tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68141210070154704762024-03-12T21:24:11.426-07:00Anything epic on a bike.Anything epic on a bike.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-91398242329280855872016-06-08T11:25:00.000-07:002016-06-08T23:16:51.413-07:00Fantastic cycling routes in the Appennine mountains in ItalyFor a lot of cyclists, riding in Italy means climbing Passio di Giau, Stelvio or Passio di Gavia, all in the Italian Alps.<br />
<br />
And exactly that was my plan when I drove to Italy. But the weather was not exactly coorporating so when I woke up in the Dolomites (Northern Italian region) and saw rain, fog and cold, I packed my stuff and left.<br />
<br />
My plan?<br />
<br />
Driving to a place where it is sunny, mountainous , remote and very Italian.<br />
<br />
Another four hours further South from the Alps, I found the place that had it all - the Northern part of the Appennine mountain range.<br />
<br />
The terrain features everything - flat, rolling, hilly and some serious climbing - shallow or steep. And the best part - little traffic, great weather and well...amazing recovery food! Prosciutto, Parmesan cheese and Balsamic vinegar all come from this region. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJergk0jHM_xP3dWnMVBrAr9Qs-pzfygjEW5UYOHvHkJO2dV-2KO7-Qsk5zj2xr1lI-kdXG2lXc-ril0cl6Rq-UbhuKIaqFgXPZqHEP68-XLltCLKwhSspkS1OxjGYl3UhGJ2gjw-k-I/s1600/app1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJergk0jHM_xP3dWnMVBrAr9Qs-pzfygjEW5UYOHvHkJO2dV-2KO7-Qsk5zj2xr1lI-kdXG2lXc-ril0cl6Rq-UbhuKIaqFgXPZqHEP68-XLltCLKwhSspkS1OxjGYl3UhGJ2gjw-k-I/s320/app1.png" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
If you find yourself in this region, check out these rides - from a tough day on the bike to lazy recovery rides:<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/1203538286" title="San Polo D'Enza -Urzeno - Lagrimone - Scurano" width="465"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/1202503364" title="Ca' di Scatola" width="465"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/1200038708" title="Lagastrello - Castelnuevo - Passo di Cimone" width="465"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/1197992505" title="Parma- Castelnuevo" width="465"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/1196159154" title="Calestano - Berceto" width="465"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/1193489913" title="Passo di Fragno" width="465"></iframe><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-asTxIhkJGf8GrO_JAg7B3dP69BddAEmYulJiQi-Vv3neikgjusLvE2tVkRpeRV6FGAcUYPgMculDJHwqMnzrgDjbLFXHdk7vkG3SoSiRsxvyoypvKkwSvVBfYTHoWG9kBycyeIXHF6A/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-asTxIhkJGf8GrO_JAg7B3dP69BddAEmYulJiQi-Vv3neikgjusLvE2tVkRpeRV6FGAcUYPgMculDJHwqMnzrgDjbLFXHdk7vkG3SoSiRsxvyoypvKkwSvVBfYTHoWG9kBycyeIXHF6A/s400/coffee.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-ride delicious Italian coffee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-62378894088880234992016-05-31T11:41:00.003-07:002016-06-08T23:16:51.407-07:00Quick and dirty tips for your ultra-light bikepacking trip in France<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Information on
climbs:</b></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Website that states what Cols are open: <a href="http://www.sport-passion.fr/parcours/etat-cols.php" target="_blank">http://www.sport-passion.fr/parcours/etat-cols.php</a> (The
German <a href="http://www.alpenpaesse.co/" target="_blank">http://www.alpenpaesse.co</a> is
not always correct!) </li>
<br />
<li>The German website: <a href="http://www.quaeldich.de/" target="_blank">http://www.quaeldich.de</a>
has all information possible about a pass. Even as a non-German speaker,
coloring and numbers tell more than any word. Just click on "P<span class="st">ä</span>sse" (meaning pass)
and search for a specific pass or explore by region. Once you click on a pass
and scroll down, you can see the elevation gain, profile and much more in
detail.</li>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Accommodation</b></div>
<ul>
<li>For bike tourists on a budget, try <a href="https://www.warmshowers.org/" target="_blank">www.warmshowers.org</a>, a free “coachsurfing” website
specifically for touring cyclists. I have used that site in <a href="http://www.monikasattler.com/2014/01/a-backpack-and-bike-and-horizon-as.html" target="_blank">New Zealand</a>,
Australia, <a href="http://www.monikasattler.com/2014/01/what-happens-in-hawaiithe-naked-truth.html" target="_blank">Hawaii </a>and Switzerland and I had always fantastic experiences!</li>
<br />
<li>Otherwise, if you stay in a remote ski resort for a week+,
they might have a great offer. I stayed in a 3 Star studio apartment in Modane,
for 140 Euro/week. (In other places, I paid 50-70 Euro/night for a one person
private bed and bathroom)</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Maps:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>I always navigated via paper maps (they never run out of
battery) of at least 150000:1. I would not get anything bigger (like 200000:1)
as the less-travelled cycling roads might not be on the map anymore.</li>
<br />
<li>Download the maps.me app. From there you can download maps
for specific regions.</li>
<br />
<li>You can also make specific regions offline in Google maps.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Weather</b><br />
<ul>
<li>The meteo earth app is fantastic as you can follow every single cloud and rain drop.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></li>
</ul>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Phone</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li>Always switch your wifi off while on the road, the battery
lasts sooooo much longer.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Language</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li>If you don’t speak French, I would get an offline French
dictionary app. Otherwise smiling does most of the job.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bike</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li>Some stuff to know in regards to the bike might come handy
like assembling your bike out of your bike bag and changing a tube. </li>
</ul>
Enjoy your trip!<br />
<ul>
</ul>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-5993279592230952592016-05-29T11:44:00.002-07:002016-06-08T23:14:29.640-07:00Under the spell of Mt VentouxWith my current “film-the-most-epic” climbs mission, Mt
Ventoux was a no-brainer since it is in this year’s Tour de France.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And this climb is special in so many ways. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, its an
entire pilgrimage to get to the climb. And that was only the beginning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since it is the only bigger mountain in the region, you don’t
exactly need to get a map to find it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And if you still don’t see it, just follow
anything resembling a cyclist, bike-racked car roof or just the Dutch
camper vans. Every soul is heading to the mountain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are 2 unique ways heading up Mt Ventoux. Of course, I had to climb the one in the Tour de France – from Bedoin.
(Just for the number junkies:
21.2km/1599m climbing, 7.5% grade average) It is seen as the hardest ways up. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being not in the mountains anymore, the atmosphere has changed.
The mountains emanate this mystic, reserved feeling where you are never quite sure you are accepted - the moody weather, the sheer vertical disparity and the mooching Yetis (oh wait, wrong mountain range). In contrast, Mt Ventoux radiates this intriguing, welcoming “hey, look, you
can see even the top, come on up!” message lulling cyclists in their spell.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It got me too. I had to ride up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The scenery of Mt Ventoux is basically an American/Italian climate sandwich: Bottom: Rome (Italy). Very Mediterranean flair with old stuff
around, a lot of terracottan color. Middle part: Bend, Oregon (USA): Green, smell of
pine trees and yes, even pine trees. Top: Tucson, Arizona (Desertish color), wide views and the tower as mirage.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
In the Alps, I was climbing my own pace taking it all in but
this time, there was so much happening, no time for tranquility. The mountain
was covered in English, German and Dutch cyclists, drivers and camper vans. I
made it a game to guess what nationality the cyclists were depending on their
riding style. I can tell you, time does go by that way!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With all the trees around, there was no view expect the steep pavement ahead of you so keeping yourself entertained was a good idea.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1300m of elevation later, it all changed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It opened up. No trees. Green turned to white. And that
notorious tower in your vision.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpchsPdbQsJSf7FGXHRZFQbl9vMMsRhl6exn3_WhHBAlU_fx6A9ReveprHpLI1koY6h_0kwz5dC63pRhk7vrX_8GYCQKMeF8px3ajL40oLGa4Y0LtJ-PdGoxzaTJzxxH_PdQYrNR8mao/s1600/20160526_155713%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpchsPdbQsJSf7FGXHRZFQbl9vMMsRhl6exn3_WhHBAlU_fx6A9ReveprHpLI1koY6h_0kwz5dC63pRhk7vrX_8GYCQKMeF8px3ajL40oLGa4Y0LtJ-PdGoxzaTJzxxH_PdQYrNR8mao/s640/20160526_155713%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super small in the background - the tower and finish of Mt Ventoux</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the good or bad.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although you clearly headed in that direction, the tower
just didn’t get any bigger. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That meant, time for some serious distraction. The guess-nationality game lost its appeal. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But holy moly, the view definitely made up for it! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT867gJlAn5_McweIFAkP4gslTjYiCOIgiEyDh_ASOgHkkoABfNxVNsVyXWTUqaFhfJKmjkM6LaeJBXqfgXCQEOFQXQkK7F9TyLCzHH0oOW8LQqqGL09wCRoG7cCssez2274BkTVDs_rw/s1600/20160526_121002%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT867gJlAn5_McweIFAkP4gslTjYiCOIgiEyDh_ASOgHkkoABfNxVNsVyXWTUqaFhfJKmjkM6LaeJBXqfgXCQEOFQXQkK7F9TyLCzHH0oOW8LQqqGL09wCRoG7cCssez2274BkTVDs_rw/s640/20160526_121002%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As far as you can see.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were all of a sudden so close; the tower was
right there. Something else concerned me though. I looked at my bike computer. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSiIV1b4ErsISlAKibB351j3RwYbYQPpiBhZ8NjeNNH5b80AEwYxRs0IIoLqX5lyH5dtmAnYEZ_F5gsd-zHFJ5Och8WttQK0fY-lwl3psAXEoxJkkmxphQ23wT0ImArOPnr_nK7IWuBA/s1600/20160526_152308%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSiIV1b4ErsISlAKibB351j3RwYbYQPpiBhZ8NjeNNH5b80AEwYxRs0IIoLqX5lyH5dtmAnYEZ_F5gsd-zHFJ5Och8WttQK0fY-lwl3psAXEoxJkkmxphQ23wT0ImArOPnr_nK7IWuBA/s640/20160526_152308%255B1%255D.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a point in both roads up to the tower that makes you realize how much vertical meters you still have ahead of you</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were short of 100 vertical meters.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yep, and that’s where the 11% gradient appeared –
in the last km….after almost 2 hours climbing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although you could see the final km from far away it never appeared to be that steep. I guess when you have been climbing 8-10% the entire time, 11% doesnt seem that much steeper.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, the tower came into eye height. The elevation gain on the bike computer matched with the elevation of Mt Ventoux.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I joined all the English, Germans and Dutch on the top. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuIA26S8QO4D3RnT8-c1MLTVV4ZbRLZCddNpnGnmZCJRmRuk7SjrqIJqxUUS-ogfHSiy1XxYvWyF-hbDDt002Qy689qKJqxYzuS0tC6WXQTMOEVP9KVBq3a3Ug-R-GqFY_TDC3jcla6o/s1600/20160526_154133%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuIA26S8QO4D3RnT8-c1MLTVV4ZbRLZCddNpnGnmZCJRmRuk7SjrqIJqxUUS-ogfHSiy1XxYvWyF-hbDDt002Qy689qKJqxYzuS0tC6WXQTMOEVP9KVBq3a3Ug-R-GqFY_TDC3jcla6o/s640/20160526_154133%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For those who need some serious sugar reload</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were several ways going up but only two routes that
are truly unique (and don’t overlay with others). So of course, curiosity made me climb up that
as well. Just for the record, it is tough too!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmYDOhp2MwrpefqFarKe1YW0TfnYlRy_hjPBashfBspfktjLCcqOg7PBZsyjQH8yBjxSYMZD0qMpTkzm7096R6UjeZIA1fdIlZtfEWz8nhJ4fn1iqzdNPCCGzYaQjqiaO8WStEVd_TM8/s1600/20160526_122039%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmYDOhp2MwrpefqFarKe1YW0TfnYlRy_hjPBashfBspfktjLCcqOg7PBZsyjQH8yBjxSYMZD0qMpTkzm7096R6UjeZIA1fdIlZtfEWz8nhJ4fn1iqzdNPCCGzYaQjqiaO8WStEVd_TM8/s640/20160526_122039%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Ventoux</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTXR8Uvk1rgD2NrkR65tZv3lM8Vl9VKk1GvMdruq7rbIgU-RCcBqGJCx5y1O0LJVRZmor-LNsA66mVQ_fvjzt7NEyAb5nv1EQ2JWh8xBNwDykL7f0BtHxssmqjx1VKi6I0HK1-ydFAKU/s1600/moni+on+top+of+mt+ventoux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTXR8Uvk1rgD2NrkR65tZv3lM8Vl9VKk1GvMdruq7rbIgU-RCcBqGJCx5y1O0LJVRZmor-LNsA66mVQ_fvjzt7NEyAb5nv1EQ2JWh8xBNwDykL7f0BtHxssmqjx1VKi6I0HK1-ydFAKU/s640/moni+on+top+of+mt+ventoux.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great panorama</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/589021152/embed/d12b07027b8b5936b91eeeced0f7082943642ab3" width="590"></iframe><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0Mount Ventoux, 84390 Brantes, France44.174087 5.278678099999979218.6520525 -36.02991590000002 69.6961215 46.587272099999979tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-47896601530771529992016-05-23T08:26:00.003-07:002016-06-08T23:16:51.404-07:00What happens when you underestimate Alpe d'Huez!I am currently in France chasing all the epic climbs.<br />
And it goes without saying, there are a lot!<br />
I am on a mission - filming them for the indoor trainer app called FulGaz.<br />
<br />
But there is a problem with spending an extended period of time in the mountains - you become addicted to elevation gain.<br />
At first, it was one little climb - 700m vertical gain that blew you away.<br />
Then it was 1000m, a big one.<br />
Then two climbs, etc. <br />
<br />
Well,
two days ago I was on the "hell, I am going to do a big day today - two
1500m climbs, Col de la Croix de Fer from both sides".<br />
<br />
After that ride, I also decided I
never would do this climb again. (It was just <a href="http://www.monikasattler.com/p/climb-ranking-monika-style.html" target="_blank">not my gradient</a>.)<br />
<br />
In
the evening I checked my ride and I saw Alpe d'Huez was so close to that route! It
was one of those climbs I was planning on filming anyway so how could I
have missed it!!!! <br />
<br />
I have to go back!<br />
<br />
24 hours later I came to this epiphany I could just add Alpe d'Huez to the 6.5 hours ride the day before.<br />
<br />
What is one more climb? <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(I
might want to add that I am not a big Tour de France follower so I
heard about Alpe d'Huez and that there is such a big hype about it but
there is a lot of hype about a lot of things, right?)</span><br />
<br />
So two days after the Col de la Croix de Fer ride, I was back climbing it again. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Here goes my promise never to climb it again!)</span><br />
<br />
But then, the most essential part of my mission failed. The camera gave me a no-go!<br />
<br />
Half
way up the first col! (Just a side note for the flatlanders: Just going down the mountain to repair it is not
just a 10 min turn around, we are talking about hours!)<br />
<br />
So after climbing the reminder of Croix de Fer, I had to make a monumental decision. Heading back and call it a day or keep going?<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xyLVMhVw5FI" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
I
decided to keep going. I have been riding with a failed power
meter, only three gears, a badly-to-be-greased chain and other
unidentifiable bike noises for the past two weeks. A broken camera will not make me turn
around. Basta!<br />
<br />
So I descended the other side of Croix
de Fer and four hours later and 1800m vertical meters in my legs I found
myself in Bourg d'Oisans - the start of this self-proclaimed, tough
climb.<br />
<br />
Well, yes, it did start tough.<br />
<br />
But then I thought it was only 10km of climbing and 1100m of ascent.<br />
<br />
Oh wait, what?<br />
<br />
It was starting to sunk in. This might not be the random neighborhood climb.<br />
<br />
There were count-down markers for the corners in the... ahem... corners. <br />
Not sure about its intentions....was it meant to devastate or encourage you?<br />
<br />
20 corners to go.<br />
<br />
I
lost my faith in them by corner 19. Either I was already so in the red
zone that I made up corners or the count-down person was vicious! Not
every corner had a corner sign! (Let's talk about mental abuse here!) <br />
<br />
Plus, my vision got so blurry that I couldnt make up the number anymore!<br />
<br />
In short, I was losing it.<br />
<br />
And what set me off completely were all those cyclists who were flying down the mountain.<br />
<br />
SMILING!<br />
<br />
Excuse me! I am suffering here, have a little bit more empathy. A more pitying face would be appropriate!<br />
<br />
Anyway, by corner 15±3 I decided not to look up anymore.<br />
<br />
No smiling cyclists anymore.<br />
No untrustworthy corners anymore.<br />
Staring at the pavement was just fine by me!<br />
<br />
But another misery was setting in.<br />
<br />
I now could exactly follow my progress seeing if any pavement is moving under me.<br />
<br />
Was I moving?<br />
<br />
Suddenly I heard someone yelling: photo, photo!<br />
<br />
I looked up. Yes, there was a photographer in my snail-pacing way to take a picture.<br />
<br />
I let him do his job.<br />
<br />
Then he wanted to give me a business card.<br />
<br />
I think he could see my eyes behind my glasses because he immediately retracted.<br />
<br />
At
some point, and do not ask me what corner, I looked up and saw two
villages above me.<br />
Oh my god! That must be heaven or hell, well, actually both.<br />
<br />
Of course, Alpe d'Huez was the one further up.<br />
<br />
No time to look up anymore. I had a job to do. Staring at that darn pavement and hoping it would keep moving! <br />
<br />
Then signs of "Tour de France this way" appeared in my tunnel vision.<br />
<br />
Then the corner signs disappeared.<br />
<br />
It must be going straight or only uncornery corners now!<br />
<br />
And I made it into Alpe d'Huez.<br />
<br />
I was confused.<br />
<br />
Where the heck is that damn "Arrivee" sign?<br />
<br />
I asked frantically, distressed two coffee-drinking coffee drinkers. <br />
<br />
"Another few meters uphill."<br />
<br />
So I climbed those "few" meters....and I still couldnt find that one-and-only sign I would recognize from miles away!<br />
<br />
At the seemingly end of the village I turned around and was looking for the sign. More distressed.<br />
<br />
And
by chance, I found this small, piddling sign which did not represent the size of this massive effort! They must change the sign!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh15ZzKtAVY_JjruFnSnrcLjQpbPacsbH-EkUlGDT3u_dTvZG4jJUO0REnCYzItz1GOCl9mzmV8mfSo9b21VIjd9fvlPEjk4zEo6NMTovziuzZlNa_4JCqgrumul2XK1IDSMRdiP_qo0/s1600/20160522_131724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh15ZzKtAVY_JjruFnSnrcLjQpbPacsbH-EkUlGDT3u_dTvZG4jJUO0REnCYzItz1GOCl9mzmV8mfSo9b21VIjd9fvlPEjk4zEo6NMTovziuzZlNa_4JCqgrumul2XK1IDSMRdiP_qo0/s400/20160522_131724.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
(Well, you might look at the
sign and say, ahem Monika, this is a pretty big sign. But I say, if you
stare at the pavement for more than an hour, this sign is not exactly in
your vision!)<br />
<br />
<br />
I took my obligatory col
picture. I felt disturbed, mentally and physically abused. Why would
someone play with you and your legs for such a long time?<br />
<br />
And then I descended and Alpe d'Huez became a bit friendlier. I didnt know that it actually had a view:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2HuicwiVjQAomOL3KRtev_F4Wd4HZJA7-uAFwLuy4QO9Z_YV4qg6rmg9mYzU1yIwOegS6aVP6DnzUjoAIvDieXEh_cE_PDIlnrYuTH7jD64ETRkhd0R42GwY2hYhXjKTX55Hw1H0OSg/s1600/20160522_133142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2HuicwiVjQAomOL3KRtev_F4Wd4HZJA7-uAFwLuy4QO9Z_YV4qg6rmg9mYzU1yIwOegS6aVP6DnzUjoAIvDieXEh_cE_PDIlnrYuTH7jD64ETRkhd0R42GwY2hYhXjKTX55Hw1H0OSg/s400/20160522_133142.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O9mo0u0QABc" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
But
back to my mission, I still need to film this climb!<br />
<br />
Next time <span style="font-size: x-small;">(meaning tomorrow)</span>, the
corners, the smiling descending cyclists, the photographer and the
pavement need to watch out for my Vendetta! This is not how I will leave it with Alpe d'Huez!<br />
<br />
Oh
wait, the story is not done yet. I forgot that I had to climb back over
Col de la Croix de Fer (1500m elevation). And if Alpe d'Huez was misery, this was absolute
hell. I was mentally so exhausted that those 50m road sign reflection
markers every, well, 50m kept me going.<br />
<br />
I think the video says it all:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ehtzHEuF3Xw" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
And just for the record, this is the ride:
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/584522119/embed/3613c5d74adfad603c18442473e49c2dd7b8579f" width="590"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com1L'Alpe d'Huez, 38750 Huez, France45.092624 6.068348000000014522.231286 -35.240245999999985 67.953962 47.376942000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-83208368681103620502016-05-09T08:25:00.002-07:002016-06-08T23:16:51.410-07:00Ultralight backpack cycling adventure in France - Part 2 - What I carriedGreetings from Geneva!<br />
I just got back from five days of ultralight backpack cycling in Southeast France.<br />
You might wonder where Part 1 of this trip is? It is coming (I only have 18 hours before my next flight to Nice for the same adventure in a different region). But on request and with only limited time, I want to share what I carried on this trip and what it requires so it works.<br />
<br />
I am sure that style of cycling has a name but I havent come across it yet.
What I mean with ultra light backpack cycling is a combination of road cycling and bikepacking. You can go as fast as you would do on a normal road ride (and not dragged down by weight, panniers, etc) but have all the essentials that you are never bound to a place and dont have to do loops.<br />
<br />
You just go wherever you feel like.
As I do like the comfort of a real bed, I stayed in hotels, with a kitchen if possible. I ate out only once, when everything was closed - it was Sunday AND public holiday, so absolutely zero chances that something would be open in France. But I will get to this in a later part of this story.
Below is the list of what I carried in my bag:<br />
<br />
- One light shirt<br />
- One light leggins<br />
- One tiny sleeping pants<br />
- Toothbrush<br />
- Travel-size tooth paste<br />
- Travel-size laundry soap<br />
- Maps (as needed)<br />
- Wind jacket<br />
- Phone/Garmin/Light charger (had all the same plug-in, dont forget to bring the right adapter)<br />
- Passport<br />
- Debit Card<br />
- Cell phone<br />
- 1-2 bananas<br />
<br />
<b>Always/mostly worn during the ride:</b><br />
- Bandini<br />
- Arm-/Legwarmers<br />
- One jersey and one bibs<br />
- Wind jacket<br />
- Winter gloves<br />
- Glasses with photo-chromatic lenses<br />
- Toe covers<br />
- Helmet<br />
- Cycling shoes<br />
- Socks <br />
<br />
<b>On my bike: </b><br />
- Two front lights (I never rode in the dark but essential for tunnels, fog, etc)<br />
- Rechargeable rear light<br />
- Bike computer Garmin 520<br />
- Saddle bag (one tube, lever)<br />
- Frame pump<br />
- Two water bottles (there are plenty of fountains around to refill) <br />
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No shoes besides my cycling shoes and nothing spare or extra. If I lose it, it becomes more adventurous. I forgot my phone/Garmin/light charger in one hotel. Luckily, the following hotel let me borrow a charger. (It was Sunday, so nothing was open to buy something).<br />
<br />
When I look at the list, it seems like an awful lot and thus heavy. But since it was mostly light clothes, the weight tended to evenly distribute itself on my back so I never felt it on my back. I carried it up a lot of cols and never experienced any back pain.<br />
<br />
I didnt bring any food besides 1-2 pieces of fruit. With one exception, it works for me and I love stopping at supermarkets (Intermarche, Casino, Carrefour, Lidl, Netto, Aldi) and pick up a fresh piece of fruit or whatever I fancy at that time.<br />
<br />
Of course, with so little stuff to carry around, there is a bit of post-ride routine involved. Where ever I felt like, I want to stay, I went either into a Office du Tourisme or straight into a hotel and asked for a room (usually between 50-70 Euro. It always had to be near a supermarket). Then, I go into the supermarket and buy food (I left my bike inside the supermarket and had an eye on it). If I didnt get a hotel with kitchen, it had to be salad or I got a roast turkey. If I got a kitchen, options were limitless. (3 our of 5 times I got a kitchen)<br />
<br />
After the supermarket run, I got into the hotel and washed my clothes while trying to figure out how to get them dry until the next day. Creativity was in high demand. Easy ways were there was a heater or a hair dryer or balcony. But I also pinned my clothes with knife and fork into the air conditioner to have them hung right in front of them.<br />
<br />
After the laundry routine, I finally could prepare food. By then, 1-2 hours have passed since I decided to be done riding. While eating, I studied the map and had some rough plans where my next destination is. Except the last day (where I had to get to Geneva), I never got where I intended to get. Sometimes, I found a better route, sometimes, I didnt like the chosen route and usually I got lost anyway.<br />
<br />
After all this post-ride activities, it was time to relax.<br />
<br />
Of course, this is not the golden formula for such kind of cycling. It worked for me well and I will do exactly the same during the Nice trip. Feel free to ask, suggest or tell from your experiences.<br />
<br />
In the next parts of this adventure I will cover what makes this type of riding so awesome and what my routes were. I also will write about all the lessons learned from this trip.<br />
<br />
Bye for now, I am off to Nice!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-92046868828190676732016-04-11T23:29:00.000-07:002016-06-08T23:16:02.232-07:00Baw Baw Cycling Classic – Taking on the hardest climb in Australia<!--[if !mso]>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When I
first heard about Baw Baw Cycling Classic, I was intrigued. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It sounded
tough – yep that would be something I would enjoy. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For those
who haven’t heard about the Baw Baw Cycling Classic, here are some numbers:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The race
is 103 km long, 3200m of elevation with the last 6km averaging 11% and a few
pinches of 20%. (64mi, 10,500 feet elevation, last 3.7mi averaging 11% with 20%
pinches). More info on the Baw Baw climb <a href="http://theclimbingcyclist.com/climbs/baw-baw-national-park/mt-baw-baw/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Considering
that the last 6 km only cover an elevation gain of an odd 700m, you can imagine
where the other 2500m of climbing coming from. You dont exactly start the last
climb fresh as a daisy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here is
the elevation chart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rjXqj1sF7629wM4urTPE1AfFmibn4rdOkmX8rI8aNcziHWOzdqtQnK2iIuDJx2zZiHTvNFV74yPeKwqzA0fo-BSW9ptusWqUCClfNsJ4pHJ0CmBxkZ7tUHnrf_hKLp84oh71K0luA5U/s1600/elevation+profile+baw+baw.JPG"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;"></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Baw Baw Cycling Classic 103km/3200m elevation</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Very deceiving!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just
as a side note, you see that little rise just before km 30? That is an
elevation gain of 100m. Not as insignificant as it looks on this chart. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The final decision <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">if I should race was when my</span> fellow Hurt Box rider,
Meredith<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">, </span>told <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">me it </span>would be even tougher than I imagined it to be. It was not just a climb. It was a brutal 4+hr ride.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Music to my ears. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Speaking
of signing up - the number of participants shows the respect for this race.
Only 15 women in total signed up. It is not without a reason that Baw Baw is
said to be the toughest climb in Australia.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So here I
was at the start line with 14 other girls. Perfect weather conditions. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The race
was split into two parts for me. Part 1 - The first 40km were tame with A
grades setting the pace. At 40km, the eventual winner put in an effort
and there was a natural split between the grades. I spent the next 10km or so
riding with another girl and then I was by myself.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">No soul
around besides the occasional appearance of carnage from the categories ahead
of us. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">50km on
my own. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I was hoping that I would create a gap so I wouldn’t get
caught at the Baw Baw climb.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And then,
I got a feeling, I usually get after riding 300+ km - I couldn’t push beyond a
certain power anymore.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I just
had nothing in my legs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Anything above a certain perceived effort would lock my
legs up.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I got
worried.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Would
this "lock-up-cramp-threshold" be high enough that I could ride up
Baw Baw? </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It is not
uncommon that riders push their bikes up Baw Baw. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And then
the massive wall appeared ahead of me. Six very focused, zigzagging
kilometers. (It could have been 7km from the amount of zigzagging) Any inattention would have made me swerve which would have caused
me to fall over. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It is hard to describe what you experience when riding this
climb in a massively exhausted stage of fatigue. You calculate every move and
hope that those 11% might ease up to 9% for a few meters. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But instead you are
greeted with two back-to-back corners of 20%!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I am not
a climber and snailed my way up. Would it be fast enough to hold my competition
off?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One
moment to the next, another female racer (but not in my category), Steph from
my Hurtbox training group, passed me. I couldn’t believe how quickly she
climbed. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now I got
seriously worried. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So back
to crawling my way up to the finish. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2km to
go. What? I didn’t even see the 3km-sign!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Monika!
Of course, you did. It was just sooooo long ago that you have already forgotten
about it!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another
eternity passed.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1km to
go.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The games
you are playing with your mind are just amazing at that point. And if you are
playing that game long enough you will see the 500m sign before you know it!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Believe
it or not, the mountain has a top and I finally reached it!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And I
more or less pedaled the last few exhausted pedal strokes over the finish
line. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So happy. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Super exhausted. But worth the effort. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I learned later I had a spare time of 12 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hill
Climb Champ. VRS leader. (<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">For my category)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And man,
I will be there next year!What an awesome race!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Podium - Women C grade</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Huge thanks
to my coach and the The Hurt Box crew for their continuous support. Thanks to
Alistair for the feed zone support and for Justine's great company over the
weekend!</span></div>
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<![endif]-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-91103174452995192812016-04-02T00:43:00.000-07:002016-06-08T23:15:03.165-07:00What gets you up to ride your bike early mornings?Just over a year ago, I moved to Australia.<br />
<br />
I was able to enjoy the last two weeks of summer and then winter hit Melbourne. Having lived in Minnesota (where you still could be looking for your car under the snow in May) I should have felt relief.<br />
<br />
-20 degrees Celsius with metres high snow was traded for drizzly, rainy, dark 5 degrees. I came to think that the sun doesnt exist in the Southern hemisphere.<br />
<br />
I had absolutely no motivation to get up in the morning to go riding.
But in Minnesota, I had no problem <a href="http://www.monikasattler.com/2012/12/riding-in-minnesota.html" target="_blank">riding in -20 degrees</a> with two <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dan.casebeer?fref=ts" target="_blank">other brave souls</a>. What has happened?<br />
<br />
Now, looking back, it is clear like a crystal ball: Routine.<br />
<br />
After four months of getting up at 4:45am in the morning, I even wake up at that time on my rest days. I established myself a ceremony that would definitely get me up.<br />
Those are my highlights in the morning: <br />
<br />
1. Everything is ready to go the night before so I don’t have any stress in the morning. The only task for me is to wake up and to look forward to the ride.<br />
<br />
2. Cold-brew coffee. The best! The evening prior I mix water and coffee powder in a French press and let it sit overnight. In the morning, I only have to filter the powder and I got some delicious cold-brew coffee. And man, that caffeine hits quickly!<br />
<br />
3. Music. I put ear plugs in and listen to upbeat songs. Currently (don’t laugh), it is: Flo Rida- Wild Things, Die Antwoord - I fink u freeky and Lady Gaga – Born this way. (If you feel sorry for my music choice, feel free to make suggestions :) )<br />
<br />
4. But most importantly: my riding group. Every day, I am so excited to see my cycling group. By riding with the same people, you get to know each other very well. Who is grumpy in the morning and you shouldn’t talk to? Who could you engage immediately into a conversation? Who won or lost at the race yesterday? Riding in a group is like reading the newspaper; you got to do it every day to be fully up-to-date on all the happenings. Thanks THB guys for making me look forward to our training rides every morning!<br />
<br />
What gets you up in the morning?
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-15397324534498445302016-03-21T21:04:00.001-07:002016-06-08T23:16:51.392-07:00Behind the scenes – Photoshooting with Cyclingtips and Scott bikes in the Victorian Alps<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I had the great fortune to join <a href="http://cyclingtips.com/" target="_blank">Cyclingtips </a>and <a href="https://www.scott-sports.com/au/en/sports/bike" target="_blank">Scott Bikes </a>on a gravel adventure video- and photo-shooting trip around the Victorian Alps. It was especially an incredible opportunity
for me as I have never done a promotional trip before. I am
humbled by the professionalism and dedication of our crew: Andy, Matt, Tim and Malcom. </div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Andy – Cycling model. Part of Cyclingtips. This guy
has invented </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hells500/" target="_blank">Hells 500</a> </span></span>Everesting – climbing 8848m in one go. I think that says it all.
No matter what the condition – too cold, too hot, too windy, too rocky, too
tired, too lost - he was thriving on difficult conditions. Badass! </span></span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mostly saw him in this position - Andy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Matt – Cycling model. Besides that he is a top bike racer
and <a href="http://www.lumierecycling.com/" target="_blank">cycling kit owner,</a> he was always up for a good story and the challenge
ahead. Never really ridden gravel before, he rode any kind of terrain – no matter
how rocky or steep. Machine.<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebunchcyclist/">The Bunch Cyclist</a><br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No matter the terrain, he was on it - Matt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tim – our photographer. There is a reason why his pictures
are incredible. You will find this guy wading through the deepest mud, getting stuck in a creek or eaten by leeches. This man doesn’t fear anything.
If he cant reach it, his drone will. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tbsphotography/" target="_blank">tbsphotography</a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRKB_Jjd_NhuZ8Z4e-qZLJYQ6bJC8mJtkC35M9ZEaYL95fvsE-IVNC4WSv94BpCjV5LySGrkwwQkGEjOEVnuKaQeKbY2tmrPS8WKllQhqmndL63Pj08cEkoia4OtJCD3jwIKNVxarnvQ/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRKB_Jjd_NhuZ8Z4e-qZLJYQ6bJC8mJtkC35M9ZEaYL95fvsE-IVNC4WSv94BpCjV5LySGrkwwQkGEjOEVnuKaQeKbY2tmrPS8WKllQhqmndL63Pj08cEkoia4OtJCD3jwIKNVxarnvQ/s640/index.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mostly found behind the camera - Tim.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Malcolm – our videographer. I was stunned by his running
ability. I am sure it said somewhere in his job description that he must run
5 km under 20 min. While we are riding a section, he ran every time next to us to
get the perfect angle. Both Malcolm and Tim could be found anywhere positioned
on, at or in the car. Whatever gets them the best shot. Sometimes, I wondered
who got a harder workout – the ones in front or behind the camera. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/malbloe/" target="_blank">malbloe</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running along with his camera - Malcolm</td></tr>
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Although there is a romanticized view of a photo-shooting trip,
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We got lost. We had 3 degrees. We had 35 degrees. We climbed
a 20% gradient. We went to the most amazing remote places. We met high country natives.
We had some severe mechanicals. I had the best ride in a four-wheeler. We played
hide and seek with some authority. We made the car swim. I learned how to make
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iMK9XQ0v3OMpF9RTzUhLxxC00wSQJGRoSHrQD0jN_ejUiAdE6j9DkjsbrLc9FuGoQyLFyYlsl8S1CNQs9BwXgJGrMS4s7VJCvN0Q33dpvVMA5BAwRQfrC3OIDjVQmLme26SQcXgUE8Q/s1600/20160316_083036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iMK9XQ0v3OMpF9RTzUhLxxC00wSQJGRoSHrQD0jN_ejUiAdE6j9DkjsbrLc9FuGoQyLFyYlsl8S1CNQs9BwXgJGrMS4s7VJCvN0Q33dpvVMA5BAwRQfrC3OIDjVQmLme26SQcXgUE8Q/s640/20160316_083036.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of our trip - at the top of Mt Baw Baw</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfkPDv3hdkp9aJbYTs4iAlRBDwyyKIqpGfNUvQ9eduZRifhThjyAhXp0thSxd346M6KneduyFmLYGmjClKXa0cNXg_gwqSoVdYrPX8qOGKoW6Xp7BJy2PziKsBuVHYVhkhMW1m8cmSEE/s1600/20160316_124512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfkPDv3hdkp9aJbYTs4iAlRBDwyyKIqpGfNUvQ9eduZRifhThjyAhXp0thSxd346M6KneduyFmLYGmjClKXa0cNXg_gwqSoVdYrPX8qOGKoW6Xp7BJy2PziKsBuVHYVhkhMW1m8cmSEE/s640/20160316_124512.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Car hood lunch at Mt Gwenier</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun Fourwheel ride back with these guys</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPkfvpaLy1PFrOVE2cGocUyttz4K1k5I1BJ1L0U4oNSgZ7XRU-8pW1NHUhncOR_bikmCilXNby9kbcti9riEMNHRXErCSCTgDAD1tYGmQyqcHLtBW7-1NaJ0jkhHGD6mmza71P1hsn-o/s1600/IMG_2689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPkfvpaLy1PFrOVE2cGocUyttz4K1k5I1BJ1L0U4oNSgZ7XRU-8pW1NHUhncOR_bikmCilXNby9kbcti9riEMNHRXErCSCTgDAD1tYGmQyqcHLtBW7-1NaJ0jkhHGD6mmza71P1hsn-o/s640/IMG_2689.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had our moments. Hard stance!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBdISnbGC2qKGE7HMUQYzXCUPI2crs0JMf4iJJmCrFOAijV3w8MmENgspqKXiH579bQgZlgt7jWauSAyZn4A2_52pt8VDpQ6lTJvia2nSKVm3d0uYTy-JlUyavGl0EtuI-r3bYicXpdc/s1600/IMG_2724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBdISnbGC2qKGE7HMUQYzXCUPI2crs0JMf4iJJmCrFOAijV3w8MmENgspqKXiH579bQgZlgt7jWauSAyZn4A2_52pt8VDpQ6lTJvia2nSKVm3d0uYTy-JlUyavGl0EtuI-r3bYicXpdc/s640/IMG_2724.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6am at Craigs Hut. The guys soaking in the sunrise.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks to <a href="http://cyclingtips.com/" target="_blank">Cyclingtips</a>, <a href="https://www.scott-sports.com/au/en/sports/bike" target="_blank">Scott bikes</a>, Andy, Matt, Tim and Malcolm for an awesome trip! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-52015294570795510612016-03-06T18:17:00.002-08:002016-06-08T23:15:03.162-07:00My (mental) preparation for the Three Peaks Challenge– Melbourne to Mt Buller (260km/5000m elevation, 161mi/16400ft elevation)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
When you are planning on doing something longer and harder
than you have done before, the extra weight of five kilos on top of your neck will
be your key asset. <span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(Your head)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having decided three weeks out to ride the <a href="https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/peaks-challenge-falls-creek/the-event/" target="_blank">Three Peaks Challenge</a>, one of
the hardest one day challenges in Australia (235km/4000m elevation), I needed a
long tough ride beforehand. I wanted to see how my legs feel towards the end of
a long ride but more importantly I needed that kind of ride as mental
preparation. Getting my head ready for whatever lies beyond the failure of my
legs. There is a “going into the red” for going anaerobic, I call it “going
mental” for going beyond your perceived body’s ability.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I heard on Thursday that a mate, Damian, is planning on
riding the next day from Melbourne out to Mt Buller. 260km (161mi). 5000m (16400ft) of elevation.
40km (25mi) of gravel in unknown condition. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>35
degrees (95F) temps.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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That was exactly what I was looking for! It had the length,
the pain and the uncertainty to make it very challenging.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those kinds of rides, key is to be able to
motivate myself on the toughest parts. Naturally climbs and in this case the
gravel section would be something that would drain my mental energy. So for the
short time I had to prepare for this ride (12 hours), I learned all about
elevation gain, gradient, length of climb that could give me the ability to
measure my progress while climbing. Plus, the more numbers you have to play
around with, the more you can make all kind of (un)necessary calculations to
keep your head busy.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The gravel section seemed to become my lowest mental point.
With a limited pool of mountain bike skills, I had a very tough time to
navigate through a very rocky terrain, no matter if uphill or downhill. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We just
didn’t make any progress. That put me off. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In those situations, I try to either
sing to myself or compare my current misery with an even worse <a href="http://monikasattler.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/the-story-of-epic-trans-iowa-race.html" target="_blank">situation from the past</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping perspective is key and
not letting emotions take over.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the gravel section, the toughest part was actually
just starting. Mount Terrible*. A 10 odd km (6mi) climb all exposed to sun and
heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was north of 35 degrees (95F).
We were already dehydrated from the lack of water supply in the last 120km. We
were 11 hours into the ride. I dealt with very painful hot feet. So in short: A great time to pull the plug,
especially considering that our next stop, Jamieson, has a nice coffee shop to
cool down, relax, refill and eat properly. Why would you want to leave?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As this the most dangerous time to waste time stopping, I
was in “<a href="http://monikasattler.blogspot.com.au/2010/07/50-hours-adventure-race-e-fix-2010-race.html" target="_blank">adventure racing</a>” mode. Quickly refill on water and food and get out of
there in the quickest time possible. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But when I strapped my helmet back on after all necessary
refillings, I realized that Damian hasn’t even touched his food. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you alright?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, my head is still spinning, my heart racing. I am
severely dehydrated. No way, I am getting out of here until I feel better.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow. I was flabbergasted. I knew we were both dehydrated but
I didn’t see that coming. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He must have been seriously dehydrated.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After an hour of recovery and rehydration in Jamieson, we decided
the ride is over and we would ride to Mansfield. I left Jamieson still with the
belief that I could get Damian safely to Mansfield and then push on. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But as soon as we got on the bike, all the adrenalin and
excitement vanished. Seeing my ride mate in such a terrible condition plus the
length of the stop put me mentally into a different state of mind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Should I really ride on alone into the night?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although it was only right to join him to get him safely to
Mansfield, disappointment and a huge sense of failure set in. I couldn’t
believe it. I was so determined to reach the top of Mt Buller. Now I had to
give up short of it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With those feelings setting in, I lost my motivation for
this ride.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, Damian seemed to wake up from the dead. He rode off
strong and visibly got his energy back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although I had no desire to keep riding, I asked anyway if
he wanted to change his mind to keep going up Mt Buller. I expected a “no” but
to my big surprise he said, “let’s do it!”<br />
<br />
What?!? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thinking that the gravel section was the toughest mental
part, this mental adjustment from deep disappointment to “hey let’s rock this” was
huge. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It took me a few minutes to readjust my motivation to ride for
another 50km (31mi) with 800m (2600ft) of elevation. But man, this overbearing sense of
disappointment evaporated and hell, I was ready to finish this sucker!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With us both being aligned in our goals again, we made the
next 50km as fun and exciting as possible. We both just came from very
different ends of disappointment and here we are facing a legitimate climb in
the darkest of dark, 15 hours into our riding. And we are having fun doing it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cherry on the ice cream was some surprise visits! Blake
knew we were about to climb Mt Buller and stopped on the climb, cheering us on.
Andy and Nicole stopped on the way handing us pizza! How awesome is that?!? Things
like this make a huge difference in such a ride!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Damian and I truly enjoyed the last kilometres and it became
a little bit celebratory finishing strong on top of the climb and completing
what we planned to do after 18 hours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A huge sense of accomplishment was setting in........ A veeeeeery addicting feeling. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When can I do it again? Ah…right, Three Peaks next weekend!<br />
<br />
<br />
Our route: Melbourne - 1 in 20 - Warburton - Reefton Spur - Eildon-Warburton Rd - Jamieson - Mt Buller </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/508281193/embed/958dab3144f58d8b02417a883e7477649547b49a" width="590"></iframe>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyYBbkY9BIHN7tpJlKPC0ERQdjrIEdCAEvcYWsbWMRkjJ5UiDz4aR68bgFNgmop-0MzznCHd13H0-XbLh4rZclSU_-JONAgPB-_VhysxKgIWNVNB5hUSoMa9ngaUzVE7xScS9rDiPjAQ/s1600/reefton+sput.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyYBbkY9BIHN7tpJlKPC0ERQdjrIEdCAEvcYWsbWMRkjJ5UiDz4aR68bgFNgmop-0MzznCHd13H0-XbLh4rZclSU_-JONAgPB-_VhysxKgIWNVNB5hUSoMa9ngaUzVE7xScS9rDiPjAQ/s400/reefton+sput.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up Reefton Spur</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvYnS-1Ucdtm1dOvMkqKh6yWv5pOaVJSqTgRfEJuqg5bqjwOqfgReIKnt9Fum28Cpl8JP2D29tCLb1fIo8DLrApDZpg43QzjX_uU935HrgRpA6GXXencoDqWpUPxGOv6SOtEkWkwdW7s/s400/water+source.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="225" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our only water source between Warburton and Jamieson (120km)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL9lWX_-eEg31USudPAXAsnKZ4BZjBBE1lOTyZxtwnYYa2a2llnGmqtcG1RbnJqDD57zmCgz-OEnwXAikgLzOv_NdvObRKWsqJ6Wg4WVxBIiN_EQdQR5L8UDp-pv5jZxoZpSKE8Mtmgg/s1600/12802842_10153318253866906_9114804997334868043_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL9lWX_-eEg31USudPAXAsnKZ4BZjBBE1lOTyZxtwnYYa2a2llnGmqtcG1RbnJqDD57zmCgz-OEnwXAikgLzOv_NdvObRKWsqJ6Wg4WVxBIiN_EQdQR5L8UDp-pv5jZxoZpSKE8Mtmgg/s400/12802842_10153318253866906_9114804997334868043_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to kiss the pavement when we finally got done with the gravel section</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZKWh4dCe5-vIS8PAD71bOiDKHlQC5pShaaL8y0HxmxyKdxSfqs5NGbFlZ08A-wQMFpemhRm7_SkUfK6Xb5MYAUCZCs0T71Ec64-bfPVbKgudzsfyKJY0vZKnqk5S5nKcSdJAVt4l7D4/s1600/12717953_10153318253926906_8941358693537824706_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZKWh4dCe5-vIS8PAD71bOiDKHlQC5pShaaL8y0HxmxyKdxSfqs5NGbFlZ08A-wQMFpemhRm7_SkUfK6Xb5MYAUCZCs0T71Ec64-bfPVbKgudzsfyKJY0vZKnqk5S5nKcSdJAVt4l7D4/s400/12717953_10153318253926906_8941358693537824706_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting dark. In the distance Mt. Buller, our final climb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj94XacVsbhzotn6uTujxx664AycZ7XaUJnc9H2kGboUeDYInul03lMP1n92oqbokCGZodkRqD1Az6lYp1J5ks-0ykkfsFA4St0zq8vM96pa-LnR7_ygEvZQ4JplHdX3L5AF4lGFBmywg/s1600/12795339_10153318253971906_3725252573610463259_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj94XacVsbhzotn6uTujxx664AycZ7XaUJnc9H2kGboUeDYInul03lMP1n92oqbokCGZodkRqD1Az6lYp1J5ks-0ykkfsFA4St0zq8vM96pa-LnR7_ygEvZQ4JplHdX3L5AF4lGFBmywg/s400/12795339_10153318253971906_3725252573610463259_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning of the 16km Mt Buller climb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL9lWX_-eEg31USudPAXAsnKZ4BZjBBE1lOTyZxtwnYYa2a2llnGmqtcG1RbnJqDD57zmCgz-OEnwXAikgLzOv_NdvObRKWsqJ6Wg4WVxBIiN_EQdQR5L8UDp-pv5jZxoZpSKE8Mtmgg/s1600/12802842_10153318253866906_9114804997334868043_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL3opY7FrAfl82Yhp_jk1rPOeh1ttcD4LpBpRIB2HMuLGGTi7q6-cqLRytrxxCfHRkSOec6XJmakHkpTetJu3kuhXTAXyfsGMgfNFCYhIerVhSncCVa6GSY3B9dhpiRqxDivrTvSRoPo/s1600/dark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL3opY7FrAfl82Yhp_jk1rPOeh1ttcD4LpBpRIB2HMuLGGTi7q6-cqLRytrxxCfHRkSOec6XJmakHkpTetJu3kuhXTAXyfsGMgfNFCYhIerVhSncCVa6GSY3B9dhpiRqxDivrTvSRoPo/s400/dark.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is darkest of dark! You dont see absolutely anything when the light is off. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
* On the way down from Mt Terrible a lyrebird ran actually in between my wheels. That was luck to both me and the bird that we actually got out of it ok. <br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-60122512847123838252016-02-29T09:47:00.001-08:002016-06-08T23:16:02.229-07:00Tour of East Gippsland - Tough racing for GC win<!--[if !mso]>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tour of East Gippsland would be my first state-level race
after some 3 years. I had no idea how I would do. My thoughts about the race
ranged from “I-will-absolutely-smash-it” to “I-hope-I-don’t-get-dropped”
depending on training, mood and randomness of day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The tour consisted of 3 Stages in 2 days: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stage 1 (Sat morning): 8km TT</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stage 2 (Saturday afternoon): 72km Road Race </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stage 3 (Sunday morning): 54km Road Race</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So there was no messing around between the stages. It was a
full on weekend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stage 1</b>: So all
racers can smell blood (probably their own) and get some nice lactate boost in
their legs, we started the tour with a 8km Time Trial, 4km uphill, turn around and then 4km
uphill (ok, maybe it was more downhill but man, it felt like an uphill to me!) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Result</b>: I got
fourth, 35 seconds behind the leader. And I can clearly state the reason for
this slack: no TT bike (15 sec), no aero helmet (5 sec), no racing wheels (14.7
sec), no TT gloves (I am sure that counts for 300 milliseconds). (Please do not
quote me on the accuracy of the times as I might have pulled them out of my BS
box). But you get my point, I had a solid amount of excuses lined up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stage 2</b>: To stir
up the so-said lactate production from Stage 1 earlier that day, we were facing
some lumpy 72km road course. If I say lumpy, I am not talking about some
rollers you can push over but some never-ending minutes hills when hit right,
you might end on the top by yourself (your choice if dropped or ahead of the group).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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So off we went. The temperature and the terrain would
produce the perfect “cyclist-BBQ”- first getting beaten up by the hills and
then grilled to perfection so we will be fully smoked by the finish. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The race became interesting when two racers got away on that
aforementioned hill and I was not one of them. I chased them like hell and
guess what! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I caught on! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But by literally one second when a corner came and they
accelerated out of it. Well, I was already in acceleration mode and my engine
light was blinking wildly indicating momentarily explosion. In short: I
couldn’t keep up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Misery sunk in. Dammit! Scheisse!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I looked back. Three riders a few hundred meters behind me.
I waited.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Four of us worked together and chased the other two up and
down the hills in the heat. One of the lead girls got a flat so it was one girl
in visible distance to get. The chase would take another 30km.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had one more serious hill to climb before the finish and
10km to go. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of a sudden it hit me like a rock. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had a good shot in winning this stage! (It might have been
my delirious, exhausted melting self-confidence talking and apparently it was
not connected to my legs. Because my legs told me a different story. Something
like “Shit, another climb! How the hell are we getting over that one?”)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, we went up the climb together and as soon as it
flattened out I started pushing some big gears and got the German diesel going. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I looked in the shadow to see if anyone joined me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I saw the follow vehicle of the leader. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Passed follow vehicle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Passed leader.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then that time started where seconds feel like minutes
and minutes like hours. I was deep in the pain cave. Heart rate maxed out. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Would they catch me? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The follow vehicle pulled up: “35 seconds gap”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ok. That means I had a shot for General Classification (GC) if I keep that pace. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back into the pain cave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The kilometres didn’t pass. It seemed forever.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally the turn to the slight uphill finish stretch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I shifted in the small ring. Absolutely no legs left. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I made it! I couldn’t believe it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Result</b>: First
place and got the GC jersey. 1:19min lead over second place. Fully exhausted
but massively happy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stage 3:</b> If there
was something left in anyone’s legs, then that would be the perfect stage for
them. 54km of more undulating terrain. I knew this would be a very different
race for me than yesterday. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From offense to defence. I had to take on the role as a herd
dog. Whoever tried to run away, I had to chase. If not, I am a happy camper in
the herd.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although two got away, my GC was not threatened so I rolled
in with the peloton.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Result</b>: Bunch finish. But GC lead!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Result 2:</b> Since
this was the first VRS race of the season, I got the jersey as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy ending. Getting ready for Three Peaks Challenge in two weeks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPMWrI1FSTn53Q03BpnDRob44x7nAWPVp4HnbFEadhST9Bkbvc3IU9lH5ATqkjpW-u_D4VsDR6b8OZK3QcckYyqs49HOn4n9BWRKBXqbBgtwDQa101NZfDEdE-yiuCeMnzdThKkDUcx4/s1600/CcIVIVCUAAArUsn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPMWrI1FSTn53Q03BpnDRob44x7nAWPVp4HnbFEadhST9Bkbvc3IU9lH5ATqkjpW-u_D4VsDR6b8OZK3QcckYyqs49HOn4n9BWRKBXqbBgtwDQa101NZfDEdE-yiuCeMnzdThKkDUcx4/s400/CcIVIVCUAAArUsn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to roll. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqqvzScsjoY7Dhom0xdFIYoi4j-ikwUGaC5a3CW-hiP6lpWn4bDyRBd7evIHBj6I6HbAHaSlmw3EpjvJfK-gXJeQg3V4ACnEJ00bvyc-LTiIexAvYeFUBZo2ERMW6kH1bgUE1fDMM2dE/s1600/toegstage2finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqqvzScsjoY7Dhom0xdFIYoi4j-ikwUGaC5a3CW-hiP6lpWn4bDyRBd7evIHBj6I6HbAHaSlmw3EpjvJfK-gXJeQg3V4ACnEJ00bvyc-LTiIexAvYeFUBZo2ERMW6kH1bgUE1fDMM2dE/s400/toegstage2finish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solo finish Stage 2.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7QhWLWr2wJLOTRLiBb6L2X6E8p4WUrwRVWBYb5kCEfV_pqMHy9VOa5u70p0Ac3Yro7TdUfO2ybbveBAbJgCbrpozKnruQn631frbh2tAJjpBMILOiZnHv-_soB2QTXbp6bg2w9sEWI8/s1600/CcMrHnyVAAAyEkj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7QhWLWr2wJLOTRLiBb6L2X6E8p4WUrwRVWBYb5kCEfV_pqMHy9VOa5u70p0Ac3Yro7TdUfO2ybbveBAbJgCbrpozKnruQn631frbh2tAJjpBMILOiZnHv-_soB2QTXbp6bg2w9sEWI8/s400/CcMrHnyVAAAyEkj.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the second Stage. I was cooked.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeuPzvs1D5eCPdtS7MJ8yEuEvw2m-9owhJf1oanwsz-nBs4j7fCaYpLFQo9IDMNv321RwNsKHNM1J_Ot4EKL-wRndBbRoJx6amjkdFbgQTiWooQaZ3WjHq6aSpXOxTQSh5bqcC-y2hEM/s1600/TOEG2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeuPzvs1D5eCPdtS7MJ8yEuEvw2m-9owhJf1oanwsz-nBs4j7fCaYpLFQo9IDMNv321RwNsKHNM1J_Ot4EKL-wRndBbRoJx6amjkdFbgQTiWooQaZ3WjHq6aSpXOxTQSh5bqcC-y2hEM/s400/TOEG2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was in the chase with these girls. They are strong as hell! It was a lot of fun racing with you, Nicky and Anna!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECjPtJTkCqusHOFmHbZGwwH8YeSSv5enoefNmgMoz6PqZ5fZWqG8oDcil72sTUshBto9GcPs3gUvLrESWHwVJnbRZeJ1gDluZC7HNnNHqkVUx3rNsAMTSyFT27BX07pJOii8D_XV87IE/s1600/CcNkhXgUEAA_o-_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECjPtJTkCqusHOFmHbZGwwH8YeSSv5enoefNmgMoz6PqZ5fZWqG8oDcil72sTUshBto9GcPs3gUvLrESWHwVJnbRZeJ1gDluZC7HNnNHqkVUx3rNsAMTSyFT27BX07pJOii8D_XV87IE/s400/CcNkhXgUEAA_o-_.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GC leader after Stage 2.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1rEULDOPjWiOKa5k07nd3JwyKLyL5bq4M_uC-cY3C_iLC1MYQciwTvznH_U1YElFUJ-v3nWgW1yYytE4E_jp-Lh3NbT_gJ9yOGGTuqLONupDKm-RjoQcSADj21YZR-xANIj-TRRwdXk/s640/CcQ0O8IUMAEh0Db.jpg+large.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Podium picture after the Tour. Great job, Nicky and Veronica!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jklqEUB9RL6sXO1wHtZl7TCqzo4NMn3nbWa5mavzNk-14Sdv5Yb0JFEl-lQuaiijyY5H8xvfCakNE4FXR8U_1XJ4c7N7PmPIw__QPkW1mBWUXn-Q4dWjvqq6MAyg6GOmwJxhRCuNekE/s1600/CcSTs4SUEAIxP5i.jpg+large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jklqEUB9RL6sXO1wHtZl7TCqzo4NMn3nbWa5mavzNk-14Sdv5Yb0JFEl-lQuaiijyY5H8xvfCakNE4FXR8U_1XJ4c7N7PmPIw__QPkW1mBWUXn-Q4dWjvqq6MAyg6GOmwJxhRCuNekE/s400/CcSTs4SUEAIxP5i.jpg+large.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great surprise to me, I received the Victorian Road Race Series leaders jersey as well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-25134463185914140952016-01-28T00:11:00.001-08:002016-06-08T23:16:02.218-07:00Cycling in Australia – Animals that either kill you or make you stronger<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Australia is full of
exotic animals, especially when you are from Germany where the fauna’s
fascination stops short of encountering a deer or a daddy longlegs (German:Weberknecht). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Having lived nearly a
year in Australia, I had the (mis)fortune to meet some of its inhabitants. Let me
introduce you to a few of them. It is always good to know by what one gets
killed:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Kangaroo</b></u> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Every time
I see a kangaroo hopping at the side of the road I get into staring,
photo-taking tourist mode….</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">”Look, look there is
a kangaroo. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do you see it? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Did you see it? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Oh my god, it is
hopping next to us. Awesome (Monikanouncian is: Ooooohsome). “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What I keep
forgetting is that my fellow riders, usually Australians, have already seen one
or two or thousands in their lives. Tough to get much excitement out of them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kangaroos behave like mega-bunnies. They cant make up their mind where they
jump and all of a sudden they land in front of you. Can you guess where I am
going with this?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzNbnS5oshfsTBI43hBGrBV4hb-3td2NfCIp7O79-P_AKx_1lpreJLR1cTYErz-iYvAiRXFxOSGQnyhYguAOUvvwkCswvBIY4pQOzkAlLwQWfN5O5B7qmw9vX78IiZCf7ClWBnmMt0rY/s1600/kangabunny.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzNbnS5oshfsTBI43hBGrBV4hb-3td2NfCIp7O79-P_AKx_1lpreJLR1cTYErz-iYvAiRXFxOSGQnyhYguAOUvvwkCswvBIY4pQOzkAlLwQWfN5O5B7qmw9vX78IiZCf7ClWBnmMt0rY/s320/kangabunny.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just like a mega bunny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Snakes</b></u> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The most
deadly snakes call Australia their home. So if I see a snake, I would not be
exactly indifferent about its presence. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Well, surely enough, I was riding with
a few mates (yeah yeah turning into an Aussie already) through the lovely
Australian gravel country side when my riding buddies in front of me
circumvented a seeming stick on the road. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I was a confused. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why don’t they just
hop that sucker? Even I could do that (and if you have ever ridden mountain
bikes with me, you know what I am talking about)! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">They were calling
something in slurry Oz. Unconcerned and ignorant of the situation I was rocking
up to this stick ready to bunny hop. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lightning struck. I knew now exactly what
was going on. Snake! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If the same situation
happened in Germany, everyone would get of their bike, take their phones out
and determine what snake it is. Australians are a little bit more laid back.
“Ah, just a brown snake” I was told. After some thorough research on most
venomous snakes, I learned that it is ranked as number 2. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b>Huntsman</b> </span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I know
this might be a stretch as “need to know” cycling knowledge but if you don’t
know about this animal and see it the first time you wish you had already
written your will. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I had the misfortune to encounter it at 2am on my way to
the bathroom. I peed my pants. The bathroom was not required anymore. Compared to the huntsman, a
daddy longlegs seems a joke made by nature. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Flies </b></u> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You must
be now thinking…Monika…seriously? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Well, let me tell you, the Australian flies
are different. Seriously! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I made the first real encounter while out-of-shaply
grinding up a monstrosity of mountain, one fly after the other felt like
joining me and climbed in my ears, nostrils and eyes. Waving in front of my
face encouraged the flies to do it again, just a bit more annoying. Well, after
an eternity of annoyance and wild waving, I made the mistake of stopping. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pooofff, an entire fly colony with its neighbors made picnic on me. After that, I
was literally flying to the top of the mountain. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Magpies </b></u> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Well,
comparing flies with Magpies, I am not sure what is more challenging – the
constant tickle in your eyes, ears and nose or the occasional smack to the
head? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Welcome to Magpie land. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If it doesn’t kill you on the ground, don’t
worry, Australia got the air covered as well. During Magpie season, October and
November, these birds attack you from the back and smack you in the head if they think you
deserve the full treatment. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The bird’s exceptional business idea resulted even in
an app where you can locate the most active Magpies. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If you are a fan of
fartlek training, the Magpie is your secret training partner.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Koalas</b></u> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">So I have
been living in Australia now for almost a year and still haven’t seen a koala. I start
to think that this is a myth to have a cute little fluff ball in Australia’s
killer animal kingdom. On top of it, it is high all the time – someone must
have been stoned while inventing this creature.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Discovering
Australia’s fauna is a work in progress and I am sure I forgot some crucial
animals. And I have this odd feeling, that I will discover them rather sooner
than later.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Although I am not
quite sure about this deadly animal business, there is one thing I am sure about: there
is not much left that could unsettle the Australian human species. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></span></div>
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<![endif]-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-27810941108859506522016-01-18T21:51:00.001-08:002016-06-08T23:16:02.221-07:00You never wanted a spoon that bad - Cycling in Port FairyEveryone knows a movie from the "old days" played in a small town where everyone knows each other. Cars are honking to greet each other, the latest gossip is caught up at one of the busy town cafes and phones are not necessary because you see each other every day anyway. Adding a strong cycling community with a famous local club race that convenes in a community hall to announce new racers or famous returning locals before every race and you think I am dreaming.<br />
<br />
Well, maybe there is a reason for the town name but I felt like in a fairy tale when I had a chance to visit Port Fairy. This "old days" mentality is vividly ingrained in the 3000ish soul town with gorgeous beaches, beautiful architectural town structure and welcoming and community oriented people.<br />
<br />
I, myself, had the fortune to meet one of the most active couples in the Port Fairian community: Jenny and Jeff. If they did not work on maintaining the cycling rail trail, they are leading a group ride for their fellow Port Farians or help kids new to cycling with their first ride.<br />
<br />
A word about cycling in the Port Fairy region:<br />
<br />
Although I havent quite recalled a Swiss climb in this region (the steepest and most vicious climb is getting out of a crater which is an experience in itself), cycling is not all fairy-talish. The wide open region (which reminds me very much of the American Midwest) gives the wind full access through the countryside like a leaf blower. A good workout is guaranteed!<br />
<br />
And yes, there is a crater in the region filled with wild animals....basically anything that could knock you off your bike. But as an European, it is quite entertaining if a mega-duck...oh wait....an emu is running across the street.<br />
<br />
And there is this infamous spoon race....<br />
<br />
The local bike race called the spoon race substantiates this extraordinary community. All racers meet in a community hall before the race. The race promoter mentions every racer by its name and introduces newbies and welcomes returning local heroes. After the ceremonial introduction, the race starts casually in waves according to strengths of the racers. But dont underestimate the importance of this event as the winner receives one of the most highly sought spoons in town. Some people have been racing for years and still eat their soup with a fork.<br />
<br />
Oh and just a word of caution, you may or may not get lost if you dont know the course. Let's say I speak from experience. This might be the secret way of the locals to gain advantage so the spoons never leave the town. :)<br />
<br />
Port Fairy has kept its small town character despite its attraction to tourists. If you seek a weekend escape from Melbournian's hustle and bustle, Port Fairy is the place to be.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0Port Fairy VIC 3284, Australia-38.3841733 142.2369225-38.5834883 141.914199 -38.1848583 142.559646tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-13132888382518979242015-12-29T17:02:00.000-08:002016-06-08T23:16:02.209-07:00Climbing out of the unfit spiral with The Hurt Box<div class="MsoNormal">
Warning: You might want to jump on your bike after reading
this article. Please take appropriate measurements if required.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Can you imagine waking up at 4:45am in the morning,
excitedly jumping out of the bed, almost taking your ceiling lamp out, singing
with your radio and rocking up to the ride location ready for a tough ride?<o:p></o:p></div>
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No?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, I wasn’t either until I met Dave, Harry and Lisa, the
coaching gang from The Hurt Box (THB). And yes, they chose their company name
with intention.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On my first ride with THB five weeks ago, I had a true fitness
reality check. I knew I was not in shape. But I was not only “not in shape”, I
was even beyond the “out of shape” classification. </div>
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I wasn’t sure what had a
deeper dent, my legs or my ego. But I immediately knew, I arrived at the right
address. Lisa, our female coach and National Track Champion, reassured me, if I
follow the program, I will become fit and conditioned. There is no other way. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A promise too good to be true? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, I would know soon enough.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The training program is based on power and heartrate. As a
sworn-in “no-number” cyclist, I was hesitant at first. So I chatted with Harry,
the mastermind of Ridermetrics, a free available training software he
programmed himself. Just to spell this out, there is a coach at THB, who
thought all the current popular training software programs are not good enough
so he built his own! I call this 100% dedication going all the way. And just
for good measure, he improved the algorithms as there are error calculations in
the most popular training software. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, it didn’t take long and the power meter and a heart rate
monitor was ordered. However, it’s one thing to collect data, but a totally
different thing to analyse them and even more importantly to train accordingly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dave aka Steggles, THB coach, elite racer and an icon in Melbourne’s cycling
scene, is the key to transform the data into a training plan. Plus, not only
does he write the program, he does the training with you. Three times a week,
he personally ensures we are in the hurt box (sorry, couldn’t help it). </div>
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<br /></div>
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But by
no means does this mean we are digging deep the entire time, quite the
opposite. Surprisingly, we are riding a lot of steady pace. As of rather
sociable nature, it is a fantastic time to meet my fellow Hurt Boxers. They are
quite a bunch, I tell’ya!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Although every THB rider has a different goal why they train
– World Champs or for the local crit - there is one thing everyone has in common - they know
how to have a good time on the bike – especially when a German tries to use
American slang in Australia! This multicultural combination was asking for
awkward misunderstandings. Let’s say this, not all American cycling terms are
appropriate to use in Australian lingo, especially when juniors are around. I
learned that the “did-she-really-just-say-that?” way! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But back to the “you will get fit, there is no other way” promise,
my initial data aversion and off-the-map-out-of-shapeness: </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like in a cheesy
movie, everything is having an amazing turn to the better. There is this
indescribable connection with my bike returning– it is hard to describe but
those who got back into shape from a miserable unfit state know this awesome
feeling. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I know this might sound over the top, but I couldn’t ask for
a better Christmas present than being part of The Hurt Box. If you ever have
been in that deep hole of unfitness, weight gain and lack of motivation, it is
tough to get yourself out of there. THB was the key to get me back on track. Being
motivated in the darkest hour to get up and excited to ride my bike while
getting truly fit again is an awesome feeling. For those who have been there,
they know exactly what I mean. </div>
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And the journey is just starting…</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4fqexmzRkO89jnkxg_LnLLZBTC8iQo1gmOfUTz2tjUdeVfX4QQ-xL9gkouJauzQMRLL6uZ6-Ue_YFw4iugX2kbtK4eSIuCMcQjIHIgBlDZhZ5obHcR3Bw_rNV42Cfg6YKNDekM-YY3o/s1600/IMG_3399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4fqexmzRkO89jnkxg_LnLLZBTC8iQo1gmOfUTz2tjUdeVfX4QQ-xL9gkouJauzQMRLL6uZ6-Ue_YFw4iugX2kbtK4eSIuCMcQjIHIgBlDZhZ5obHcR3Bw_rNV42Cfg6YKNDekM-YY3o/s320/IMG_3399.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to the ocean on the way up Arthur's Seat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj102qJhY9mH9IZfIOl_19D2e3btE0F9TFxyV-1ErttPRL0rS8ZC7pTWT8XYXm1xUfumacriXjnQw7BwI4q-1coxkMiGnIyIM3hDPe41tkTD5bJTD1fs535yaPrG_YwH1ABd1KuKhzkM2o/s1600/IMG_3402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj102qJhY9mH9IZfIOl_19D2e3btE0F9TFxyV-1ErttPRL0rS8ZC7pTWT8XYXm1xUfumacriXjnQw7BwI4q-1coxkMiGnIyIM3hDPe41tkTD5bJTD1fs535yaPrG_YwH1ABd1KuKhzkM2o/s320/IMG_3402.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That was steep! Pictures never really show it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XfBgmmhKAXYvk9tpWM6AZPTXSrX_nj-_cruL4pndzwNTpZieG2xqc1f09WUP383NPTAl9nM3vK1sOrzSmi0w4_qRiTsWLBgo9KHlGoTWztMj6BK9Pk4IhJVZKzHfEU3_kFztztHVKnQ/s1600/IMG_3405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XfBgmmhKAXYvk9tpWM6AZPTXSrX_nj-_cruL4pndzwNTpZieG2xqc1f09WUP383NPTAl9nM3vK1sOrzSmi0w4_qRiTsWLBgo9KHlGoTWztMj6BK9Pk4IhJVZKzHfEU3_kFztztHVKnQ/s320/IMG_3405.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep. Me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3z3x4gjQTpMLqNS_pDvYQbpkkVeXozce1q4swUravBGxI6PHt6U9ZJ8FryBVHfQ3Cy_G2abz-TClpDU0qsy-BZHn8jQZf7EXGtqclXwRqlLFqr_SwVmkXL1scNMchzlUXv3V9cAaia4/s1600/IMG_3411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3z3x4gjQTpMLqNS_pDvYQbpkkVeXozce1q4swUravBGxI6PHt6U9ZJ8FryBVHfQ3Cy_G2abz-TClpDU0qsy-BZHn8jQZf7EXGtqclXwRqlLFqr_SwVmkXL1scNMchzlUXv3V9cAaia4/s320/IMG_3411.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slowly but surely riding up Arthur's Seat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOF-8vmiG10fEN0H0mROmZM2h7iEqTtXzAqtw4iPFmsXebm5cBmeKSrDpNISZt_edZz2qo547R5NiiCsHkYxXBeJLsj1Sg5rO3uGJ5bw5-fJ1LXXyHSwBJiOCK2EZEtVMS78GLce0fEa0/s1600/IMG_3421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOF-8vmiG10fEN0H0mROmZM2h7iEqTtXzAqtw4iPFmsXebm5cBmeKSrDpNISZt_edZz2qo547R5NiiCsHkYxXBeJLsj1Sg5rO3uGJ5bw5-fJ1LXXyHSwBJiOCK2EZEtVMS78GLce0fEa0/s320/IMG_3421.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding through a gorgeous countryside.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-22134146737412394442015-09-20T15:33:00.001-07:002016-06-08T23:16:51.396-07:00Tour de Timor – the race where you gain more by getting less<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Tour de Timor is a five day Mountain bike stage race in East
Timor, one of the poorest countries in the world. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Although the race itself is a true challenge, don’t sign up
based on the race itself. You get a lot more (or less, depending how you look at
it) than that:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The race</b></div>
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The race entails five stages totalling 395km and 8200m of
climbing. The surface ranges from smooth pavement to crater deep potholes to
gravel to throw-you-of-your-bike rocky terrain to deep sandpits. But even as
the most untalented mountain biker, I myself could handle the terrain. Although
the race course is challenging, other factors make this an epic experience:</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dont get fooled, this was one of the smoothest roads we road on.</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was no lack of climbs</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Accommodation</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Camping of some sort was the theme for most stages. But don’t
imagine a nice quiet camping area with a BBQ grill. Camping is done in or out
of basic building blocks with livestock casually passing by. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>With the regular bark or <span class="st">cock-a-doodle-doo
during night time, you were ensured that breakfast and lunch have not gone
missing yet. </span></div>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJCEmmkmZV9iYthTtGZjCGLs5r07GjwgGC6TH_BWP_pPTr1vCidkBQJiTc30a5bpJ41kW9gZHtFC-HMnaBuTN3kaNFaaZsYYPcRPKg2JKTQtRVN3Yw5anDkYMJzTb1eMSppkJoojPkoc/s1600/tdt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJCEmmkmZV9iYthTtGZjCGLs5r07GjwgGC6TH_BWP_pPTr1vCidkBQJiTc30a5bpJ41kW9gZHtFC-HMnaBuTN3kaNFaaZsYYPcRPKg2JKTQtRVN3Yw5anDkYMJzTb1eMSppkJoojPkoc/s640/tdt2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the background was our accommodation. Everyone is getting ready for the next stage.</td></tr>
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<br />
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<b><span class="st">Cleaning facilities</span></b></div>
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<span class="st">The Timorese wash tradition entails a scoop and
a bucket full of water. Throw the water with the scoop over your head and you
got your shower. The water quality ranged from see-thru liquid to microbiological
aquariums. For the most part, the dirt on my body outweighed the dirt in the
water bucket. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span class="st">Food</span></b></div>
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<span class="st">If you are gluten-free, lactose intolerant,
wheat allergic and paleo, you are in luck, because Tour de Timor provides
almost for every type of diet. Having rice and meat served every day all day,
you can be ensured that you will not accidentally get milk, wheat or any other
Western intolerances from this diet. Just don’t mind the occasional diarrhoea
or stomach cramp.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span class="st">Spectators</span></b></div>
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<span class="st">If you are looking for big crowds cheering
you on, you came to the right place. Children of all age will never leave you
wondering if you took the wrong way. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spectators everywhere, not just at the finish line.</td></tr>
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<span class="st"> </span><b><span class="st">Racers</span></b></div>
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<span class="st">The best of all were the fellow riders though.
As you might be able to read through the sarcasm in the previous lines, we went
through a lot of ups and downs. Sharing the glory, the pain, the suffering,
fatigue and the joy of accomplishment with this great group of people made this
experience very special. We grew together as a group, got to know each other’s
habits, food schedule, blisters, and other pains (I spare the details but the
other riders know what I am talking about). </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="st">Tour de Timor is not just a
mountain bike race – it is an experience of a very poor country and what comes
with it – lack of clean water, cleaning facilities, variety of food and sleep
quality add to the strain of body and mind on top of the race itself. By getting
pushed out of my comfort zone on so many levels, I gained so much more out of
this experience than just fitness. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="st">I want to thank the fellow riders, the med team
and the fantastic support team for sharing this incredible experience with me!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">Many thanks to River City Cycle for providing me with an awesome Salsa El Mariachi for this race.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com2Díli, Timor-Leste-8.5568557 125.56031430000007-8.6824712 125.39895280000007 -8.4312402 125.72167580000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-24493529911050461262015-09-02T03:28:00.002-07:002016-06-08T23:16:51.399-07:00The start into an exciting ultra-endurance season: 700km in 36 hours in Mallee, Victoria<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am back to where I belong!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a four month flirt with triathlon (this might deserve
its own blog post at some point), I am back to ultra-endurance racing. With
plenty of space in Australia, there is no shortage of long rides!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To test my current endurance I decided to do the Audax 600km
Mallee ride and 5 days beforehand I signed up. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My preparation? Well….does a
200km ride two weeks prior count, my longest ride in a year? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I decided to let the problems come as they occur.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good thing when you haven’t done
such a long ride in a while (this would be my longest ever), is that you forgot
what you need. I was assured I would remember very quickly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A dinner with all the riders took place the evening before
the ride. It was a humorous and chatty group ranging in age between 29 and 65. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Topics
were: Why should I get a recumbent bike, how long do Magpies charge at you, and
watch out for kangaroos hopping out in front of your wheel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also met the 29 year old Joel whose plan was to set a
record. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was intrigued.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His plan was riding 1000km with a 30km/h average. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
30km/h? That sounds reasonable if I sit on his wheel, I
thought. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey Joel, do you mind if someone is sitting on your wheel?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No Monika, having company would be great!” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What distance are you doing again?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“1000km.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“One thousand kilometres, ….that is a lot….”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a let’s-think-about-this-for-a-second moment, I changed
my registration from a 600km to a 1000km ride. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I had 12 hours (and dont mind the time to sleep in there) to figure out food, riding
route, water and everything else I don’t remember that I would need to get ready for. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It never
really sunk in what I just did – just casually adding another 400km to the
ride.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My new plan…oh wait, I didn’t even have a plan before….so I
guess now I got a plan which is stick with Joel as long as I can.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The morning off, Joel and I were off for the first of three
loops. (All three loops ended at Hopetoun, the epicentre of homemade apple
crisp with vanilla custard, lasagne and a warm oven.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first loop consisted of 360km. We hit the first 180km
spot on, even a tad high averaging 32kmh. But then, we were facing 100, let me
spell that out…one hundred kilometres of headwind! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Joel was determined to keep up the pace. Even in the
backseat I felt the pain of the headwind. It was quite exhausting. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a 14
hours round trip, we made it back to Hopetoun at 8pm. I was considering my next
move over the last hours and I decided I want to get going as soon as possible;
otherwise I wouldn’t get going at all. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My legs were fried. The food too delicious. The oven nice
and warm. So an extended stay at home base would be detrimental to the ride. I
booked a hotel 100km up the road and planned on staying there the most crucial
time during the night from 12am to 4am. Joel’s plan was to sleep now and get going at midnight.
So we split.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I was alone on the roads of rural Victoria. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was
quiet. Semi-dark, we had full moon. An occasional car passing. Nothingness.
Very relaxing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Except a few unnerving things like a dead bike computer, 10%
phone battery and some gunshot noises that kept me on edge. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lets say, I wasn’t
really enjoying the stars too much, instead I was constantly surveying my
surroundings for deadly animals and everything else that could stand between me
and the nice warm bed in the hotel up the road.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At 2am, after 460km and 20 hours of riding, I arrived at the
hotel in Dimboola and I was sleep before hitting the pillow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a solid three hours sleep or rather nap, I was back on
the road. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first two hours were rough. I couldn’t clip into my pedals,
I couldn’t reach for my gels in my pocket, it was too dark, too cold, too
windy, and everything else that would annoy me because I was not lying in a cosy,
warm bed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But eventually, I faced realty and got settling into riding
again. But there was one thing I totally missed. I forgot to eat breakfast!!!!
Now I was out of food and starving. I had another 10km to go to the next town.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No way that I would leave the next town without food.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Minyip, the next town had two cafes, one shut-down hotel and
gas station, one supermarket and one bank. I know this so well, because I rode this
very strip of road 20 times up and down to find something open at 8am on a
Sunday morning. Wishful thinking! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally I came across another living creature. At 9am the
supermarket opens, he said. I pondered whether to waste an hour on waiting or keep
going and start bonking. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I waited. Apparently, the supermarket is the biggest attraction on a
Sunday morning at 9am because half of the town was in front of it eagerly
awaiting its opening. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After some curb-side-sandwich-assembly action I was off to
the next town, 40km to go with a solid headwind. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While cruising along from town
to town, I was able to take in fully my surroundings. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rural Victoria was a concoction of Iowa, Manitoba and
Cyprus. Take the fields of Iowa, mix it with the pancake flatness of Canada’s
Manitoba, throw some Cypriot flora in it and replace the Midwestern wild dogs
with Magpies, and you got a pretty good picture of rural Victoria.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now a word about those Magpies. I never looked out for birds so
much in my life until now. Those birds are attacking cyclists if you are in
their territory. Attacking meaning they are swooping from behind to either just
stop short of your helmet or they actually hitting your helmet. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOOmeQUN6l6yEU_frGyaCcuXo7bfkVJX2ykSGhsvbxAzcrOVCax8g6Qj8pdpNVtQ0lPQ84kUgz8oNvsdQ4R8Tm65AsSlPgCtKOLel9P_gW2eYhxoXpaTtQCg6b0setXu8Swxh_7d2Mgo/s1600/404276-when-magpies-attack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOOmeQUN6l6yEU_frGyaCcuXo7bfkVJX2ykSGhsvbxAzcrOVCax8g6Qj8pdpNVtQ0lPQ84kUgz8oNvsdQ4R8Tm65AsSlPgCtKOLel9P_gW2eYhxoXpaTtQCg6b0setXu8Swxh_7d2Mgo/s320/404276-when-magpies-attack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The territory,
so I learned, was 200m long. They will charge at you when you are in and leave
you alone once you crossed that invisible border.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In short, it is basically a interval game
where you have to sprint for a maximum of 200m and the Magpies decide when to
sprint. I didn’t like the game but I played it about 20 times during my ride.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So the day went on with the second loop of 340km came to an
end. The last 5km became a solid sprint effort as an entire Magpie community
charged at me one kilometre after the other. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After 700km and 36 hours of riding, it was the end of my
ride due to time constraints and physiological reasons. I was ok with it as I
rode 100km more than originally planned. It was a fantastic season starter for plenty of
ultra-endurance events to come. I cant wait for the next one!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a great organized event thanks to Simon Watt and his crew
who made this possible! Next up is Tour de Timor in two weeks – a 5 day
Mountain bike stage race. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-45657442112907108092015-06-26T00:27:00.004-07:002016-06-08T23:16:51.401-07:00Open Water Swim and a missed shark attack....I think.Every place has some culture-specific toughness...<br />
<br />
In Minnesota, cyclists were their entire closet plus a snowboard mask to ride their fat bikes around the frozen lakes in -20 degrees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3vppijIjVQy07onrkzeTpqv2PzuAGoAn-oPAjRc__zZdAjcz1kO1-tjx0lfISUQbAoEKGQhGfJ8G2K2qCihZ_pLw5om9R3tEEzQ8opnlxMSVIYJLTF5fldx89lYt6AXaIRSwQsESRDM/s1600/Outdoors-fat-bike-1-4c-300x198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3vppijIjVQy07onrkzeTpqv2PzuAGoAn-oPAjRc__zZdAjcz1kO1-tjx0lfISUQbAoEKGQhGfJ8G2K2qCihZ_pLw5om9R3tEEzQ8opnlxMSVIYJLTF5fldx89lYt6AXaIRSwQsESRDM/s400/Outdoors-fat-bike-1-4c-300x198.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In Europe, you casually ride few mountain passes in a day and just like that, you got 7000m of elevation in your pedals.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSc-0PopbwcPPsK5jOapj9_GsfySBsJo8tb2uDgbyhv4eHn_Mke2EIkXw13W-E0ebhgmVY23smy9mZ6kERN4p3rbtkog-4vC62UX67_QnQA0UiKSSGOlp4uwNwVetVBllp3rbq1_N2ew/s1600/colde-turini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSc-0PopbwcPPsK5jOapj9_GsfySBsJo8tb2uDgbyhv4eHn_Mke2EIkXw13W-E0ebhgmVY23smy9mZ6kERN4p3rbtkog-4vC62UX67_QnQA0UiKSSGOlp4uwNwVetVBllp3rbq1_N2ew/s400/colde-turini.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Col De Turini, France<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Last Sunday, I found it in Melbourne. I knew that the Aussie are quite water-affine but wanting to swim in 10.5 degree water temperature in the ocean in the dark???? Isnt that a bit over the top?<br />
<br />
Who worries about the sharks, deadly jellyfishes and all the other sudden-death-inducing monsters in the deep dark? Do I have to worry for everyone?<br />
<br />
In any case, I had to sign up for this madness.<br />
<br />
Three friends joined this event and the debate became not so much whether we are doing this 1km in freezing cold water. Nope. The 100% toughness score would be only awarded to the real-deal swimmers - the ones without wetsuit.<br />
<br />
I was out. I joined the sissy category.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsOSivN2mrSuzshZCo1Hvhb4dqNYKcxoOkndaEvpWDJtlR8YG7zb1UgU2enDXnXRudDlVsUMC1FDo7ewqCExP6-Je-jw6-QFN0qoC-op7H-a3PezKgNA4h-dxtMkqCwE4FYIzpkHI74U/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsOSivN2mrSuzshZCo1Hvhb4dqNYKcxoOkndaEvpWDJtlR8YG7zb1UgU2enDXnXRudDlVsUMC1FDo7ewqCExP6-Je-jw6-QFN0qoC-op7H-a3PezKgNA4h-dxtMkqCwE4FYIzpkHI74U/s640/unnamed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please dont get fooled by the relaxed posture of these men and women. It was COLD! I had happily worn everything from picture above.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, the event started. Swimmers headed out to the first cone. I was still trying to assess chances getting bit, eaten, devoured by anything around me. I decided the meat around me would keep me safe for a while.<br />
<br />
But another problem emerged. Although I have an entire two months of 25m-calm-heated-pool training in me, I could not really apply all learned to this choppy, dark, salty water without any tile-like bearing points five meters under me. It made me uneasy.<br />
<br />
After a this-is-real-shit adjustment phase and a few comforting breast strokes, I decided to give this whole freestyle stroke a go.<br />
<br />
Head in the water. After about 2 seconds and a heavy load of hyperventilated salt intake I decided breast stroke would do the trick.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6v32ZK919g33iwQUFjFPj4fHESYtMjnKy1tMztW8VLqo6stikfuX6-rjLwdOje1ZNwhXm1vXaaBCtirK_pCEF-t5qjIaxAeXQYiH0yV7iOrcr9n8cV7kat7eymhKWKH6xJaKCayhxWw/s1600/unnamed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6v32ZK919g33iwQUFjFPj4fHESYtMjnKy1tMztW8VLqo6stikfuX6-rjLwdOje1ZNwhXm1vXaaBCtirK_pCEF-t5qjIaxAeXQYiH0yV7iOrcr9n8cV7kat7eymhKWKH6xJaKCayhxWw/s640/unnamed2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way back to the awaiting crowd of worriers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Apparently, breast stroke was seen as an emergency way of moving forward because in no-time I had a rescue kayaker on my side. And no one in sight! The sharks wouldnt eat that quickly, would they?<br />
<br />
I dabbled with my grandmother breaststroke along the ocean. Where had I to go? The kayaker told me to target the blinking lights in the distance. But he didnt tell me which of the thousand ones he meant. Thanks to my fogged up goggles the number of blinking lights was limited.<br />
<br />
The time passed. I think.<br />
And eventually I felt the ground under my feet.<br />
<br />
Fazit: Great event. A lot of stuff blinks from the ocean. Sharks do not like me. Wetsuit was a damn good idea!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-58573715082020976802015-06-09T15:33:00.000-07:002016-06-08T23:16:02.226-07:00Getting close to the Aussie trademark - the kangaroos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I dont know why but I am very intrigued by these funny looking and moving animals - the kangaroos.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
During training camp I had a chance to get close to them:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zVhRcQ9bfIo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zVhRcQ9bfIo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-29381692398598417572015-05-27T03:04:00.002-07:002015-05-27T03:04:55.756-07:00Mrs. Cycling and Mr. Suffer - A love-hate relationshipMost people can relate with being, or at least feeling, out of shape. Prime time is just after the winter when all seemingly hibernating cyclists start riding outdoors again. Although another two months before the start of racing season it is already time to assess the damage that had been done over the winter months - how much weight did I gain? Will I be slower than the people I dropped last season? How much has my suffer tolerance decreased?....A lot of questions and concerns about being-out-of-shape after only a few months.<br />
<br />
Now imagine that had been nine months or even longer. Unthinkable! Every injured and work-victimized cyclist can relate.<br />
Being out of shape is painful on so many levels. But the most painful part is when you realize how much you are truly out of shape.<br />
With my move to Australia I got the damage report personally delivered on ride day one: 120km with one 6km climb.<br />
<br />
120km with a 6km climb? Cant be too serious. I did plenty tougher rides than that.<br />
<br />
The start of the ride was easy. I was sitting in the front chatting and was thinking that this is way too easy. Where is the training effect? This was 20km into the ride.<br />
My new riding buddies might have thought the same. The pace increased. And increased. And increased.<br />
At the next stop, I leaned over my handlebars, barely keeping myself upright and looking for a bus stop. No public transportation, dammit! This was km 40. I was done. Exhausted. Empty.<br />
<br />
Another 80km to go and we did not even climb yet! I looked around, everyone was chatting and joking. They must be faking it. The last 20km were tough!!!!! I needed reassurance so I asked my seemingly faking compatriots several times in different ways if they thought it was hard too. The statement that matched closest with my expectations was: " Yeah, we did turn on the gas a bit." Here you go! Of course, they felt it too. I knew it!<br />
<br />
But my renewed confidence in my riding abilities completely disintegrated a few minutes down the road when we hit the climb. And this time the signs were more than clear: If I dont find a new set of legs along the road, this would be a long, detailed and unnecessarily in-my-face out-of-shape report.<br />
<br />
With my mindset in the past and my legs in the very present, there was some sort of body-mind mismatch. <br />
<br />
An eternity later I was on top of the climb. I was so far behind my riding buddies that Strava doesnt think we were on the same ride.<br />
<br />
<br />
While my riding buddies picked up the rest of my legs and pushed me along and encouraged me with words like, "you are doing so well, it is a tough ride", I started cursing in my head in German (nine months in Switzerland do that to you. Swearing in German sounds more genuine anyway than in English).<br />
<br />
I stated on several occasions I am out of shape. They nodded. To ensure that they did not forget, I reminded them in five minute intervals.<br />
<br />
That was two months ago. <br />
<br />
Today was the first test of my getting-into-shape phase: I raced my first road race in Australia.<br />
<br />
It was awesome and it showed me once again how worth this love-hate relationship between suffering and cycling is. The adrenaline of racing, the endorphins post-race, the energizing atmosphere and the people make this getting-into-shape phase so rewarding! Cant wait for more!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-19478916814046693152015-04-06T15:01:00.002-07:002015-04-06T15:01:27.449-07:00Back from a nine-month hibernation - New racing goals in AustraliaAhhhh pooooof! Sorry, I had to blow off all the dust from this blog.<br />
<br />
Time to write again as there is excitement on the training and racing front!<br />
<br />
But back to the beginning....<br />
<br />
As it might be difficult to follow my whereabouts:<br />
<br />
Hello from Melbourne, Australia! <br />
<br />
...oh wait.... <br />
<br />
G`day, <span class="st">Ow ya goin mate!</span><br />
<br />
I hit ground three weeks ago. Last year when I visited Brisbane I knew that Australia is a fantastic place to work, race and breathe. I just had to make a long nine-months stopover in Switzerland. But now I am back and not planning on leaving again.<br />
<br />
Melbourne is just amazing. Friendly, welcoming people. Huge cycling scene. Fantastic coffee....what else is there left to enjoy life? <br />
<br />
Inspired by the sports-fanatic Aussie culture, I also did my first criterium after an eternity. Despite the long time-out I was quickly reminded how painful those are!<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">With so many motivating groups to train with, my racing calender filled up quickly. After a nine months racing hibernation, I am excited to get back into shape and focus on new racing goals. </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJncLBdVUYvF9MZW3y5sxWLtfU773PMvNTaIxAuUfxNu7odHQ5UnSpRkyAFxkay34Eqrg6Lp8NExbbQ12DUwTCgcM0AYnTHsqWBRZ4rzOcPhaYYasaMOFZqhcbL3OlZQvn0ORQ9UEbahM/s1600/20150406_103730%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJncLBdVUYvF9MZW3y5sxWLtfU773PMvNTaIxAuUfxNu7odHQ5UnSpRkyAFxkay34Eqrg6Lp8NExbbQ12DUwTCgcM0AYnTHsqWBRZ4rzOcPhaYYasaMOFZqhcbL3OlZQvn0ORQ9UEbahM/s1600/20150406_103730%5B1%5D.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What can I say! That was the view of one of the rides (when I wasnt staring at the rear wheel of the person in front of me)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjDiPBX-F2umzKY-oP_qyHAXwi0n_hOBcMcDuQr2kGMBKOZIJSTNq105EUWkWfysLVJgYqwJiyE5WammYFWDkldliCmpFFTjNv7SpwUP2BViqXnxKqNY-oYiuIjNxwNp0_DyJB5AoncY/s1600/racing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjDiPBX-F2umzKY-oP_qyHAXwi0n_hOBcMcDuQr2kGMBKOZIJSTNq105EUWkWfysLVJgYqwJiyE5WammYFWDkldliCmpFFTjNv7SpwUP2BViqXnxKqNY-oYiuIjNxwNp0_DyJB5AoncY/s1600/racing.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First race after three years. I promise there were more people in the race than pictured here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> More updates soon to come. Stay tuned.</span> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-17347276646274436342015-02-20T05:53:00.002-08:002016-06-08T23:17:35.811-07:00A cycling weeked in NiceTo escape the foggy, dark and depressing weather in Zuerich, I spontaneously decided to fly to Nice for a three day weekend. With a bike rented and a small hotel room, I was ready to discover Nice.<br />
<br />
Here are the details:<br />
<br />
<b>Airport</b>: The airport of Nice is adjacent to the city and it takes a 10-20 minute bus ride to get downtown.<br />
<br />
<b>Hotel</b>: I stayed in Eastern Nice in a 10 room hotel, privately owned: <a href="http://www.hotels.com/ho283489/clair-hotel-nice-france/?dateless=true&gclid=CjwKEAiAjNemBRCgp_vymcvVym0SJACRp_UZ-bLk2jcGPKYbwnYTVuNmogDxMdqJrn9AL74Tvh1A6RoCGuzw_wcB&hotelid=283489&rffrid=sem.hcom.EM.google.003.03.02.s.kwrd%3DZzZz.sHbM1ycNG.0.29575023136.10205l017840.d.c" target="_blank">Clair hotel</a> for 55 Euro/Night. If you prefer to cook your own food (with a grocery store in 2 minute walking distance) the room has a small cooking niche. It is a simple setup, not at all fancy but has everything one needs. Plus, the hotel owner is very nice and makes sure you have a nice stay.<br />
<br />
<b>Bike</b>: To avoid the hassle with bike transfer and build-up, I rented a Giant TCR Advanced at <a href="http://www.cycleclassictours.com/">http://www.cycleclassictours.com/</a> for 165 Euro for three days. It is an online service and they delivered it to a near-by <a href="http://www.larouelibre.fr/" target="_blank">La Route Libre bike shop</a> which was a 10 minute walk from the hotel.<br />
<br />
<b>Riding</b>: The guys at the Route Libre bike shop were awesome. I joined them for a ride to Italy and back. If you are looking for recommendations on routes, ask Francois from the bike shop. He speaks English and knows the area very well.<br />
On Saturday we rode along the coast to Italy and back. Amazing scenery. Beautiful view to the ocean, castles, and towns like Monte Carlo and Menton. From the coastal road there seem to be endless climbs up perfect to get more climbing into the ride.<br />
On Sunday, I joined a Triathlon club towards Cannes and then hit the mountains. Monday, I rode up to the small town St Agnes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/251600409/embed/0c15a529410c8b7cfeb4fc6ac4c6398664061f41" width="590"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/252108258/embed/e148028ec09e1b5658c0df1ef9261ae7170434d2" width="590"></iframe>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/252545608/embed/d6a65810769017c3e1243243ef87137f6e57b06a" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
And here some pictures:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwR_-2wQiW_gR58Q7wNjJBjOIA408GwEElviGb4f8C5iKTtZEVwDCUNevqOCiYO_vnxRNvjInqahJD5XODVY-p8ARi_mm3RZ5jFh3U6kGgtPHeiHGCX1m0QKwSZLdgEJFdQ1shJX8SiPs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwR_-2wQiW_gR58Q7wNjJBjOIA408GwEElviGb4f8C5iKTtZEVwDCUNevqOCiYO_vnxRNvjInqahJD5XODVY-p8ARi_mm3RZ5jFh3U6kGgtPHeiHGCX1m0QKwSZLdgEJFdQ1shJX8SiPs/s1600/2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards Menton </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSOUBfplHdzznr1nF7HkSQLiuQuzD393E_7rykaXYCPMcCr7B5QDG2a_tVBkj71oBU4WjZqi0Q5TqpUroi_k1gx6WbtnF_CepUmUFTbWCKheI_VxQzKHfFx0PXV33KhV3sVttxT1ujQo/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSOUBfplHdzznr1nF7HkSQLiuQuzD393E_7rykaXYCPMcCr7B5QDG2a_tVBkj71oBU4WjZqi0Q5TqpUroi_k1gx6WbtnF_CepUmUFTbWCKheI_VxQzKHfFx0PXV33KhV3sVttxT1ujQo/s1600/3.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic views</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing near the water</td></tr>
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<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJihHRj3G3Ahb1xsZS9U785XH3PfG_9__IH47H0BigVfEaIppK1yqMMQbpHG3YcnsRM0wq53p7TVy7Zhj65zgxZAB9_EFf1Yz2v66Gt3h7Zb53sEC5lXtpQKA9GJXOwvT87_mZcjqzqI/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJihHRj3G3Ahb1xsZS9U785XH3PfG_9__IH47H0BigVfEaIppK1yqMMQbpHG3YcnsRM0wq53p7TVy7Zhj65zgxZAB9_EFf1Yz2v66Gt3h7Zb53sEC5lXtpQKA9GJXOwvT87_mZcjqzqI/s1600/5.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The town of St Agnes on top of the mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyz5QfM6xz2uqBhbiIwfFqdE3qe0J-7KJ93aZuTggDGZ7GITV4WGdszbjjLn2MAwY7n8VO-Xo4Q3PHBoHofqGrsVLUpE7kRttL9-lKq8vaIh2H5qOzbyMReAgnA4qgRHvqQ3xKGud9XC4/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyz5QfM6xz2uqBhbiIwfFqdE3qe0J-7KJ93aZuTggDGZ7GITV4WGdszbjjLn2MAwY7n8VO-Xo4Q3PHBoHofqGrsVLUpE7kRttL9-lKq8vaIh2H5qOzbyMReAgnA4qgRHvqQ3xKGud9XC4/s1600/8.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoothly paved roads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-348908935458378632014-12-12T09:50:00.000-08:002016-06-08T23:19:03.882-07:00Race in Cyprus - 4 Day challenge for every runner<div class="MsoNormal">
If you enjoy running (no matter if recreational or elite), warm weather and like the idea to take your post-race recovery nap on the beach then the Four Day Cyprus Challenge might be just perfect for you!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeXOTFXHzGtnI5g9jnA5Ca2XUMEfovP6fxO6tq8YztgX_kSZzNXYJa0ulbx-mRBSK-Y9dSrU3ac175KgG7vz2OTLyojM9segCsYDcw1T8V6BNrraks-pVkZI3IulLjTSsSgJ5XC4JJT8/s1600/cyprus3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeXOTFXHzGtnI5g9jnA5Ca2XUMEfovP6fxO6tq8YztgX_kSZzNXYJa0ulbx-mRBSK-Y9dSrU3ac175KgG7vz2OTLyojM9segCsYDcw1T8V6BNrraks-pVkZI3IulLjTSsSgJ5XC4JJT8/s1600/cyprus3.png" height="442" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyprus is located South of Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being very new to running, I decided what better way to get
great workouts in than heading into the sun in middle of November for a 4 day running event.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The four
days were compromised of very different running races.<br />
<br />
It all started of with a
6km flat, paved time trial, each runner starting 10 seconds apart. Sounds easy, right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, right from day one tactics are played because the winner would be the one with the fastest time
of all four races combined. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So do you run those six kilometers hard and hope you have enough left
at day 4 or play it safe but potentially losing valuable seconds? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Either way, day
2 would test your physical and mental limits with a 11km off road race with an 600m elevation gain. If it's not your quads that scream for oxygen, your lungs will! The race strategy on this day is pretty clear: survive!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLSPCcjqhFqyS6KTyIKZHshrWy_5d6N9fcUeO_AFexD-Zel6KDjtbrVi6Q-zKp4Gf4RpQdIurcoWZjDiJUewywGqhmI1GNcD8TZ6lzaC2iNZKTR1jaXfWZ5yMXaXYwLPz479YoW7Qk24/s1600/cyprus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLSPCcjqhFqyS6KTyIKZHshrWy_5d6N9fcUeO_AFexD-Zel6KDjtbrVi6Q-zKp4Gf4RpQdIurcoWZjDiJUewywGqhmI1GNcD8TZ6lzaC2iNZKTR1jaXfWZ5yMXaXYwLPz479YoW7Qk24/s1600/cyprus.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even in November, Cyprus can offer temperatures around 20°C (68F)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If hills are not
your strength, you can shine on day three at the off-road half marathon with a
8km descent. But not so fast. You need to work for this treat by climbing up 10km beforehand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although the idea of running downhill sounds fantastic on day 3, day 4 might be a different story, especially
if your legs are not used to descending.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The “fast” 10km on day 4 through the near-by town Paphos
will make sure to remind you of the past three days. Setting a new personal record seems to be out of
question, but how much slower the time will be depends on the tactics you played the last three days.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5T6Ju6h3wLypq1_D-ZAHTM5thaZQne4i7taa34H9FRgF2WXXYKixlzKDwsRH8nQui_Sz9wplfeV4MWfurwRq7jMGF51X5ZQaLrVyLYccIRdykK37g3o1LjsfkHezWXImHSwN8esS8NpI/s1600/cyprus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5T6Ju6h3wLypq1_D-ZAHTM5thaZQne4i7taa34H9FRgF2WXXYKixlzKDwsRH8nQui_Sz9wplfeV4MWfurwRq7jMGF51X5ZQaLrVyLYccIRdykK37g3o1LjsfkHezWXImHSwN8esS8NpI/s1600/cyprus2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic views from the mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All these intense moments are shared with a great, welcoming,
friendly community of about 200 runners of every age and ability. At every
finish volunteers and runners cheering for other runners. You share the stories
of glory and pain. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And if you happened to wake up and forgot what you signed up for, you will remember at breakfast when watching your fellow runners hobbling back and forth to the buffet. But dont be mischievous because you will too!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Either way, it’s all good fun. The fantastic, upbeat atmosphere of the runners, the top-notch organization, the beautiful scenery combined with the welcoming Cypriot mentality make this a perfect vacation in November (and since it is off-season, no tourist crowds anywhere!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Link to the race: <a href="https://www.cypruschallenge.com/movies-photos/2014-event" target="_blank">https://www.cypruschallenge.com/movies-photos/2014-event </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-82206204440850028762014-08-25T05:10:00.000-07:002014-08-25T05:10:50.709-07:00How to succeed at tough races <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Two months ago I signed up for one of the harder races in
Switzerland: the Alpenbrevet, a 276km race with over 7000m of elevation. However, with a
new job I have less time for riding and only two months ago I hopped on my bike
maybe once a week. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Still, I signed up for the longest and hardest distance of
the three racing options. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Finishing a race of that magnitude is not an easy goal,
especially if your training capacity is mediocre at best. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, although
physical fitness is very important, what gets you really up the mountain,
through nasty weather conditions and across the finish line is your mind!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Here are a few suggestions that help me get through tough
challenges, even with less training:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Never doubt your success.</b> You gotta be on the start line
thinking that you will succeed. Any doubt will later, in tough times, knock on
your mental door and question your sanity. During the first climb of the
Alpenbrevet, all the different distance groups (Silver, Gold, Platinum) rode
together. I asked a few riders what distance they will ride. A lot said `I will
see. I was thinking of Platinum but if I do not feel well, I will go for the
Gold distance`. All of them set themselves up for not completing the highest goal
they could achieve. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Don’t focus on the pain.</b> If you do it will only get worse.
It`s the same with feeling sick. If you think about getting sick, you will.
Distract yourself. Especially on long challenges, try to distract yourself with
something else than your current activity. Sooner or later, you will find
yourself thinking about it all the time anyway. Now, when it is easy to
entertain yourself with other things, like chatting (if possible) with other
riders, enjoying the nature, counting the white stripes of the middle lane,
will make the latter and tougher part of the race mentally easier. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Tell as many people as possible about your goal. </b>Because you
would have to tell all of them you had to quit. Then try to imagine what you
would tell them. If it sounds like an excuse, keep going.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Play worse-case scenario.</b> If you are getting tired climbing
up a mountain, ask yourself: How could it be worse? The grade could be steeper.
It could rain. There could be headwind. It could be a cobble way. All of a
sudden, your current condition does not seem too bad anymore.</div>
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<br /></div>
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After all it all boils down to:</div>
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Pain is temporary but failure lasts forever.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Plus, crossing the finish line after a very tough challenge
is an indescribable addicting feeling.</div>
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<br /></div>
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What gets you through a tough race? </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-68789829769933045962014-08-20T00:20:00.001-07:002016-06-08T23:18:26.243-07:00How a dating service gets you through a 1000km race<b>Three weeks before the race</b><br />
<br />
I got a strange email question from a still unknown person : Would I want to join a four person team for the Tortour? Ahemmm YES!.<br />
<br />
I knew about the Tortour too well. It`s a 1000km race around Switzerland with 14,500m elevation gain that not only requires some serious physical fitness but, if not more importantly, a well organized support team, a similar format as the Race Across America. <br />
<br />
So from one day to the next I was on the team to join them only three weeks later.<br />
<br />
I would learn soon I had the fortune to be on a fantastic team that not only was organizational top notch but funny that would even make the most serious German smile.<br />
<br />
And here goes the story in pictures and videos: <br />
<br />
<b>Thursday, 14 August: Morning </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZwCWZtj7P1YRbLyJp6ent_5gk02AVpEv0LQUtQknYBuRmMt7tGz3a6txntTeVAx8Gox8X-inKE-KzyFJA-T7a0_-2sGxAtcMW_lpxfwdV4JuleVeDXK3wXggTe21_-PReF16euio64M/s1600/20140814_075700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZwCWZtj7P1YRbLyJp6ent_5gk02AVpEv0LQUtQknYBuRmMt7tGz3a6txntTeVAx8Gox8X-inKE-KzyFJA-T7a0_-2sGxAtcMW_lpxfwdV4JuleVeDXK3wXggTe21_-PReF16euio64M/s1600/20140814_075700.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone was excited on the way to the race (f.l.: me, Stefan (racer), Isa (racer), Ariella (support))</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhf0ynPZ8x7LMZacIs2xFSYER6lCTnfWexZOL_76Npw7zIZvX18EDBO8ZFXxVZ4l868hIOcZXmcde6dZ0I9bd1ZdYlr2Fsb2yyRbikNkSPJNXV-v1nPbeuFWEdzO7CC0bFjA720ijneg/s1600/IMG_3052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhf0ynPZ8x7LMZacIs2xFSYER6lCTnfWexZOL_76Npw7zIZvX18EDBO8ZFXxVZ4l868hIOcZXmcde6dZ0I9bd1ZdYlr2Fsb2yyRbikNkSPJNXV-v1nPbeuFWEdzO7CC0bFjA720ijneg/s1600/IMG_3052.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of gear is required with the hope you can find it when you need it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSA6xE7P7Hsigy-_RcPLC079eccvZ0PLXuEFX_yhtwdi1c2oeQ3U7EXKmTSRB7iVLX1mIlpDDdgUxOdZji_1H00OrrFALjeUOcKUVrTeHtsZgsy3P8rx7Hjbqb6ftfDbpvajpphoOA2a0/s1600/20140814_110822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSA6xE7P7Hsigy-_RcPLC079eccvZ0PLXuEFX_yhtwdi1c2oeQ3U7EXKmTSRB7iVLX1mIlpDDdgUxOdZji_1H00OrrFALjeUOcKUVrTeHtsZgsy3P8rx7Hjbqb6ftfDbpvajpphoOA2a0/s1600/20140814_110822.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every racer got a box which should minimize chaos. I successfully created chaos anyway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Thursday 12pm </b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcI1TNbsYVTfup0s8_RC0L0BrsZiA_mWl1rNN3-4B38Gz1T7XW88cCB_R6ZiSajF07EO9PL-Ow6yQWcFCjmF77B7nQ3SSZ-lOHQbbSRrVz2hc2f3GuI6k94bhjkHxKnTntjMLwadrVW8/s1600/20140814_113447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcI1TNbsYVTfup0s8_RC0L0BrsZiA_mWl1rNN3-4B38Gz1T7XW88cCB_R6ZiSajF07EO9PL-Ow6yQWcFCjmF77B7nQ3SSZ-lOHQbbSRrVz2hc2f3GuI6k94bhjkHxKnTntjMLwadrVW8/s1600/20140814_113447.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the race briefing. Being surrounded by 500+ other excited racers and supporters made for an incredible atmosphere. If you werent excited before this briefing, you are definitely now! The anticipation was rising!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Thursday 15:30</b><br />
<br />
Then, the prolog in the afternoon. Merely a kilometer or so of high intensity to place the teams into an order for the next day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwXlsqyNUrJqD04PIwOen8yvRoWmG_0YsO0NZxE-QteKqeuBME6uHN8DJZ0PBl-GIHvG3CMYqxO3GQS71J22g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
We won the prolog in our category. That meant we start first at 2:33AM, a minute ahead of the second placed team.<br />
<br />
<b>Friday 2:30AM Start</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVdzUyXNv508MtlCWL3FKtUr0lbgHKj3yU9yhARd_QqDsaKoVvzF15taFAXGRGss9GtQwUssv24SkFrkAgLYIdXWOF3KKDxLuUa7bhFVNJ6mWdFdoZkCQxXyKZorEDLObb1xXznUSI3M/s1600/20140815_022425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVdzUyXNv508MtlCWL3FKtUr0lbgHKj3yU9yhARd_QqDsaKoVvzF15taFAXGRGss9GtQwUssv24SkFrkAgLYIdXWOF3KKDxLuUa7bhFVNJ6mWdFdoZkCQxXyKZorEDLObb1xXznUSI3M/s1600/20140815_022425.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The starting formation. The team to the right and the follow vehicle behind. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufEui8TBT5MQDmfe65vvU0lN4p0qqfbBTi_bLXD1GdawdiKlk2xt9r9UKExKvnl_4h9GXzSHpcQzJ_3YYysXxGklyc4-5TQl1ewacLn8MUQHf2KqLk8HHnujqsRz82IjIhsD-P67t4zg/s1600/20140815_022603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufEui8TBT5MQDmfe65vvU0lN4p0qqfbBTi_bLXD1GdawdiKlk2xt9r9UKExKvnl_4h9GXzSHpcQzJ_3YYysXxGklyc4-5TQl1ewacLn8MUQHf2KqLk8HHnujqsRz82IjIhsD-P67t4zg/s1600/20140815_022603.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just imagine about 130 vehicles with `Caution Bicycle ahead` driving around in Switzerland....Bikes rule the next 48 hours</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UxX1KLo2fx30jUGd4K6Nh-N2XTaSwzCc3jMPzyMaFCNAFioArxNT7W6DGvyyz6BFMGeYfXHkWICdwJGNpQ9KmvDElwOHsC_hKW2fDA2Ly3DxceqsVDRK12SFVUbnvupSMkAw-Ga0t3w/s1600/20140815_023225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UxX1KLo2fx30jUGd4K6Nh-N2XTaSwzCc3jMPzyMaFCNAFioArxNT7W6DGvyyz6BFMGeYfXHkWICdwJGNpQ9KmvDElwOHsC_hKW2fDA2Ly3DxceqsVDRK12SFVUbnvupSMkAw-Ga0t3w/s1600/20140815_023225.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No idea why we were waving to the follow vehicle. I (pink arm warmers in the front) was occupied with other things apparently.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvpwt88CrLo2cfA_-OQexEHOpY28q_1Q1fN9zNiDe8f3W369Kf4jylJPZaCpq3iqSu3r7AGgim0EINNwwD2vQ5luVMq0aCXBQgQrfS2XWfvfC42Q6DCH95G_uc3virX3-FXYHB_QuDVs/s1600/20140815_022140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvpwt88CrLo2cfA_-OQexEHOpY28q_1Q1fN9zNiDe8f3W369Kf4jylJPZaCpq3iqSu3r7AGgim0EINNwwD2vQ5luVMq0aCXBQgQrfS2XWfvfC42Q6DCH95G_uc3virX3-FXYHB_QuDVs/s1600/20140815_022140.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then the countdown. 1000km ahead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusiWRjiDPVCMCa1xrXoz9yR61yJkSFkJqfxJV88heRc-zaqN4ldEx0ZpyvQq_9Aha1BFwI3ACX5LGnezS3FZoJQV86IqyA_1Eyvq-UMIoUvH077LK3EsYL1VHJ_zGS0id3gvf5g6T4os/s1600/10603768_10152307867511409_1611781564453549427_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusiWRjiDPVCMCa1xrXoz9yR61yJkSFkJqfxJV88heRc-zaqN4ldEx0ZpyvQq_9Aha1BFwI3ACX5LGnezS3FZoJQV86IqyA_1Eyvq-UMIoUvH077LK3EsYL1VHJ_zGS0id3gvf5g6T4os/s1600/10603768_10152307867511409_1611781564453549427_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ariella and Mirco...let the fun get started<b><br /></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b><br />
<b>Friday 10:30AM: 8 Hours - 233km</b><br />
<br />
There were three team stages (first, middle and last). The other ~850km were split between the four racers. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgIhhTYn8xm87tS5tNOaq_3iN6UOsnoaSjowwJsubbNXuKzX-54heL1t4zkUQk0WxpBXiH7JvGztmRiR07_8lLjZYTI6S7XQwgMpi8xzOEKF9_meD2ylOQkNWzwv3DJh3okCHVek__RU/s1600/20140815_091315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgIhhTYn8xm87tS5tNOaq_3iN6UOsnoaSjowwJsubbNXuKzX-54heL1t4zkUQk0WxpBXiH7JvGztmRiR07_8lLjZYTI6S7XQwgMpi8xzOEKF9_meD2ylOQkNWzwv3DJh3okCHVek__RU/s1600/20140815_091315.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had highly concentrated drivers. Not only the cyclist had to ride 1000km, our support crew had to drive those too! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyq1NkM1Eix3ULmnhf47JfpNqrex6zS20L1xrjvy7B52piFMEYxddhx2zUhwDvYm5uQ3Qferf2L4cwyIP15Tq_zXtGFTn42Va-O8s8_alwtyyCDkktxjhA65s6btCp2Q8uFs6jxxvoPw/s1600/IMG_3063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyq1NkM1Eix3ULmnhf47JfpNqrex6zS20L1xrjvy7B52piFMEYxddhx2zUhwDvYm5uQ3Qferf2L4cwyIP15Tq_zXtGFTn42Va-O8s8_alwtyyCDkktxjhA65s6btCp2Q8uFs6jxxvoPw/s1600/IMG_3063.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wasnt aware that we had a mountain goat on the team. This woman can climb!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcwQ1onLeUgu5dQawsLgapEZ_0fuyUmwbq0kXs4UU81dyvVIheN4nACibyJaLJl0VfFf2_AOqPzAqMjXgNWjYixthJ-6uklYX0Uhw1UYWM7Yi4glAoCvo5hjWDMhylH-Pd_yYK1wUP2Q/s1600/IMG_3066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcwQ1onLeUgu5dQawsLgapEZ_0fuyUmwbq0kXs4UU81dyvVIheN4nACibyJaLJl0VfFf2_AOqPzAqMjXgNWjYixthJ-6uklYX0Uhw1UYWM7Yi4glAoCvo5hjWDMhylH-Pd_yYK1wUP2Q/s1600/IMG_3066.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The views were breathtaking....in two ways.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Friday 14:30 PM </b>-<b> 12 hours - 340km</b><br />
As hard as we were working, we had at least the same amount of fun (here on the way up the 14km climb, Flüela pass.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyzlbQtERMjERg-Jyps4h7v9J3HKHTav_ZwW9NwVNQq0HoQGVdD-QX8XNRc0YkoW5LzmOfHoHt_pNpbMERQUg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Friday 18:30 - 16 hours - 480km</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_CM6HLVoUokr-q9IjwN10hvqfWWaL0FRCXHZntIBLyImKXFauqM8jpLUNUqTDAIZ5rBBEpA940uqhTEzsrgbaLtLElc867EMmZH4l3lD9U8d4OKub-D0uBWvoyJHInozY1TAbI9Suok/s1600/20140815_164749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_CM6HLVoUokr-q9IjwN10hvqfWWaL0FRCXHZntIBLyImKXFauqM8jpLUNUqTDAIZ5rBBEpA940uqhTEzsrgbaLtLElc867EMmZH4l3lD9U8d4OKub-D0uBWvoyJHInozY1TAbI9Suok/s1600/20140815_164749.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a lot of rest time between the individual stages: Transfer to next check point, eating and getting clothes ready for next stage do not give a lot of time to relax<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrH9ySIgVaFahYz4FJVlRajSNT99OxkdkuFW8LhwJ23vO1xRWwhZe8hGRFC8IGqiEUsHrfbLLaoQMY9VomIRHTgPRhVoTqslHAGQ_YYRLqIQA1elJLFCSUa8OcdGKzVLiKvpD_OxtSbmw/s1600/IMG_3070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrH9ySIgVaFahYz4FJVlRajSNT99OxkdkuFW8LhwJ23vO1xRWwhZe8hGRFC8IGqiEUsHrfbLLaoQMY9VomIRHTgPRhVoTqslHAGQ_YYRLqIQA1elJLFCSUa8OcdGKzVLiKvpD_OxtSbmw/s1600/IMG_3070.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weather couldnt decide. It was sunny. 10 minutes late it poured down.</td></tr>
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<b>Saturday 4:00 AM</b> <b>- 26 hours - 770km</b><br />
After some 30 hours of having fun and riding, the energy was slowly draining and I got tired. My last shift (before the team stage) was about to start. It was 4am. 26 hours on the road. 50km to ride to the next check point.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dL-OHW3NAEkF03fbP1k0TcZV-8h-nu3CavQSoC4XUYw8_DfwKwzyk0DlVOkm4apsL-CcldV_54sSrRKVXwAUQkELJz0hw-E5163nY94n60XPgmrq2J97Ju6lP6B8peB-Anjz-UHwVXg/s1600/20140816_034450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dL-OHW3NAEkF03fbP1k0TcZV-8h-nu3CavQSoC4XUYw8_DfwKwzyk0DlVOkm4apsL-CcldV_54sSrRKVXwAUQkELJz0hw-E5163nY94n60XPgmrq2J97Ju6lP6B8peB-Anjz-UHwVXg/s1600/20140816_034450.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was dark. It was wet. I was tired. </td></tr>
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10km into my stage, I was falling asleep on the bike and swerving around the lane.I needed some entertainment. I asked our support team to tell me a story.<br />
Of all the stories Barbara could tell me she chose to give me the pros and cons to date her two brothers. After a 30 minutes very entertaining monologue she decided herself, it might not be a good idea to date either of them.<br />
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And all of a sudden I was at the checkpoint.<br />
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<b>Saturday 13:29 34 hours: 1000km</b><br />
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After the last team stage and 34 hours of being on the road we crossed the finish line. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fRHC90csOtF37A-xCU-6LLLh77ArNyA7lSe0LSALgpblPma5c_vqUWvy2qnLyi_KV51aYeg5AGs9xl_U93SE-IlXq6-Jt_T6qL2wUJ8fJcHimhkntFjQfyCKXTMhGTWx56l6JmYE4F4/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fRHC90csOtF37A-xCU-6LLLh77ArNyA7lSe0LSALgpblPma5c_vqUWvy2qnLyi_KV51aYeg5AGs9xl_U93SE-IlXq6-Jt_T6qL2wUJ8fJcHimhkntFjQfyCKXTMhGTWx56l6JmYE4F4/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefrwzDCjOFJTZC-BR9-gTG3WC1suyns1CU9zhhtA012Z2-NdLaVhSM9r8HRmLWka47HUKqhLeHImJLivWvmykQSAV35A8SRl5u9ly1YJoUbImwn22Zkw1U7aWL23R-ulWPySzMuBt_C0/s1600/yipee_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefrwzDCjOFJTZC-BR9-gTG3WC1suyns1CU9zhhtA012Z2-NdLaVhSM9r8HRmLWka47HUKqhLeHImJLivWvmykQSAV35A8SRl5u9ly1YJoUbImwn22Zkw1U7aWL23R-ulWPySzMuBt_C0/s1600/yipee_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it! From left: Max, me, Isa, Stefan</td></tr>
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Then, the entry into the arena onto the stage with our song. No matter how often I watch this video I am still getting wet eyes. It brought all the fantastic memories into one moment. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The moderator asked me three questions back-to-back. Sleep deprived, I forgot all of them and answered my own.</td></tr>
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Thanks to a fantastic team: Stefan, Max, Isa, Ariella, Barbara, Betty and Mirco!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-19220074485636781612014-08-10T03:49:00.001-07:002016-06-08T23:18:26.229-07:00Preparing for a new level of EPIC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is no shortage of tough rides in the Alps, especially considering the endless possibilities of climbing up passes without a lot of flats between them. This ride was a preparation for the highly respected <a href="http://www.alpenbrevet.ch/" target="_blank">Alpenbrevet </a>race. I was pretty exhausted after this ride of 147km and 4,300m elevation. The Alpenbrevet with an additional 130km and 2,700m elevation gain will ask for a new level of toughness in two weeks.<br />
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The route:<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://www.strava.com/activities/178077370/embed/f1f599063605742ed85591b290d81ee293b77c5b" width="590"></iframe>
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The elevation: <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjqfpZ1K4Gsygxqyv6KQ-epyDi-ve5uH6WZZSYf9fOuSjjz9_OeYIH6wmI2osTDYxucKeMuUuK4EtSbfy9DYfE4l_B4QC6meNr6C2PnF_C_GtnatpCSUJeo8dEomanqv7aetwCPLT-_g/s1600/elevation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjqfpZ1K4Gsygxqyv6KQ-epyDi-ve5uH6WZZSYf9fOuSjjz9_OeYIH6wmI2osTDYxucKeMuUuK4EtSbfy9DYfE4l_B4QC6meNr6C2PnF_C_GtnatpCSUJeo8dEomanqv7aetwCPLT-_g/s1600/elevation.png" height="99" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barely any flats, climbing from 500m up to 2,400m<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxJDEpTBRd9MfKJzrILcN0V-HqQd6kz_IKiRY-DMq6boyMn3XJEhyVpFWMd0TC3kYyNOiPKkD90QfHRbjQdgA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLgqDh-WboaKJ5mNV5zX9MUOl_Yz2yHXtFJgfgRP6pXZj4jVsC-DqhsWUzs_NfBumc7fJyQDXkNycLAgUIveMIGKKNv4-BpSN9LqKYxDxhXIVukzPTboxDYNrhj-utlzPl7yc645S6YM/s1600/20140809_120246%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLgqDh-WboaKJ5mNV5zX9MUOl_Yz2yHXtFJgfgRP6pXZj4jVsC-DqhsWUzs_NfBumc7fJyQDXkNycLAgUIveMIGKKNv4-BpSN9LqKYxDxhXIVukzPTboxDYNrhj-utlzPl7yc645S6YM/s1600/20140809_120246%5B1%5D.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxawUpNUtdez27b315OACpTxxeN2lNHPCt8RqLcrzy3f5V8UZH7ssFAPzOjgG6Lnwm0Ewu3LXQJVu_ZEiOmdw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGt83Pj-p2uL7NY8jlOq-MaZeJoqm2Xb7EO1QQEOTXY6noZ3wtCfPRnisbGGQYFFbMnJuBSK9GzNj9_89Q_U9XLhrNYYOCVtDc-zXxSBnUDx9Qxgd8qX3am961ohBisNVpOkSYzYFWW_0/s1600/20140809_152648%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGt83Pj-p2uL7NY8jlOq-MaZeJoqm2Xb7EO1QQEOTXY6noZ3wtCfPRnisbGGQYFFbMnJuBSK9GzNj9_89Q_U9XLhrNYYOCVtDc-zXxSBnUDx9Qxgd8qX3am961ohBisNVpOkSYzYFWW_0/s1600/20140809_152648%5B1%5D.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way down from Grimsel with the view towards Furka Pass</td></tr>
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But before testing my climbing legs, the non-stop 1000km <a href="http://www.tortour.com/" target="_blank">Tortour</a> around Switzerland will challenge the endurance of my team and I. With a highly organized five person support crew, a camper, a follow vehicle and a loooooot of food, we are ready for the challenge starting this Friday EARLY morning. We hope to cross the finish line 39 hours later, Saturday evening!<br />
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You can follow us via live tracker. Link will follow.<br />
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Oh, this race will be so epic!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814121007015470476.post-33841270533775590102014-08-06T10:02:00.000-07:002016-06-08T23:19:39.187-07:00A new challenge and number game: Cycling all Swiss passesWhen I learned about the infinite cycling possibilities here in Switzerland I thought it would be quite appropriate to add another challenge (in addition to surviving all the races) to my to-do list: Riding all Swiss passes (above 1200m).<br />
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According to Wikipedia:<br />
There are 105 passes that need to be conquered with a total of 137,000m (449,475ft) of elevation gain.<br />
(That`s more than 1/3 on the way to the moon or 15 times up Mt Everest)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_der_P%C3%A4sse_in_der_Schweiz#mediaviewer/Datei:Schweizer_Passstrassen_ueber_1200.png</td></tr>
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That means for me another 81 climbs to go and 94,496 m to climb.<br />
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Any interest in joining me for a few kilometers of elevation gain?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734872407917643365noreply@blogger.com0