down these babies at speed.

Here are pics of the tunnels and views which are breath taking. Beer please!!!!

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick
Tue, 21 Jun 2011 05:48:54 -0700 Milan to Le Bourg D'Osians http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/milan-to-le-bourg-dosians http://thebiketrip.posterous.com/milan-to-le-bourg-dosians 12 hours spent on 2 trains and 2 buses got me from Milan to Le Bourg D'Osians today. While I would entertain quicker transport options in the future, trips like this give you the opportunity to sit back, relax, read a book and take in the amazing scenery on offer.

The train from Milan headed pretty much due West punching it's way through green fertile farming land before hitting the mountains. The train snaked along a valley as the land either side got taller. I had a nice loyal flowing river with me as a companion.

I arrived in Chambery Challes and then caught a bus from there to a little village called La Tour Du Pin. With a local drunk providing some afternoon entertainment, it was then another train to Grenoble. Grenoble was the Home town of Andre the Giant for those Wrestling fans out there.

From there it was a twisting and turning bus drive to my home for the next week. My unit is super nice and only a decent 3 wood from the centre of town. I unpacked and assembled my girlfriend (also know as my Trek Madone), grabbed a dinner and tomorrow I go to bag my first Col. More on that later.

Au Revoir

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1295077/IMG_1187_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGClOLApyUH0 Patrick Pat Patrick