Sleep was ok considering the tight leaving arrangements for the night, happy to have a fully charged phone and garmin and something of a breakfast, i topped up on my water and gels and departed by myself to the nearby start of the days first climb.
The climbing starts from the off their is just a slight downhill before leaving Laruns and then you hit the COL D'Aubisque it is about 17km long (a monster compared to anything i climbed before) the average gradient is just under 7% for the climb. This i had no doubt would be a good tester for how i would cope with any of the major climbs to come and had my training paid dividends.
The early climb was strange, a fog hung over the road and it all seemed so calm looking back over wonderful views of Larun with some early switch backs its a wonderful introduction to a big climb. Early in the climb i passed John "the captain" i had quick word with him before settling into my pace and coming up to a pair of spainards wrapped up like winter had descended on the day. I took a few metres on their wheels before settling on past at my own pace. So far it felt fine but i knew their was plenty climbing still ahead. Passing thru one of towns Laurence caught up with me and rode till catching both lads at the front Astra and Alan. Astra and Laurence pushed on the pace while me and Alan took it that bit easier.
The setting for the climb is excellent cool at the base with plenty cover of forest, a nippy Spaniard passed me on his way up at a pace i knew i couldn't follow. Further up the climb i hit my first snow shelters on the road, with about half the climb to go, i could spot another of the RAID lads in waiting, Astra who i called to slow up for me when in sight, he had been dropped on the double digit gradient he cursed as we passed thru the ski town. The road ramped up again, and each man went his own pace, i looked around Astra no longer on my wheel for company.
The climb then opens up bit more and views can be seen of the landscape down below their is just single switchback near the top, it is more of a winding road climb to the top. Feeling good i kept a good pace but knowing i had a far tougher task ahead. At the top Laurence awaited already settled in with a drink. Stamp and a coke climb done probably the one i enjoyed most on the trip done at more sedate pace and loved the scenery and the conditions. Just over an hour and half on the climb.
To be continued .....
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Monday, 30 July 2012
Day 1 23/7/2012 hot as hell, hillier than i thought.
Donations have been made by so many thank you, please donate this week before my final blog: http://www.cmrf.org/sponsorshipPage/show/889
The first day was an early start, meeting at 7am for breakfast, i turned up slightly late having dipped myself under a cold shower as i had already been feeling the hotter nights than anything we ever get in ireland.
The bikes has been prepared the night before, a thanks to the Greek who spotted that my steering was bit losse, something id not have noticed myself. The sunday evening we struggled to find food, the town appeared bit quiet, and the french way of living was evident. Me and 3 others took a trip over the bridge into Spain, their was alot more going on their and was likely the place we should have gone.
Departed around 8.30, we made a detour to the local lidl for supplies before making for the coast and some photos before the official departe. The group rode for a while before breaking up after first stamping point, from here the pace went up as i rode with John Mc and Alan till we stopped for lunch and meet the two lads who had been up the road from us. Their has been some minor climbs before lunch but the fantastic road surface made them much easier than a similar climb in Ireland. After lunch all 5 of us worked together before we hit the days major climb the Col D'osquitch, the heat as we would become accustomed to after lunch was at its peak, i paced myself and ended up in mddle of the 5 man group, but good pacing found me up with the man up road, we stopped at the red road work lights before continuing making up the climb 2nd althou feeling the heat by the end of the climb.
After the climb the discussion on whether to do the nightmare Maire Blanc commenced, 12% at the top for near on 4km, and the day taking longer than we thought most of the 5 man group didnt fancy it, Laurence decided to opt in the best climber amongst us and the most determined and excellent at riding solo efforts. Fair deuce to him going and doing the climb he arrived 20mins or so after us, i worked with the group myself till just outside the town we would stop in for night and rolled in too cool down in final few km.
Having the french i sorted out our rooms, a strange setup for the hostel, a lovely location at the base of the next days climb, but the bunk beds side by side and the other room being size of prison cell didnt help the teams morale. That and having no plugs in the room relying on a plug downstairs. Plenty garmins and phones to be charged for the next day.
I got a path on the back as i broke 200km for first time on the run in to the final town. I had not been near 200km in a ride, but i had focused on back to back riding, and the 160km solo was probably as hard on the body.
The body that evening was average considering the calories we had expended, the lunch was better althou i dislike chicken on the bone having had it twice in a day i just had to put up and shut up. Sat up and chatted with the lads, chief amongst our discussions was what looked like one hell of a Wednesday ride.
Garmin Stats read:
203.1km covered
2,439m of climbing
4,603 calories burned
23km p/h moving speed
Avg Heart rate 128 max HR 166
The Atlantic not to be seen till we get back to ireland
The first day was an early start, meeting at 7am for breakfast, i turned up slightly late having dipped myself under a cold shower as i had already been feeling the hotter nights than anything we ever get in ireland.
The bikes has been prepared the night before, a thanks to the Greek who spotted that my steering was bit losse, something id not have noticed myself. The sunday evening we struggled to find food, the town appeared bit quiet, and the french way of living was evident. Me and 3 others took a trip over the bridge into Spain, their was alot more going on their and was likely the place we should have gone.
Departed around 8.30, we made a detour to the local lidl for supplies before making for the coast and some photos before the official departe. The group rode for a while before breaking up after first stamping point, from here the pace went up as i rode with John Mc and Alan till we stopped for lunch and meet the two lads who had been up the road from us. Their has been some minor climbs before lunch but the fantastic road surface made them much easier than a similar climb in Ireland. After lunch all 5 of us worked together before we hit the days major climb the Col D'osquitch, the heat as we would become accustomed to after lunch was at its peak, i paced myself and ended up in mddle of the 5 man group, but good pacing found me up with the man up road, we stopped at the red road work lights before continuing making up the climb 2nd althou feeling the heat by the end of the climb.
After the climb the discussion on whether to do the nightmare Maire Blanc commenced, 12% at the top for near on 4km, and the day taking longer than we thought most of the 5 man group didnt fancy it, Laurence decided to opt in the best climber amongst us and the most determined and excellent at riding solo efforts. Fair deuce to him going and doing the climb he arrived 20mins or so after us, i worked with the group myself till just outside the town we would stop in for night and rolled in too cool down in final few km.
Having the french i sorted out our rooms, a strange setup for the hostel, a lovely location at the base of the next days climb, but the bunk beds side by side and the other room being size of prison cell didnt help the teams morale. That and having no plugs in the room relying on a plug downstairs. Plenty garmins and phones to be charged for the next day.
I got a path on the back as i broke 200km for first time on the run in to the final town. I had not been near 200km in a ride, but i had focused on back to back riding, and the 160km solo was probably as hard on the body.
The body that evening was average considering the calories we had expended, the lunch was better althou i dislike chicken on the bone having had it twice in a day i just had to put up and shut up. Sat up and chatted with the lads, chief amongst our discussions was what looked like one hell of a Wednesday ride.
Garmin Stats read:
203.1km covered
2,439m of climbing
4,603 calories burned
23km p/h moving speed
Avg Heart rate 128 max HR 166
The Atlantic not to be seen till we get back to ireland
Friday, 20 July 2012
Le Depart est pres
Well this week since monday iv spent very little time on the bike 72km for the week, i will likely do 30km's or so to stretch the legs before i leave sunday morning for biaritz.
Dont forget you can still make a donation now if you havn't had a chance already http://www.cmrf.org/sponsorshipPage/show/889
Being finally here after all the training, the hard work, and the kind donations that have seen us get over the grand mark, it should help me when im suffering. The COl De Marie blanque is one im fearing, its top goes at 12% for 4km's iv done 13% for 700metres and suffered like a dog, i dont do very steep as im a bigger lad. During the etape many had to dismount to get up it.
The heat is the other issue, last Wednesday during the tour it looked insufferable, im ok in heat but sweat alot so im hoping that one the 200km days i dont have to ride in baking heat all day.
Packed off the bike and a gear bag on the wednesday, so just my 2nd bike now and my helmet and shoes with me (a cyclists key tools apart from the bike) Since taking on this challenge iv totally turned around, i weight under 79kg this morning for first time since god knows when, the last 5months have seen me pedal 4,555km and climb 49,700metres its been good and its been bad, and the hardest week is ahead, hope to catch up with as many people as possible when i get back, and have a few cherries and maybe leave the bike alone for a week or two.
Dont forget you can still make a donation now if you havn't had a chance already http://www.cmrf.org/sponsorshipPage/show/889
Being finally here after all the training, the hard work, and the kind donations that have seen us get over the grand mark, it should help me when im suffering. The COl De Marie blanque is one im fearing, its top goes at 12% for 4km's iv done 13% for 700metres and suffered like a dog, i dont do very steep as im a bigger lad. During the etape many had to dismount to get up it.
The heat is the other issue, last Wednesday during the tour it looked insufferable, im ok in heat but sweat alot so im hoping that one the 200km days i dont have to ride in baking heat all day.
Packed off the bike and a gear bag on the wednesday, so just my 2nd bike now and my helmet and shoes with me (a cyclists key tools apart from the bike) Since taking on this challenge iv totally turned around, i weight under 79kg this morning for first time since god knows when, the last 5months have seen me pedal 4,555km and climb 49,700metres its been good and its been bad, and the hardest week is ahead, hope to catch up with as many people as possible when i get back, and have a few cherries and maybe leave the bike alone for a week or two.
Monday, 16 July 2012
The final week
Well this time next week il hopefully be resting after getting day 1 out of the way ad il be pain free and just getting ready i hope. Don't forget if you've been reading this blog to get on the donations no matter how small all donations greatly appreciated, really like to pass the grand mark and we are nearly their Click here to donate .
Two spins at the weekend 40km and 69km with climbing a mix of out of saddle and in a style that iv found great and works well for me. Sunday was with two other raid colleagues. Climbed well did a solid cruagh road waiting for my partners so did good tempo still decent time put in and even had pleasure of meeting an Olympic sailor, who had given a go at catching me but she didnt catch me. Enjoyed the random attacks with lenny, often get away on flat and take a little bit to get back in, took him on near end with uphill to crack the poor fella, one attack too many that time i think.
This eveing i ddi a short commute and my final cruagh road and proper climb before we leave, in the saddle too, i didnt have speed i usually have about 2mins slower but bit less effort put in lower heart rate but still hurts the legs a little.
Had two incidents with motorists. One old aggressive man who didnt like cyclists coming inside him at lights, and who beeps at me when he cant see a green light but i can and so go. Gave me two lovely fingers when i pointed out the light was green. Other incident was coming back home downhill, in middle road clearly visible, a car pulls out from golf club on my right without looking. If i was a car i wodner would he have been so eager pull out, made me swerve and get past him, when i wave my arm in disgust at a manoeuvre that could have ended alot worse. I slowed down to see if hed come past and apologise but he slowed down and then stopped before driving off so he didn't have come past me.
Its a bit of a dog-cat-mouse situation really, people in jeeps drive around with little fear of smaller cars, knowing they are in the bigger, safer car should the worst happen, this may not be on purpose but deep down it creates something of mental superiority on the road, i feel the same can be said of normal cars and cyclists, they only think that ah i can pull out in front of them their only a bike, but they don't think of the person they could hurt. Theirs a pecking order, as a cyclist i always respect pedestrians and weary of what they may do, as it is my duty to avoid them should they step out on the road, cars should give cyclists the same curtsy watch for us, respect us on the road.
ended up in this cul de sac on saturday, note the sig on the right
The final view from my final climb before i go to france.
Two spins at the weekend 40km and 69km with climbing a mix of out of saddle and in a style that iv found great and works well for me. Sunday was with two other raid colleagues. Climbed well did a solid cruagh road waiting for my partners so did good tempo still decent time put in and even had pleasure of meeting an Olympic sailor, who had given a go at catching me but she didnt catch me. Enjoyed the random attacks with lenny, often get away on flat and take a little bit to get back in, took him on near end with uphill to crack the poor fella, one attack too many that time i think.
This eveing i ddi a short commute and my final cruagh road and proper climb before we leave, in the saddle too, i didnt have speed i usually have about 2mins slower but bit less effort put in lower heart rate but still hurts the legs a little.
Had two incidents with motorists. One old aggressive man who didnt like cyclists coming inside him at lights, and who beeps at me when he cant see a green light but i can and so go. Gave me two lovely fingers when i pointed out the light was green. Other incident was coming back home downhill, in middle road clearly visible, a car pulls out from golf club on my right without looking. If i was a car i wodner would he have been so eager pull out, made me swerve and get past him, when i wave my arm in disgust at a manoeuvre that could have ended alot worse. I slowed down to see if hed come past and apologise but he slowed down and then stopped before driving off so he didn't have come past me.
Its a bit of a dog-cat-mouse situation really, people in jeeps drive around with little fear of smaller cars, knowing they are in the bigger, safer car should the worst happen, this may not be on purpose but deep down it creates something of mental superiority on the road, i feel the same can be said of normal cars and cyclists, they only think that ah i can pull out in front of them their only a bike, but they don't think of the person they could hurt. Theirs a pecking order, as a cyclist i always respect pedestrians and weary of what they may do, as it is my duty to avoid them should they step out on the road, cars should give cyclists the same curtsy watch for us, respect us on the road.
ended up in this cul de sac on saturday, note the sig on the right
Friday, 13 July 2012
The hard training has been done soon its times for hard work
Well the trip is just over a week away, been enjoying the sights and sounds of the tour de france as i lighten my workload on bike with this weekend going see the last of my big days.
Last saturday i did bit of spin in hills with some company from two of my Raid colleagues. Good solid trip just under 90km with good climbing ratio felt fine, anything under 100km these days i dont tend to feel at all. Horrible enough on the sunday so just did a short climb in evening best time no bother, and holidng back so said id be back again to try again.
Weight is under 80kg for last week or so, is likely making a big difference as im keeping my power up while reducing my weight. If im putting out 240watts and im 85kg = 2.8235w/kg , now at 240watts at 80kg im putting out 3watts/kg, a bit of a difference, should be closer to 79kg by the trip, will try cut sugars in weak before the tour so that they have a good affect when i get them in again during the week. Also il be eating plenty pasta the weekend before the trip.
Only 90km for this week so far but had one big day in climbs, it was 43km of mostly climbing, 742metre of climbing, pb's on both the climbs, a 8.1km segement at 4.9% on cruagh road is one i targeted. Done in 26.59 27th of 167 on strava. The 2nd climb is stocking lane but didnt do it all way to top this time just to viewing point. 5.1km at 5.9% average done in 19:21 52nd of 180th reckon i could get it to 19min flat. One thing about these climbs is their are flat spots which reduce the gradient, french climbs of similar length or longer have steeper average gradients as their is very little rest-spite and only so much can be done to prepare.
Hope to get out to get a few km in the legs this weekend give it some more climbing and enjoy the tour. The tour final week will visit some of the climbs so il be keeping and eye out day 3 of our trip scares me contains as muc climbing as id do in a week. My poor legs.
Not much pictures from bike this week:
View from the top as i catch breath.
View from the cockpit:
Went to the cricket tuesday, waited for the pitch to dry before play starte.
Last saturday i did bit of spin in hills with some company from two of my Raid colleagues. Good solid trip just under 90km with good climbing ratio felt fine, anything under 100km these days i dont tend to feel at all. Horrible enough on the sunday so just did a short climb in evening best time no bother, and holidng back so said id be back again to try again.
Weight is under 80kg for last week or so, is likely making a big difference as im keeping my power up while reducing my weight. If im putting out 240watts and im 85kg = 2.8235w/kg , now at 240watts at 80kg im putting out 3watts/kg, a bit of a difference, should be closer to 79kg by the trip, will try cut sugars in weak before the tour so that they have a good affect when i get them in again during the week. Also il be eating plenty pasta the weekend before the trip.
Only 90km for this week so far but had one big day in climbs, it was 43km of mostly climbing, 742metre of climbing, pb's on both the climbs, a 8.1km segement at 4.9% on cruagh road is one i targeted. Done in 26.59 27th of 167 on strava. The 2nd climb is stocking lane but didnt do it all way to top this time just to viewing point. 5.1km at 5.9% average done in 19:21 52nd of 180th reckon i could get it to 19min flat. One thing about these climbs is their are flat spots which reduce the gradient, french climbs of similar length or longer have steeper average gradients as their is very little rest-spite and only so much can be done to prepare.
Hope to get out to get a few km in the legs this weekend give it some more climbing and enjoy the tour. The tour final week will visit some of the climbs so il be keeping and eye out day 3 of our trip scares me contains as muc climbing as id do in a week. My poor legs.
Not much pictures from bike this week:
View from the top as i catch breath.
Friday, 6 July 2012
its being too long
Well i really should have updated since my last blog poor by myself. Im now just under 3 weeks away from the week in the french hills, i think im ready im under 80kg im in good shape and im actually looking forward to it somewhat.
iv got 855euro in kind donations : http://www.cmrf.org/sponsorshipPage/show/889 il be making the final push before i go to get up past the grand.
Well last week was a good one as my cycling goes, i managed 411km and nearly 4,300 m of climbing, i even had a go at some climbs in the slieve bloom, as well as my usual climbs in wicklow and mixed it up playing some tennis as well.
I threw in plenty climbing loved the new wheels, back home was different having go so far to get on the climbs than in dublin, i then finally found right road to get to top, but then i got caught in the shower right in the middle of the climb at the mercy of the gods. The road up from the laois side was nice and i enjoyed a change of scene, but then i was greeted by warning sides as i got over the top, the descent was infact a mix of speed holes rather than bumps, and the road consisted mostly of a piece of tarmac in the middle of two gutters, then suddenly it became pristine tarmac before reverting back to bumpy road, my poor arms and my poor bike.
Found it harder mentally in country as less landmarks to break miles up and bigger distance between the towns and the climbs, did get some pb's thou alot easier when only a handful of people using strava.
I also managed my biggest ride and good prep for france 160km of solo riding, 1,900m of climbing id hoped to break 2,000 but took wrong turn and missed the shay elliot climb. I managed ok wasnt too tired at end so more in tank. Average speed was 24km p/h was solid with just 20mins of stops taking on the ride, got caugth in short showers both times in around roundwood reminds me of the ardenne.
This week has been quiet with other engagements and weather affecting my bike time. I did go for one climb and took plenty off my stocking lane climb as a good sign of my improvement. Planning to try get around 200km in for this week at least next week is the last week for one big big go before we leave for france.
I didnt take as many pictures, keeping a high pace and wanting get max effort meant i didnt stop too often to snap the pictures. Coping better with the distances getting the last bits ready for our trip away confirming finer details and more prep, i think i will get detail on each of the climbs for my benefit.
two below are from bottom of climb towards roundwoods from kilmashogue, a good climb, nothing too steep but long enough to test the legs a bit.
Pictures from my cycling in the slieve bloom moutains just before the rain.
Regards
G
iv got 855euro in kind donations : http://www.cmrf.org/sponsorshipPage/show/889 il be making the final push before i go to get up past the grand.
Well last week was a good one as my cycling goes, i managed 411km and nearly 4,300 m of climbing, i even had a go at some climbs in the slieve bloom, as well as my usual climbs in wicklow and mixed it up playing some tennis as well.
I threw in plenty climbing loved the new wheels, back home was different having go so far to get on the climbs than in dublin, i then finally found right road to get to top, but then i got caught in the shower right in the middle of the climb at the mercy of the gods. The road up from the laois side was nice and i enjoyed a change of scene, but then i was greeted by warning sides as i got over the top, the descent was infact a mix of speed holes rather than bumps, and the road consisted mostly of a piece of tarmac in the middle of two gutters, then suddenly it became pristine tarmac before reverting back to bumpy road, my poor arms and my poor bike.
Found it harder mentally in country as less landmarks to break miles up and bigger distance between the towns and the climbs, did get some pb's thou alot easier when only a handful of people using strava.
I also managed my biggest ride and good prep for france 160km of solo riding, 1,900m of climbing id hoped to break 2,000 but took wrong turn and missed the shay elliot climb. I managed ok wasnt too tired at end so more in tank. Average speed was 24km p/h was solid with just 20mins of stops taking on the ride, got caugth in short showers both times in around roundwood reminds me of the ardenne.
This week has been quiet with other engagements and weather affecting my bike time. I did go for one climb and took plenty off my stocking lane climb as a good sign of my improvement. Planning to try get around 200km in for this week at least next week is the last week for one big big go before we leave for france.
I didnt take as many pictures, keeping a high pace and wanting get max effort meant i didnt stop too often to snap the pictures. Coping better with the distances getting the last bits ready for our trip away confirming finer details and more prep, i think i will get detail on each of the climbs for my benefit.
two below are from bottom of climb towards roundwoods from kilmashogue, a good climb, nothing too steep but long enough to test the legs a bit.
Regards
G
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