Okay so we wimped out of doing the Fitzs Challenge in pouring rain and wind, so here's a chance to redeem ourselves - The Bega Valley Ftizs - 165kms of BV hills
View Bega Valley Fitzs in a larger map
Bega Valley cycling group "Tools on Tour" will travel to France for the 2010 "Tour De France" after 2 years of planning. Join as a follower and follow our adventure.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
re visit Brown Mountain
Being back from France for over a week now, I was missing the daily pain and suffering that we were getting used to during our big trip so I decided to pack the bike in the car for a saturday arvo climb up Brown Mountain.
It was going to be interesting to compare riding our local mountain compared to what we were climbing in France, well no surprises Brown Mountain maybe not as long a climb but stll bloody steep and tough, especially when one is trying ones hardest to do a PB to prove that we had actually grown stonger in the European Mountains.
Well I'm pleased to report that a PB was indeed acheived but not before puttng absolutely everything into it and leaving nothing on the mountain ( the thought of being slower after France was a real motivation). Very happy with a time of 47:06 from sign to sign.
Bring on Mt Daraugh, much more my gradient.
It was going to be interesting to compare riding our local mountain compared to what we were climbing in France, well no surprises Brown Mountain maybe not as long a climb but stll bloody steep and tough, especially when one is trying ones hardest to do a PB to prove that we had actually grown stonger in the European Mountains.
Well I'm pleased to report that a PB was indeed acheived but not before puttng absolutely everything into it and leaving nothing on the mountain ( the thought of being slower after France was a real motivation). Very happy with a time of 47:06 from sign to sign.
Bring on Mt Daraugh, much more my gradient.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
A last hurrah in the UK
All the tools have now bid farewell and gone in several different directions most returning home. One tool had a day or two in the UK and couldn't resist the temptations offered for a little ride in the Peak District. So heading west from Sheffield climbed in to the Peak District across the top of the moors, passed stanedge edge.
Then dropped down to ladybower reservoir site of the famous dam busters WWII movie.
A return via Hathersage made for a beautiful ride of about 40ks.
That was it for me. Puppy minding duties were calling so back it was for my appointment with Jaffa the border terrier puppy.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Our easiest ride on tour - Paris
Bob, Rob and myself decided that the best way to see Paris was by bike so we booked in with "Fat Tire Cycle Tours" for a 4 hour tour of Paris by bike. We had a great day riding around and getting an overview of the sights and facts of Paris. Check out the photos by clicking on the photo.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Final Mountain Stage
The weather forecast for the final mountain stage up the tourmalet was extremely bleak. 8 degrees and heavy rain. But 4 of the tools decided to take it on.
We drove to the bottom of the tourmalet about 10 ks from the start of the climb and started riding in heavy rain. Cars and thousands of other cyclists withe the same thought in mind all braving the conditions. Fortunately the rain eased somewhat for most of the climb which we all were handling now with relative ease after almost two weeks of mountain climbing.
Rapide was first up the hill only to be stopped by about 50 gendarmes about 4 ks from the top, the summit in clear view, la cle, la fueille and l'symbole followed. With conditions cold and wet we decided to get back down the mountain and find a warm bar to watch the race from.
The descent was very wet and so cold that all we all struggled to keep any semblance of warmth, La cle especially. L'symbole did the chivalrous thing handing over a bit of clothing to keep the hyperthermia at bay.
We eventually made our way to a village called Augelles and that warm bar. Having a great time with many nationalities cheering there respctive riders.
At the appropriate time we went outside with what seemed like the whole town and watched the tour belt thru the narrow streets. Fantastic atmosphere and a great tour experience.
We drove to the bottom of the tourmalet about 10 ks from the start of the climb and started riding in heavy rain. Cars and thousands of other cyclists withe the same thought in mind all braving the conditions. Fortunately the rain eased somewhat for most of the climb which we all were handling now with relative ease after almost two weeks of mountain climbing.
Rapide was first up the hill only to be stopped by about 50 gendarmes about 4 ks from the top, the summit in clear view, la cle, la fueille and l'symbole followed. With conditions cold and wet we decided to get back down the mountain and find a warm bar to watch the race from.
The descent was very wet and so cold that all we all struggled to keep any semblance of warmth, La cle especially. L'symbole did the chivalrous thing handing over a bit of clothing to keep the hyperthermia at bay.
We eventually made our way to a village called Augelles and that warm bar. Having a great time with many nationalities cheering there respctive riders.
At the appropriate time we went outside with what seemed like the whole town and watched the tour belt thru the narrow streets. Fantastic atmosphere and a great tour experience.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Day 20 - the Col du Tourmalet and Col d' Aspin.
Day 20 - the Col du Tourmalet and Col d' Aspin.
Bob, myself and six of the other guests headed for the Col du Tourmalet on a cloudy day that had already seen rain fall. Apprehension for me was high as the Col du Tourmalet has been talked up as a massive climb. This was also another day in a row of riding and yesterdays climb was fresh in my mind.
It took us over an hour to drive to the other side so we could ride up the way the tour will go up tomorrow. This also meant we could ride the Aspin and then make our way back for another 108 km ride. Bigger than yesterday given the 3600m of ascent.
We headed off and were very grateful for the cool weather. Sweat still flowed freely but I didn't overheat like yesterday. It was very cloudy going up. It was a long relentless climb but in the end was not as bad as I thought it would be. The last bit was steep and you looked straight up a long way to see the road above you and could tell there was only one hairpin to get there. Seriously steep. We got to the top, and hit a wall of people. It was so crowded. Buses stuck, cars trying to push through, hundreds standing around the top of the climb on the road. Sensational. Thank goodness we had ridden through the cloud so it was nice and clear on top.
One car was pushing through and got stuck. I was right at the passenger door and looked down to see Phil Liggot, the commentator. His window was down so I got his attention and said " Hi Phil, how are you going mate" his reply, "I am good mate" I was very happy :-)
We caught up with the some of our group and then headed down. It became very cloudy and instantly very very cold on the way down. The road was also wet with terrible traffic. I had another near miss with a car stopping in front of me suddenly and me trying to stop quickly lost the back wheel for a little while. I thought I was going to hit the car but managed to get traction and stop just in time. Scary one.
The rest of the trip down was uneventful thank goodness and Bob and I stopped to get pizza at the bottom. We were shivering it was so cold. Pizza, coffee and a good chat to 2 South Africans and away we went. It didn't take long to warm up and we made our way to the Col d' Aspin
This was a much easier ride with low grades for most of the 12km and only the last 5km being around the 9% mark. The view, I discovered as we headed down was absolutely amazing. There was a village nearly straight down and a long way down with the road winding it's way down very visible. Clouds were pouring down the mountain and looked stunning. This was a great descent. It was not so cold and the road steep and reasonable straight for sections.
Once at the bottom we made very short time of the next 40kms sitting on ever 30kms/hr average. Great fun but the legs hurt a lot. Stopped at the patisserie for some gorgeous cake and then a quick spin back. Another great days riding and the knowledge I have tomorrow off to rest and take in a decisive day of the tour.
Bob, myself and six of the other guests headed for the Col du Tourmalet on a cloudy day that had already seen rain fall. Apprehension for me was high as the Col du Tourmalet has been talked up as a massive climb. This was also another day in a row of riding and yesterdays climb was fresh in my mind.
It took us over an hour to drive to the other side so we could ride up the way the tour will go up tomorrow. This also meant we could ride the Aspin and then make our way back for another 108 km ride. Bigger than yesterday given the 3600m of ascent.
We headed off and were very grateful for the cool weather. Sweat still flowed freely but I didn't overheat like yesterday. It was very cloudy going up. It was a long relentless climb but in the end was not as bad as I thought it would be. The last bit was steep and you looked straight up a long way to see the road above you and could tell there was only one hairpin to get there. Seriously steep. We got to the top, and hit a wall of people. It was so crowded. Buses stuck, cars trying to push through, hundreds standing around the top of the climb on the road. Sensational. Thank goodness we had ridden through the cloud so it was nice and clear on top.
One car was pushing through and got stuck. I was right at the passenger door and looked down to see Phil Liggot, the commentator. His window was down so I got his attention and said " Hi Phil, how are you going mate" his reply, "I am good mate" I was very happy :-)
We caught up with the some of our group and then headed down. It became very cloudy and instantly very very cold on the way down. The road was also wet with terrible traffic. I had another near miss with a car stopping in front of me suddenly and me trying to stop quickly lost the back wheel for a little while. I thought I was going to hit the car but managed to get traction and stop just in time. Scary one.
The rest of the trip down was uneventful thank goodness and Bob and I stopped to get pizza at the bottom. We were shivering it was so cold. Pizza, coffee and a good chat to 2 South Africans and away we went. It didn't take long to warm up and we made our way to the Col d' Aspin
This was a much easier ride with low grades for most of the 12km and only the last 5km being around the 9% mark. The view, I discovered as we headed down was absolutely amazing. There was a village nearly straight down and a long way down with the road winding it's way down very visible. Clouds were pouring down the mountain and looked stunning. This was a great descent. It was not so cold and the road steep and reasonable straight for sections.
Once at the bottom we made very short time of the next 40kms sitting on ever 30kms/hr average. Great fun but the legs hurt a lot. Stopped at the patisserie for some gorgeous cake and then a quick spin back. Another great days riding and the knowledge I have tomorrow off to rest and take in a decisive day of the tour.
Rob G's Day 19
Day 19 - tour start in Luchon - Col de Peyresourde
Today started like most of our other days. Up, breaky, get ready, ride. The difference with today was, we were going to see the start of the stage from Luchon.
We did a quick 25km ride into Luchon. Quick as there are no mountains in the way so we can zoom along the flats even quicker now days.
Luchon was busy to say the least. So many people, so many barricades. We wandered around for a while until we found the start stage where all the riders sign on. This is a good opportunity to see them all, if you are tall. Lucky me.
I stood next to a raised platform that was part of a food shop to take photos of the rids as they got up on stage. Every time I was on the timber the owner would come and tell me to get off. Not understanding French she would actually push me off, as she would do to everyone else. I got lots of pictures and seen the riders.
Lunch time arrived so Bob, Andy, Ross and I got a sandwich while the others went of to find food. Mine was the worst roll I have ever eaten in my life. I only ate half. Dom, Mark, Jo and Dave had found a restaurant and were having a long lunch so we headed off for the Perisourde. Not a long climb but steep. We headed off, got lost, went back and soon were on the right road. It was a nice ride to the mountain, lots of riders and people along the way as the tour went up the Perisourde before us. We hit the slopes and I was instantly soaked. It was so very hot and the sweat was really running today. The legs were hurting as again we have done many days of riding in a row. I was slow today but made it to the top to meet Bob and Andy. Pictures were taken, coffee ordered and Ross arrived.
We headed off done the mountain and found Ross had a major mechanical issue. Something was wrong with his back wheel. It was very loose and if he didn't pedal the chain cassette would drive the chain so it would become very loose and then tighten. Sounded terrible and was not pretty to see this hitting his frame each time. Needless to say he had to keep pedaling all the way. For all you bike riders, imagine sitting down and pedaling all the time. Geeeeezzzzzz. Your legs hurt but most of all, your bum gets no rest and hurts bad. Ross did well to not completely loose it. Thought he was close at one stage. Thank goodness as he was riding he found if he leaned the bike one way it would work as per normal. His sanity was saved!!
It was a great decent, very fast and soon we were riding through beautiful country side, minimal traffic and a good road service. It was mainly a slight down hill all the way which was great. We scooted home and after a small rest headed out to dinner.
Bob and I went with some of the other guests to a restaurant as it was the cooks night off. The rest stayed and cooked pasta. It was a great night with lots of interesting conversations, and some beautiful food and wine. As we were in France I decided it was time to eat French food.
First up was Escargo. Yep, snails. They were very yummy once they were extracted from their shell. Not I simple thing to do with some of them. Next came frogs legs. There were 6 pair on the plate with salad. Funny looking as the legs are still joined and the back parts is handy to hold so you can tuck into their tasty calfs and thighs. They were also very yummy but as you can imagine, not so filling.
Duck was next which was served with pasta. Again a beautiful dish. Duck has become a bit of a favourite for me. It is sooo nice. Desert was Creme Broule.
It was getting late so the car came to pick us up. When we got home most were in bed asleep so off to bed we went. A lovely evening learning about others from other countries.
Today started like most of our other days. Up, breaky, get ready, ride. The difference with today was, we were going to see the start of the stage from Luchon.
We did a quick 25km ride into Luchon. Quick as there are no mountains in the way so we can zoom along the flats even quicker now days.
Luchon was busy to say the least. So many people, so many barricades. We wandered around for a while until we found the start stage where all the riders sign on. This is a good opportunity to see them all, if you are tall. Lucky me.
I stood next to a raised platform that was part of a food shop to take photos of the rids as they got up on stage. Every time I was on the timber the owner would come and tell me to get off. Not understanding French she would actually push me off, as she would do to everyone else. I got lots of pictures and seen the riders.
Lunch time arrived so Bob, Andy, Ross and I got a sandwich while the others went of to find food. Mine was the worst roll I have ever eaten in my life. I only ate half. Dom, Mark, Jo and Dave had found a restaurant and were having a long lunch so we headed off for the Perisourde. Not a long climb but steep. We headed off, got lost, went back and soon were on the right road. It was a nice ride to the mountain, lots of riders and people along the way as the tour went up the Perisourde before us. We hit the slopes and I was instantly soaked. It was so very hot and the sweat was really running today. The legs were hurting as again we have done many days of riding in a row. I was slow today but made it to the top to meet Bob and Andy. Pictures were taken, coffee ordered and Ross arrived.
We headed off done the mountain and found Ross had a major mechanical issue. Something was wrong with his back wheel. It was very loose and if he didn't pedal the chain cassette would drive the chain so it would become very loose and then tighten. Sounded terrible and was not pretty to see this hitting his frame each time. Needless to say he had to keep pedaling all the way. For all you bike riders, imagine sitting down and pedaling all the time. Geeeeezzzzzz. Your legs hurt but most of all, your bum gets no rest and hurts bad. Ross did well to not completely loose it. Thought he was close at one stage. Thank goodness as he was riding he found if he leaned the bike one way it would work as per normal. His sanity was saved!!
It was a great decent, very fast and soon we were riding through beautiful country side, minimal traffic and a good road service. It was mainly a slight down hill all the way which was great. We scooted home and after a small rest headed out to dinner.
Bob and I went with some of the other guests to a restaurant as it was the cooks night off. The rest stayed and cooked pasta. It was a great night with lots of interesting conversations, and some beautiful food and wine. As we were in France I decided it was time to eat French food.
First up was Escargo. Yep, snails. They were very yummy once they were extracted from their shell. Not I simple thing to do with some of them. Next came frogs legs. There were 6 pair on the plate with salad. Funny looking as the legs are still joined and the back parts is handy to hold so you can tuck into their tasty calfs and thighs. They were also very yummy but as you can imagine, not so filling.
Duck was next which was served with pasta. Again a beautiful dish. Duck has become a bit of a favourite for me. It is sooo nice. Desert was Creme Broule.
It was getting late so the car came to pick us up. When we got home most were in bed asleep so off to bed we went. A lovely evening learning about others from other countries.
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