Balmoral Abroad
 
REturning to the Alpes Following the etape this year I decided that “la Marmotte” was the next challenge.  One year to train and get ready for what certainly is going to be the hardest ride of my life.

A ride of 175 kms with over 5000m of climbing.  Col du Galibier, Col du Telegraph, Col del la Croix de Fer and Alpe d’Heuz.  This was the creme de la creme of climbs all in one ride.

As I watched the Tour travel over part of the same course in this years race I had some reservations - the ride looked tough even for the pro’s and they were only taking on 3 of the 5 climbs.  Would I make it or would I chicken out.
 
 
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Etape - Again
 
Scenery and timing have won out - it is the Etape again.  La Marmotte will be on the same course again next year so it will have to wait for another year.  
 
The other good thing is that I had my first ride today.  After 7 weeks off the bike it was good to get out there again.  
 
Sure my hand
 
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Now this is a Quandary
 
The decision on the Etape is out and the race is Mt Ventoux on July 20.  Now this puts me in a Quandary, Mt Ventoux is a nice ride and Provence is a much nicer location than Grenoble.  However it is not La Marmotte.  The two races are unfortunately too far apart this year for mug punters such as
 
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Blow Out
 
I am starting to feel that returning to Australia was not such a great idea.  I know there is gorgeous weather, great food, fantastic rides and its a nice place to live however I have been plagued with problems since returning.
 
1.  Bike Recall
2.  Continuing Knee problem - no riding
3. Crash!!!
 
 
 
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Getting Fat
 
I am still waiting for my bike, it seems that even the postman in Sydney rides a Cervelo to work so the number of jobs to be done is longer than my patience.  In a fit of impatience I drove up to Gosford to retrieve an old bike out of storage.  
 
Funny thing when you open that crate full of
 
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Cervelo Recall
 
It is now 2 weeks since I handed my beast of burden over to KOM and still no sign of life.  No replacements available and no news on the next delivery.  A real bummer.  The weather has been getting nicer as spring permeates the city.  Cool mornings and low 20 C by mid morning - Perfect riding