The Cycling Thread

[Adam Ef]

But I've just built this up from an Ebay frame purchase, using those Superstar wheels which look like Campag Shamals...


Very nice!

[Adam Ef]

I've had two 90s steel frames that have made for surprisingly light builds.. one was a 531c Ribble frame, could have been lighter too if I had added a carbon fork, but 1" steerer meant that would be quite expensive. The other is an Olmo made with Columbus SLX that I still have built up fixed, so even lighter too due to less components.

[Red ones]

I'm still finding my OS753 Ribble frame light. Not as light as a full carbon, but still very good for a 90's steel frame.

[maviczap]

I've had two 90s steel frames that have made for surprisingly light builds.. one was a 531c Ribble frame, could have been lighter too if I had added a carbon fork, but 1" steerer meant that would be quite expensive. The other is an Olmo made with Columbus SLX that I still have built up fixed, so even lighter too due to less components.

I'm still finding my OS753 Ribble frame light. Not as light as a full carbon, but still very good for a 90's steel frame.

Yes, suprising how light a steel frame can be built up to.

This one is Colombus Foco tubing, which I'd never heard of before, similar to 853 from what ive read.

Test ride today I hope.

[MattCollins]

Foco was superseded by Spirit and from what little info is available had similar dimensions and characteristics.

[MattCollins]

Never mind, it was a good ride...

https://goo.gl/maps/uj3C9Vp8WRk

[Kenzie]

Of interest to anyone?

http://www.lidl.co.uk/en/our-offers-2491.htm?action=showDetail&id=33141

[carelesschucca]

I'll have a wee gander thanks for the heads up.

Be nice if the sold spokes too, went to head out today for a cycle and noticed the back wheel on the Triban was slightly out, upon checking I found that a spoke has given up the ghost, so the wheel has been striped and cleaned ready for me having a go at fitting a new one and truing the wheel.

[maviczap]

Wheel truing and building is witchcraft!

[carelesschucca]

So now is the time I go back and drink coffee and give the wheel to Big Al in Wheelcraft :)

[maviczap]

Yes, although i did true one of my wheels recently by tightening one spoke. That's magic!

[carelesschucca]

I'm hoping that putting a nice new spoke in and getting the tension right, it up will see the wheel straight...

I know that when I do look at getting wheels I'll go along and see him and ask what he can do...

[maviczap]

Yep, it'll probably do the job. He'll probably go round the whole wheel and tension all the spokes properly. Its probably a machine built wheel, never quite as good as a good hand built wheel, unless you're spending lots of money

[maviczap]

Now N= -2

[carelesschucca]

You must feel nekid!!!

How was the ride today?

[maviczap]

Yes, but more space in the garage :-) I just need to sell one more frame for the funds for the next frame.

Despite being underdressed for the chill wind, i had a good ride, nice pace, didn't go into the red zone and legs felt pretty good.

[carelesschucca]

I'm desparate to get out, but stupidly I forgot to measure the length of the spoke before I went to evans today.

The weather is now taking a turn for the worse and its snowing here and to get worse..

[maviczap]

Doh!

[AJC]

Weather here is scandalous! Haven't been out since Sunday, feels weird!

I really need to buy some clothing/kit rather than spending all my money on bikes and bits to staple onto said bikes...

[MattCollins]

Weather is changing here... managed to get a short soaking in the hills yesterday. Fine and sunny tomorrow... pity I won't be on the bike... and more rain next week.
Need to find my jacket and rear fender. The Jacket is from Adidas - it remains to be seen how dry I'll be in that... The fender is just an SKS S-Blade that straps onto the seat post, but it makes a huge difference in the sort of not too bad weather we get.

[AJC]

Well we got a hailstorm and some sleet today :)

Let it be known that Dean (carlesschucca) tried to kill me today. I am broken after nearly 4400ft of climbing, which probably sounds quite tame to some but I think it's the most I have done in a day so far.

[maviczap]

Its because he not been out in ages!

[carelesschucca]

I don't know what the big girl is moaning about. He left me behind on the first big climb of the day.

I think I'm some kind of masochist I enjoy going up hills. I might not be quick but I still enjoy it...

[maviczap]

Going downs better :-) hills that is!

[carelesschucca]

I do need help I was planning for tomorrow and had a route but I saw the weather forecast.

I might wait for Monday and brave the weather while the gaffer does OT!

[AJC]

To be fair I love the hills as well, I just didn't know where that one was going to end, if ever!

Looking at the forecast, and the fact it's half 3 in the morning, and I am slightly non-sober, means I am most certainly not cycling tomorrow. Monday is doubtful too as it looks like monsoon season! but colder...

[MattCollins]

4400ft is a good day... probably a little too much to start with though.

This mornings ride was https://goo.gl/maps/kNHAwude59s then https://goo.gl/maps/NzUGinV7eU92
It was a ride for everyone - the climb is fairly mild. If it became too much there were a couple of outs straight back to the finish line for coffee and a feed.

It was cut short for my GF and I by mechanical failure. Near the start of the second lap I had a freehub let go and my GF headed home about 15 minutes away with a couple of other riders who'd had second thoughts about doing the climb twice to pick up a spare wheel. We rode across the bottom of the course to catch the rest on the descent.
I've just got through ordering a replacement.

[Dipper]

Link to a petition (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/128190/) to introduce a permanent, minimum passing distance when overtaking cyclists.

[maviczap]

Done

[MattCollins]

Good idea. "Plenty of room" as it stands is vague.

Recently we got minimums of 1m where the speed limit is 60kph or less and 1.5m above 60kph... more or less the same as that petition proposes. It's a good thing to have that cleared up although I feel it is still a bit close for heavy vehicles (buses and trucks, ie anything over 3.5t) and anything with a trailer which I think should have minimum clearances of 1.5m and 2.5m respectively.

[carelesschucca]

I've done it but I have the feeling this will be another unpoliced law that gets ignored.

[phi-dan]

I've done it but I have the feeling this will be another unpoliced law that gets ignored.

...like mobile phones and seatbelts.

Signed and shared round the guys at work

[carelesschucca]

Right, I'm totally confused right now, I went out for a ride this evening and to put it bluntly I felt Ferking awful. I felt as if my legs were heavy and slow, also felt as if I was going to barf up my dinner (normally eat after coming back in) but when I get back in and check out my results I've actually been way quicker than ever before on most of the ride, and even managed to be almost 2 minutes quicker up a 3.5 mile 5% climb.

I just don't get this?

Thank heavens for Strava or I'd have been complaining that tonight's ride was terrible????

[Adam Ef]

I've done that a few times too. Felt sluggish then looked at GPS after end realised it was a fast ride! Usually feel more like that when I ride in the evenings. Mornings I often feel fast and then discover I was riding at a snails pace! I put it down to general awakeness and energy levels at different times of day, coupled with my expectations of how I should be riding, maybe over thinking what I'm doing.

[maviczap]

Yep sometimes you feel crap, but go great. Fabian Cancellara said he's won TT's when he's felt bad, although he's rumoured to have a motor ìn his bike.

Are you Fabian? ;-) Have you checked your bike for a hidden motor :-)

[carelesschucca]

Usually feel more like that when I ride in the evenings.

It was definitely evening, I was worried about getting the loop done before it got dark. Came home in a lovely sunset.

Yep sometimes you feel crap, but go great. Fabian Cancellara said he's won TT's when he's felt bad, although he's rumoured to have a motor ìn his bike.

Are you Fabian? ;-) Have you checked your bike for a hidden motor :-)

I wish I had a motor at times. I also wish I was as quick as Mr Cancellara, just so I could stuff it to Falkirk BC!!!

[Dipper]

Right, I'm totally confused right now, I went out for a ride this evening and to put it bluntly I felt Ferking awful. I felt as if my legs were heavy and slow, also felt as if I was going to barf up my dinner (normally eat after coming back in) but when I get back in and check out my results I've actually been way quicker than ever before on most of the ride, and even managed to be almost 2 minutes quicker up a 3.5 mile 5% climb.

I just don't get this?

Thank heavens for Strava or I'd have been complaining that tonight's ride was terrible????

This is normal, refer to Rule #5.

[carelesschucca]

This is normal, refer to Rule #5.

Sorry sir. I will, even of does get to the stage that I'm :smt078

TBH last night I thought it might almost be better if I did

[pookie]

Mr Angry riding home because I've had enough usually does it for me :) unfortunately I dont anrgy very often

[Dipper]

Sorry sir. I will, even of does get to the stage that I'm :smt078

TBH last night I thought it might almost be better if I did

Heeheehee, seriously though you are learning to push your body way beyond what it's ever done before and leaning to live and embrace the suffering is all part of it, the old quote "it never gets any easier you just get faster" is almost there but for someone just taking up the sport it does get harder as you train yourself to suffer more.

It's great to see you making good gains :)

[carelesschucca]

Do any of you guys want to loan me your legs? Mine's are broken, I think I got carried away today, and just to let you know I ****ing hate strong headwinds. I'm also not sold on the this warm weather maybe cyclocross is my future.

All in though I'm well chuffed with todays efforts.

[maviczap]

I got frazzled on Sunday, not used to these 20+ degs

[pookie]

you're lucky I needed a life jacket and dinghy yesterday :) .. the downsides of riding for work !

[maviczap]

That's why i stayed in! I'm bored today, waiting for the sun to appear, as its decidedly cool today, tomorrow's meant to be sunny, with an onshore wind, which can feck off, thank you.

[carelesschucca]

Not a cloud in the sky here but still blowing a gale. I doubt I'll get out at the weekend so need to plan something for tomorrow evening. I still have my months Grand Fondo to get out and do before I go away...

[maviczap]

Sun has just poked its head out, I may get to go out for a little ride tonight, just to vent some frustration!

Out tomorrow, as its meant to be 22 deg :-)

[carelesschucca]

I'm so there (http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/uk/).

[carelesschucca]

Happy day today, I passed the 2,000 mile mark since starting this cycling madness in September.

And it was sunny and not too warm :)

[maviczap]

Well done

[maviczap]

Its a bit quiet in here

Planet X have some frames on sale, I couldn't resist buying this for a cheap project. I know it isn't the geniune article & its made in Vietnam, but it'll do

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FRHOLAQ/holdsworth-la-quelda-steel-single-speed-frameset

[plowsie]

Its a bit quiet in here

Planet X have some frames on sale, I couldn't resist buying this for a cheap project. I know it isn't the geniune article & its made in Vietnam, but it'll do

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FRHOLAQ/holdsworth-la-quelda-steel-single-speed-frameset



[emoji7]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AJC]

Nice frame that, and really cheap too! One day when I have a garage and tools I will have a go at building some funky bikes.


It has gotten quiet in here, weird how there is more chat in the winter. Everyone must just be busy cycling their bikes now :)


As for me, I am loving my new Giant Propel. Done over 500 miles on it now in about 8 weeks (was on holiday two of those weeks) and I can't think of anything to fault. I am putting a carbon stem and carbon aero bars on it, partially to cut vibration and weight but mainly just cos I am a geek and want it to look even prettier.


Cycling wise I seem to be improving my fitness and am now managing to keep up with club guys where we are running over 19 mph avg for 25 miles at a time. pretty happy with that as I thought it would take me a lot longer to get up to that level. Also getting better at the old climbing malarkey, cut over two mins off the main climb I measure myself against on the last attempt ('Official 100Climbs no161 Crow Road').


I also climbed Teide on Tenerife as some of you might have seen on Strava. Once I get my camera back (Mum stole it to go to Rome) I will post up some pics with a mini write up of the experience to bore you all with :)

[plowsie]

Here's my baby for racing...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160603/603cd8a8376201b74efe39d21558885d.jpg

Supersix Evo Hi-Mod, Ultegra 11sp. 7.4kg :)

She's served me well with one race win in April and now about to embark on searching for a few more points to get the next step up in licence class.

For me it's gone now from a hobby to a sport. I ride to race.

Best investment I made was a power meter, that's fitted to my training bike.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160603/c56c38838892db279a2f659b22d83ff5.jpg

Covered 2700 miles this year and 6500 last year. It's been a weightloss come hobby come sport within the last year but I still love it and miss it when I'm not doing it.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AJC]

That's a lovely Cannondale, I do love the Zipp wheels. I was concerned I would regret buying a slightly heavier aero bike rather than the lightest I could get, but I think I have made the right choice. Pics of my Propel are a few pages back on this thread (I think).


I could see me giving racing a go some time down the line but not sure I will ever get to that level, will start out with some club time trials and hill climbs and see where I go. I used to play football at a good level til I ruined my knee, I was competitive so will see if I go the same way with the cycling.


I have heard power meters are the best training tool, again something I might get in the future but not quite there yet!

[plowsie]

That's a lovely Cannondale, I do love the Zipp wheels. I was concerned I would regret buying a slightly heavier aero bike rather than the lightest I could get, but I think I have made the right choice. Pics of my Propel are a few pages back on this thread (I think).


I could see me giving racing a go some time down the line but not sure I will ever get to that level, will start out with some club time trials and hill climbs and see where I go. I used to play football at a good level til I ruined my knee, I was competitive so will see if I go the same way with the cycling.


I have heard power meters are the best training tool, again something I might get in the future but not quite there yet!


Give the racing a go! It's what I say to everyone, it's worth it purely for the experience. Generally most cat4 stuff is on closed circuits, Rocko is my closest. You'll find a time trial is a long sustained effort, whereas racing is generally short bursts.

My PM linked with a coach has helped me come on leaps and bounds in the last 6 months. I was training like a moron before.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[maviczap]

Yep give racing a go, but it can get addictive. Love doing TT's 10 and 25s especially when you get a day when everything falls into place.

[MattCollins]

I've always enjoyed and done well riding against the clock and was recently persuaded to ride a hill climb and a 40km TT (on a Shiv with a Mavic disk) doing much better than expected and it was a hoot, but that is all I want from it. I'll do it again, but there's a lot of negative aspects to the sport that I don't want and the second it stops being enjoyable I'll walk away and stick to group rides. Race, go home and don't get involved.

[carelesschucca]

HELP!!! Just got back from my big biking holiday yesterday afternoon and I want to get out on the bike but at the same time I'm quite happy just sitting on my backside, I can't cope there are clouds and its cold.... Can someone come round and give me a good kick to get me moving.

[maviczap]

We're all suffering these cold weather blues, plus not feeling well last week either.

[Sir Trev]

Cyclists of the Org. Daughter dearest now has her new bike for her London to Paris ride, a Fuji something or other that she's really pleased with and gelling with now she's getting in the practice and training miles. My only concern is the stock tyres it came with. Vera Helios is the brand in 700x25 size but they're slick. Are these suitable for her long trip? Should I be getting her some treaded tyres or am I worrying needlessly?

[plowsie]

Cyclists of the Org. Daughter dearest now has her new bike for her London to Paris ride, a Fuji something or other that she's really pleased with and gelling with now she's getting in the practice and training miles. My only concern is the stock tyres it came with. Vera Helios is the brand in 700x25 size but they're slick. Are these suitable for her long trip? Should I be getting her some treaded tyres or am I worrying needlessly?


Should be fine Trev to be honest.

What she could look at is a set of Vittoria Rubino Pros in 28c. They are my winter tyres and I never fixed a puncture on them all winter... No lies. Only issue with a 28 is that you have to look at clearance with the brake callipers. A quick Google search should find the answer, if not contact Fuji directly.

The Rubinos cost me £10 a tyre.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[plowsie]

No suffering from me. Full on race mode at the moment. Was at Rockingham last Thursday night and just let myself go that little too early!

It's a Cat 4 only this Thursday. 2 points to get to get my Cat 3 licence and a lot of pressure!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[maviczap]

Yep agree with Plowsie, get some tyres that aren't going to puncture. At £10 a tyre i can't recommend anything cheaper than what Plowsie has recommend as i use continental Gp4000's or Gatorskins for most of my tyres, and they're £25 each. I know Dipper uses Schwalbe tyres, but again not as cheap as Plowsie's recommendation. Vitorria's are great tyres, ive got some on my summer wheels.

Now if i was concerned dad, id be looking to make sure my daughter had more than one pair of good quality female specific cycling shorts, with a good chamios seat pad. As London - Paris is over 3 days, id be looking to have a clean pair of shorts on each day. Plus socks.

Wet weather gear?

The list goes on

[Sir Trev]

Thanks both - good suggestions for was wet weather grip and puncture resistance according to the reviews on the Halfrauds site. I'll see what the local shop stocks first though.

As to the seat pad and other accessories I'll see what she wants to go with. As long as I'm paying (sucker, me??) I'm sure she'll jump at them.

[carelesschucca]

I've fallen in love, I spotted a Van Nicholas Yukon (without luggage) it was full Dura Ace, wheels the lot, with Ritchie carbon bars, basically everything, Gucci. Thought oh my lord that is stunning, I could happily ride that.

I then got home and I've cried, there's a really good reason its stunning... It costs a fortune, but my god its a beautiful bike. I'm going to rob a bank...

[maviczap]

Made in China, like a lot of other Ti frames. My Planet X was a Van Nicholas, very nice, but nothing like as nice my Wilier to ride.

You don't need Dura Ace :-)

Problem solved ;-)

Get one made here, as beautiful, made in Russia. He's just over the river from me

http://burls.co.uk/

[EssexDave]

If you want a Ti bike check out travers bikes. He's local to me and a great guy. Think he may be getting my business for a custom build in the near future.

[pookie]

I have a Van nic mistral and it is beautifully finished as compared to the Russian Titanium which is bombproof and looks it. ( apparently they make missiles out of the ot4!)

[plowsie]

Take a look at J Laverack. Thank me later.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Luckypants]

I'm a bit disappointed with my time up Hautacam, if I'd gone a bit slower I'd be dog-last on Strava! :smt098

[plowsie]

I'm a bit disappointed with my time up Hautacam, if I'd gone a bit slower I'd be dog-last on Strava! :smt098



No, I'd be tailing you buddy. Always too much too soon from me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[plowsie]

News from me... Cat 4 licence tied up in 5 races.

I did it at Rockingham 2 weeks ago, no thanks to my stupid willingness to lead the pack around the oval whenever I had the chance. Still managed to bag a 4th place which was enough thankfully. Now the hard work starts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[maviczap]

I'm a bit disappointed with my time up Hautacam, if I'd gone a bit slower I'd be dog-last on Strava! :smt098

Nothing wrong with being the Lantern rouge mate :D

[Luckypants]

But that is the point though, I'm not! :(

Congrats on your licence Stu, I think you would be under the hour for Hautacam, no problem.

[maviczap]

try harder to go slower next time.

its probably some old dear on a shopping bike Mike ;)

[MattCollins]

I did it at Rockingham 2 weeks ago, no thanks to my stupid willingness to lead the pack around the oval whenever I had the chance. Still managed to bag a 4th place which was enough thankfully. Now the hard work starts.
[/QUOTE]

Good job!

It sounds like you've got a structured system there to move through the grades. A common grizzle here is that we see is riders moving up into the A & B grade peletons (often combined) before they've developed the automatic / instinctual racecraft to be there. It's not just about having the legs.

I rode a mass start a couple of weeks ago and because of my performance in one hill climb and one TT (where I finished with a very satisfying time that placed me in the top third of the A grade field) I was thrown into the combined A/B grade field. The C/D grade field is where I should have been just for the lack of recent experience.
Hanging in the rear half of the peloton, I quickly came to the realisation that there were at least a few riders who didn't belong there any more than I did. Some would have been chatted or sent to the back on a training ride before they brought down a dozen riders.

................

[Luckypants]

ALDI cycling kit available on-line now, in-store on Thursday 7th. Some good looking stuff.....

https://www.aldi.co.uk/specialbuys/all-specialbuys/sports-and-outdoor/cycling/c/cycling/?q=%3Apopular&page=0

[maviczap]

ALDI cycling kit available on-line now, in-store on Thursday 7th. Some good looking stuff.....

https://www.aldi.co.uk/specialbuys/all-specialbuys/sports-and-outdoor/cycling/c/cycling/?q=%3Apopular&page=0

Their gloves are always worth buying.

Gt85 at 1.99 is a great price

[Sir Trev]

The Monkey set off on her London to Paris ride this morning. Texts so far report tired legs already but I dare say she be carried along with the other 200 or so uni students. Should be close to Pompey by now where they get the overnight ferry to Caen, after which the terrain should be easier than today's crossing of the South Downs. Shame she'll be arriving in Paris late Sunday as I feel it may be a bit full of footie fans...

[carelesschucca]

Shame she'll be arriving in Paris late Sunday as I feel it may be a bit full of footie fans...

Hmm, not the greatest planning, but then they might get the grumpy Parisians to part with some cash. It could have been worse, they could have been turning up two weeks Sunday :)

[maviczap]

The Monkey set off on her London to Paris ride this morning. Texts so far report tired legs already but I dare say she be carried along with the other 200 or so uni students. Should be close to Pompey by now where they get the overnight ferry to Caen, after which the terrain should be easier than today's crossing of the South Downs. Shame she'll be arriving in Paris late Sunday as I feel it may be a bit full of footie fans...

Chapau monkey!

[Sir Trev]

Have been a bit busy so did not get around to saying that Joan finished her epic ride on Sunday. Bit of an anti-climax though as they were not allowed anywhere near to the Eiffel Tower, the usual finish line, due to the football. They managed to find a spot a half mile or so away where they had some pics taken with the Tower in the background but we haven't got them yet.

She reports it was hard work but a great experience. Some lunatics were on pretty heavy hybrids and basic shopping bikes but even they made it eventually. Her investment in a simple road bike sounds like it was worth it though and I'm sure she'll get plenty of miles on it over the next few years, assuming it does not get nicked from campus when she gets back there in September.

[Sir Trev]

.

[maviczap]

Chapeau du la Monkey!

[pookie]

Well done Monkey.. on my list of things to do on two wheels :)

[Sir Trev]

We've got the pics now. Many thanks to all for the encouragement, advice and sponsorship - Joan was very grateful for all of it, as were we.

https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8728/28237818302_dab52565be_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/K2hcAf)At the finish (https://flic.kr/p/K2hcAf) by Trevor Laight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/116210840@N03/), on Flickr

[chris8886]

well done for finishing!!

[carelesschucca]

Guys, I've just finished reading Laurent Fignon's and David Millers books...

Where should I go next?

[maviczap]

Did youy read Robert Millars book? If not thats good, as is Sean Kelly's

I've just finished Chris Boardmans Triumph's & Turbulence and I'm just into Alistair Fotheringhams End of the Road, although I'm stuck as its getting a bit bogged down in the story.

I did Geraint Thomas's book, that was ok. Slaying the Badger is a good read

Or for a non racing read French Revolutions

[maviczap]

Blimey its a bit quiet in here, so here's a load of boring waffle about my Alps trip.

Hadn't planned to go, but it was in the back of my mind to go. Then I realised that if I didn't go this year, it'd be another year before I'd get the chance, and perhaps I'd do the same thing next year, and so on. Main thing holding me back was I'd be going on my own this time, but I said sod it.

I'd been doing steady miles all year, but I did a few hard turbo sessions in August to try and get the legs used to long hard efforts. It never replicates it for real, but then what can, without a grands worth of Tacx Neo turbo.

So flew out to Turin from Gatwick, as the BA flight was as cheap as Easy Jet to Lyon, with the baggage allowance BA give you. Plus the flight times are pretty good too, no early morning or late evening slots.

So first day, its pizzing down in Briancon, but looking at the rain radar, its going to clear. Which it does, but its now 1 o'clock.

https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8610/29729742941_e80d8d7a02_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Mi7GNR)P_20160916_104111 (https://flic.kr/p/Mi7GNR) by maviczap (https://www.flickr.com/photos/89416312@N07/), on Flickr

So trying to ride to Galibier & back isn't really feasible, plus I didn't know what the weather would be like there. So bunged the bike in back of the hire car and drove to the Lauteret, and conditions were fine, damp & cold, not raining and the pass was Ouvert!

https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8356/29520217740_98bcecc939_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LYAQgo)P_20160916_155152_PN (https://flic.kr/p/LYAQgo) by maviczap (https://www.flickr.com/photos/89416312@N07/), on Flickr

Once on the climb, I felt fine, overtook a couple of Belgian cyclists, and only in the last Km did I find the going a bit tough. Once I got to the summit, the other side which I'd tried and failed at the previous year, was completely fog bound and not very nice. So I'm glad I hadn't climbed from that side.

https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8536/29096523674_6a51bdaf90_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LkahMh)P_20160916_154032_PN (https://flic.kr/p/LkahMh) by maviczap (https://www.flickr.com/photos/89416312@N07/), on Flickr

Maybe its a bit of a cheat to not do the whole ride, but this guys blog was useful in just doing the 8km from the Lautret summit to Galibier. Plus a gentle start to the week. Plus I'd done a lot of the climb from the other side last year, so this was stage 2 :-)

http://www.cycling-challenge.com/col-du-galibier-a-complete-look/

https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8498/29520035340_652f18ff2b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LYzU3y)P_20160916_153957 (https://flic.kr/p/LYzU3y) by maviczap (https://www.flickr.com/photos/89416312@N07/), on Flickr

https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8824/29729763701_3b962b8b83_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Mi7NYM)P_20160916_155117 (https://flic.kr/p/Mi7NYM) by maviczap (https://www.flickr.com/photos/89416312@N07/), on Flickr

I took it easy on the descent, as I was very cold, it was damp & I didn't want to bin it on the first day. The road surface wasn't as good as the Telegraph on the other side, very bumpy and uneven. Not good for the confidence!

bLu2Z5I5ZAw


Still I was please to have got to the summit, apart from wanting to punch a rather fat rude Dutch cyclist who wanted me out of the way whilst he had his photo taken.

[maviczap]

Day 2 - Izoard

Again it was raining again, but the Accuweather forecast said it would clear up, so I waited & waited, and sure enough it did. Having learnt my lesson from the previous day, I donned a long sleeve jersey and base layer, as the sun was still hiding.

The Izoard climb starts in Briancon and starts off at a nice 6%, a nice easy start for the legs. As I was heading out, there was still some rain falling, not much but I did have 2nd thoughts about carrying on or stopping to put my rain jacket on. But it never got any worse, so I carried on. I was quite pleased, as I hadn't gone into bottom gear and still had it in reserve. Of course as the Km's ticked off, I had to change.

The road was nice an quiet, with only the odd car or motorbike passing me, including a Brit couple on a Triumph Tiger, who were staying at my hotel. I did get caught by a local rider, on his 1990's mountain bike, short sleeves, trainers & a rack with his holdall on! He had muscles where I don't have muscles, but he said bonjour as he disappeared up the road like Pantani would have!

It got colder and damper toward the summit, although I was sweating with my long sleeved top on.

https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8453/29186887663_c117533bc3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Lt9qR6)P_20160917_120820 (https://flic.kr/p/Lt9qR6) by maviczap (https://www.flickr.com/photos/89416312@N07/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8514/29702162216_385784107a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MfFm27)P_20160917_120815 (https://flic.kr/p/MfFm27) by maviczap (https://www.flickr.com/photos/89416312@N07/), on Flickr

Nice climb, descent was dicey under the tree cover, and I took it easy, especially on the hairpins. Once out of the trees and the road was dry I let it go

I'd like to do this climb from the other side one day, and see the La Casse deserte, its a long way down from the summit & on a day like the day I did it, not feasible, as there's no short cut back to Briancon

http://www.cycling-challenge.com/col-dizoard-both-sides/

[carelesschucca]

C'mon c'mon where's the rest of the trip??? :-D

[maviczap]

You can have too much of a good thing, I'm rationing it :-)

[maviczap]

rayznSn1cbc&feature=youtu.be

[Starlet_gt]

I'd love to go away cycling. For now I'll just stick with TTing lol. Maybe 2018 I'll give it a shot, really want to try Ventoux.

[pookie]

great stuff.. wish i could get off my behind and do it..

[maviczap]

I'd love to go away cycling. For now I'll just stick with TTing lol. Maybe 2018 I'll give it a shot, really want to try Ventoux.

Do it


great stuff.. wish i could get off my behind and do it..

Get on with it ;)

[carelesschucca]

I've been working on Northern Spain ideas because of your trip. Yeah the climbs ain't as famous but I love the area. Sadly it most certainly won't be next year so hopefully 2018.

I want to do;

Alto de l’Angliru
Lagos de Covadonga
Puerto de San Glorio
I'd also like to climb up to Tresviso in the area.

We shall see if I can save enough to get it done... Only way I can do that is stop buying cycling stuff.

[maviczap]

I've been working on Northern Spain ideas because of your trip. Yeah the climbs ain't as famous but I love the area. Sadly it most certainly won't be next year so hopefully 2018.

I want to do;

Alto de l’Angliru
Lagos de Covadonga
Puerto de San Glorio
I'd also like to climb up to Tresviso in the area.

We shall see if I can save enough to get it done... Only way I can do that is stop buying cycling stuff.

Wrong, Angliru & Covadonga are famous, maybe not the mythical status of the French & Italian climbs, but all the same famous.

[maviczap]

I've been working on Northern Spain ideas because of your trip. Yeah the climbs ain't as famous but I love the area. Sadly it most certainly won't be next year so hopefully 2018.

I want to do;

Alto de l’Angliru
Lagos de Covadonga
Puerto de San Glorio
I'd also like to climb up to Tresviso in the area.

We shall see if I can save enough to get it done... Only way I can do that is stop buying cycling stuff.

Angliru & Covadonga are famous, maybe not the mythical status of the French & Italian climbs, but all the same famous.