The Cycling Thread

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Completely lost my enthusiasm for it, what with the accident and the solicitors still not sorted it out, Personal Injury claim is just about there we think, but AXA wont even entertain talking to my solicitor about a value for the Van Nic, even the solicitor is getting exasperated with it and cant understand why they are being so difficult about it.

I would like it done and dusted so I can draw a line under it all. The police have prosecuted the driver and instead of fining him they have sent him on a two day driver improvement course. He was an old man and I felt a bit sorry for him, so hopefully it'll help him not do the same thing again.

I'm going to get some rides in on my own for a bit and then see about joining the local club in the spring I think.

Yes, I can fully understand why you'd lost your mojo

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by maviczap

Well Alpe D'Huez is on my 'To do' list. I know its do able in a long weekend as my neighbour did it, so long as the weather is ok, but I'd also like to do the Telegraph & Galibier, so another week would be required.

I'd be up for that. It would be a long term goal to give me something to aim for and I'd rather take a week or so and have time to get everything in.

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

I'd be up for that. It would be a long term goal to give me something to aim for and I'd rather take a week or so and have time to get everything in.

Well I'm sure that there would be enough of us to make this a possible trip next year, so lets set a slow burning fuse and see what happens.

I was lucky this year that my wife is off for the whole of September, so I've no issues with who's looking after the kids.

My only stipulation is that its not during the school holidays and I can't take any leave during the Olympics & Paraolympics next year (at the mo). But it'd be too hot & all the French will be on holiday at this time, so best avoided anyway.

[fizzwheel]

Liz has the same issue as they are putting the whole of the TA on standby during the olympics. So thats out for us as well really.

September sounds like idea timewise.

[Luckypants]

We have plans for the Alps next year too. Ventoux on Tuesday....

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[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Luckypants

Ventoux on Tuesday....

That is going to be epic. Remember to pay your respects to Tommy on your way up...

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Liz has the same issue as they are putting the whole of the TA on standby during the olympics. So thats out for us as well really.

September sounds like idea timewise.

Originally Posted by Luckypants

We have plans for the Alps next year too. Ventoux on Tuesday....

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September would be ideal again, LP's plans might be different, but lets see.

As yet I have no fixed plans from my wife yet, although she also can't take any leave during the Olympics.

I will be encouraged to take leave before & after the Olympics, so I don't have too much to carry over into the next leave year.

So no great issues with not being allowed time off

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by Luckypants

We have plans for the Alps next year too. Ventoux on Tuesday....

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Originally Posted by fizzwheel

That is going to be epic. Remember to pay your respects to Tommy on your way up...

Yes, I'm very envious too.

Another one on the 'To do list'

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

That is going to be epic.

Almost certainly! Weather forecast is 27C
So pretty warm! Hopefully no wind.... Will post pics on Facebook, write up on return Friday.

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[maviczap]

Day 3 Bareges - Luz Ardiden - Luz

Once again the skys were clear and blue so the 3 of us decided that we'd ride to Luz Ardiden rather than do the 75 mile ride with the 'Doctor' & his son.

Down the hill again, with none of the tankslapper that started to manifest itself at 40mph the previous day, after I'd pumped my tyres up to their max pressure. I'd never had this before but it was damn scary

So through Luz and start the climb to Luz, great road few if any cars.

The middle bit of the climb is the hardest with gradients of 10%. I stopped by the side of the road to have a energy gel and to take a photo of LP, as I was ahead on the road.

As he went past he called me a sadistic assasin



Its a bit blurred as hes going so fast

We'd all been passed by a 67 year old French guy

Once we'd got past this hard bit, then the switchbacks started, which although step gave a nice break, as there was a slight flat section each corner.

I could see LP up the road at each hairpin, but could never close the gap on him.

Once at the finish we were treated to fabulous views of the valley below and the road up to the ski station.









Then we set off back down the climb, which was fantastic, as we could sight each bend and take the proper line without fear of cars & other traffic


Just like the Pro's


We did the climb back to Bareges, as we'd no other option, as there was no one to pick us up.

One Hors catagorie climb completed

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/113835555