A client review from the 2012 Haute Route, Alps. What it takes to get through the week.
BACKGROUND
In Haute Route (HR) 2012 we rode from Geneva to Nice in 7 days, more or less like 7 hill stages of the TdF, including one hill Time Trial (the Alpe). The first HR was staged last year, over a similar course, organised by a French body.
In 2013 they plan another week long HR in the Alps (starting Sun 18 Aug) followed by one in the Pyrenees (starting Sun 1 Sep) after a week's gap.
Based on the published results there were 567 riders in total, mostly men (516, of whom 437 "finished"), and some women (51, of whom 37 "finished", ie total 474 "finished" and 93 DNF), drawn from 33 countries, mostly from UK and Europe, plus US, Australia, S Africa, Canada etc, including Brazil, Kenya, Israel and Russia.
Those deemed as "finished" stayed ahead of a 15kph time cut for each stage other than the TT (and 16 kph on the last day). Many of those who did not "finish" did in fact ride the whole way. But some pulled out, injured or otherwise. And, tragically, one died.
The event was well organised, running a bit like a mini-TdF. Other than the Time Trial on Day 4 we started each stage early each day, rolling off in waves. The ride route was well signposted by yellow markers, including signs warning of dangers like sharp bends or other obstacles along the route. The roads were not closed but at nearly every relevant intersection volunteers were stationed to help indicate the route and to stop traffic. So navigation was easy. The French like bike races and this energetic procession attracted a sprinkling of spectators, especially in smaller towns and villages. There were plenty of feed/drink zones and the daily race was also supported also by a squad of experienced motor cycle escorts (thus Gerard, a Paris based Gendarme, has done 10 x TdFs), by a couple of yellow Mavic vehicles and by a medical vehicle.
We finished each stage by early / mid afternoon and a full lunch was then available, and mostly good. Later in the afternoon was a briefing regarding the following day's stage.
Many participants rode as individuals, but many were part of teams. I rode as part of a group of 9 organised out of Sydney, in a team called ANZACS, though it included an Englishman, an American and a Russian of Lebanese descent!
OBSERVATIONS
It was marvellous cycling, but hard, very hard, in particular this year because of the heat. Obviously 780km of riding, with around 20,000 metres of climb, in 7 days will be hard but the surprise was the heat, especially day one, but straying into the following 3 days. Interestingly, over the whole week one never needed a jacket on descents from the Cols, even from the 2800m high Bonette.
Day one, from Geneva to Megeve, featured two hard hills, the Romme and the last 8km of the Colombiere, both steepish. In five annual seasons of riding in Europe I've never stopped on a big climb and I've never cramped while riding, but both happened this day. Climbing the Romme, after rolling quietly south out of Geneva, the temperature was already around 27 deg C, but over the 8km climb to the top of the Colombiere it averaged over 35 and reached near 40 by the summit. I finally stopped and walked the final 300-400 metres, the gradient now averaging about 10%, then rested in shade at the drink station on top. Wise move, the heat is dangerous. Descending to Grand Bornand I then cramped in the left front inside thigh, stopped, resumed, then again cramped at the base of the last climb (Aravis), now in my right rear thigh. Paused again. Up the Aravis the temp averaged 37 and again I paused in shade for a few minutes. That afternoon at Megeve I napped before dinner – very rare for me - and I did wonder, if this heat continues will I make Nice?!
On Day two the first hill, Saisies, was more manageable, now a bit cooler (but still 28 at the top), and the hill not quite so steep. Again I was slow. On the hot 25km flat picturesque run from Albertville to Moutiers (the start of the next climb), I recall two bare chested old guys sitting in the roadside shade nursing glasses of (cold?) white wine. The second climb, up to our finish at Courchevel, was again very hot, averaging mid 30s. On this climb I stopped briefly for water, then soon after saw a heat struck guy loaded into the medical support vehicle. At the top I discovered he was one of our group!? Luckily he made it to Nice but shaken by the experience?
Day 3 was our biggest stage, near 140km and 4,300 metres of climb. I climbed well up the first big hill, the north side of HC Madeleine. It was a bit milder and my legs were now warmed up after two hard days. But the last two hills, the tough Glandon and the Villard Reculas climb round to Alpe d'Huez (bringing amazing views south down to Bourg d'Oisans from the narrow road traversing east), were again hot, near or over 30, and again I paced myself. But I made the Alpe with something left. That night I thought I could now make Nice inside the cut, excluding unplanned mishaps. But I had had some luck on the Glandon when I blew a tyre near the start of the tough final 8km and a Mavic support van arrived within a minute or so to help me. And help I needed because the tyre was split and needed replacing (my fault, the tyre was worn and should have been changed). Then higher up Glandon, near the brutal final few kms, some cloud drifted in and shaded the road.
Day 4, the Alpe d'Huez TT, up from Bourg d'Oisans on the FdF course, was our 'rest' day, an entertaining distraction, but a bit frustrating because the time didn't count.
This left three days south to Nice, and now I stayed well ahead of the time cut, in warm weather but not mad, and up some more good climbs like the north side of HC Izoard on Day 5, after climbing to Lautaret from the west, and up the HC Bonette (to 2802m) on Day 6, after climbing Col de Vars up from Guillestre.
On the last day (7) we rolled over 180km down to Nice, mostly downhill but still including near 2900 metres of climb, in three Cols, especially the pretty Couillole, winding up a narrow valley. The descent to Nice was marvellous, passing through
amazing hill country, through geology exposed in gorges and ravines and across mountain sides, through hillside villages like Sigale, Roquesteron and Coursegoules.
But tragedy struck the event on the last day. Near the end of a descent down the spectacular red rock Gorge de Cians, after Col de Couillole, was a long straight against a wall right, and a sharp 90 degree right turn at the bottom. A strong 40 year old Swedish rider missed the corner and flew over the side. As I passed the bend trouble was evident from the motor bikes and officials and the van present and later in Nice, soon after the finish, I learned from Gerard that the guy had died. Took one's breath. A terrible shock. Through the week there were other crashes, mainly on descents. Down the Madeleine a young English guy flew by me coming into a sharp right bend, which he made by a whisker, his back wheel juddering and wobbling as he braked hard, just as a motor bike passed, coming up.
On the last day, Saturday 25th August, the timed event finished at the top of the last hill, Col de Vence, from where we descended about 10km to Vence itself. Here some of our group lunched before about 3.30pm when the entire peloton of over 550 riders assembled and rode the final 21km down to Nice, along closed roads to the ceremonial finish near the east end of the Promenade des Anglais – the seaside boulevard apparently launched in the late 18th C by wealthy English visitors as an employment project for an influx of itinerants during a tough winter - to vintage fizz and a dip in the Med.
A tough week but hugely worth the effort. The pain fades, the beauty and bonhomie remains.
Hello HR Organisers,
Yes overall was a marvellous memorable experience. The riding and the course was marvellous, eg loved the descent from Auron to Nice. And liked talking with riders time to time en route.
The HR organisation overall was very good, thus really liked the clear route directions and the help from roadside volunteers. Unsung heroes.
And liked the support from the public, spectators, especially in smaller towns and villages.
And feed / drink zones were generally good.
I hope to be back next year, in Pyrenees. Regards Bill
Friday 17 February 2012
Who needs to write a blog when you've got Mike Iz on a trip - Cheers Iz for the great recap of the trip and looking forward to seeing you out there again in the very near future on the Elsworth!!
After a very soggy Sydney Summer, you could be forgiven for getting just a little bit excited about heading to the mecca of mountain biking for a weekend of single track serenity. Sure enough 17 of TORC's finest climbed aboard the MTNBike Express in search of some sweet dusty trails
First stop was Kowen forest and again we had the privilege of mixing it with Ben Henderson, still recovering from a virus, Ben was kind enough to come out and set the scene for a weekend where the object was to ride your bike as fast as possible through every conceivable type of corner. Before long the natives got restless as Kowen's beautiful lines beckoned and it wasn't long before a few keen beans blasted off to stretch the legs and the lungs. The name of the game was "Where's Brad?" Hardly a puff of dust had been raised one of our team were missing in action. Turned out he thought it was the Roadies tour coming up in a couple of weeks and decided to take a detour via Queenbeyan! Steve also pushed hard on the power limit and broke his chain link by link until he had to scooter back to base camp. There was plenty of "Yieeeew!" and "Yeaaaaah" and "Whoooooa" calls coming across the valleys, these are the mating calls of the mountain biker and the better the single track, the more frequent the calls.
Back for lunch and Will and Laurie really fed us well. The whole tour was expertly organised and the food was a hit for tired legs. Simey offered to reapply the butt cream, but only Martine accepted his kind offer then it was out for another couple of hours of soaking up the trails over Sparrow Hill, just 25km of uninterrupted singletrack.
Peter took the prize for the hard man of the weekend, taking particular offense to a certain pine tree and both he and the tree were left missing some bark. Of course the tree won, but Peter has the bragging rights and got a nice ride in an ambulance for his efforts.
Post ride coffees and a good quality "all you can eat" buffet at the AIS were very welcome after a big day in the saddle and then it was off to sample the night life in Dickson. Yes there is night life in Canberra and we all enjoyed some carb loading in the cool summer evening
Sunday morning provided another opportunity to ride the "all you can eat" single track, rolling out at sunrise to take in the manicured trails of Bruce Ridge to roll the legs over the before breakfast. It really was the perfect morning at 12 degrees and clear blue skies and not a puff of breeze. Ben, Hayden, Will and Isy had a great time navigating this tortoise shell of criss-crossing trails with gentle climbs and sweeping bends on the descents.
Our final ride started with an easy bunch ride through the suburbs from the AIS to one of the oldest and best love MTB precincts in Canberra, Majura Pines. The trails were a little damp which made for tricky conditions as one moment you had loads of grip on a tacky corner and the next you could be two wheel drifting over a slippery tree root. There were heaps of riders there including families and heaps of girls all enjoying the best of MTB in Canberra (Great to see more girls getting into this sport!). Mike Farkas was having a shocker and no sooner was he singing the praises of Scarlett and the next, going rubber up at low speed over a couple of sketchy obstacles, very unlike Mike. Fankles also revealed his talents for inflicting pain and made a foursome with Nick, Mike and Isy to explore this area that is some areas resembled the Blair Witch project, gothic aged pines trees, plenty of hills and made for some gorgeous scenery.
All in all a fantastic weekend of riding with friends and right on queue the storms reappeared as we made our way back to Sydney, wishing we never had to return. Mike (Feb 2012)
Wednesday 8 February 2012
Never a dull moment - wow I must admit that I'm terribly sorry for my delayed posts on this blog! Where does time go!? I'm sure you've all been keeping up on the 'other' cycling blog which reported on my time in EU ... if not have a read, plenty of stories from my time on the 2011 Haute Route. It is hard to believe that the Haute Route for 2012 sold out in 8 hours! I'm really looking forward to attending again this year and this time with clients. We do have a few tickets left so if you've ever dreamed of riding those amazing cols, pretty much everyone from Geneva to Nice then this is the tour for you.
Other fronts, the picture above is of Carl Fokkema, the shot was taken by Gilbert Romane of http://www.girophoto.com/ just before the start of the Terry Hills Cyclo-Cross Event in Jan of 2012. Carl went on to take second place in the overall series. Well done to him and cheers to our first 'sponsored' rider.
We've been down to the Tour Down Under which was another huge success. Doing the shuttle saw us take 22 bikes down and back plus work for two different companies during that time. Shuttling bikes after the end of stages is a great business for us and all our customers were very happy with their service.
Much more is on the horizon ... Turramurra Cycles MTB trip to Canberra, GUG in March, Bike Shuttle to Byron Triathlon, Australian Mountain Bike Magazine trip to Canberra and to top it all off we've got our private trip to Italy in June.
What a weekend - it was great to head out on a roadie trip. The routes were set, the cyclists were all looking forward to doing some ‘big’ K’s and before you knew it we had departed Sydney and had arrived in Goulburn. After a coffee at the Green Grocer Cafe it was time to head out into the cool autumn day, heading to Canberra.
The back way to Canberra really is a great ride, rolling hills and some wonderful scenery. The ‘crew‘ arrived into Lake Bathurst an hour after leaving Goulburn, setting a decent pace of 30kph. Lake Bathurst is one of those towns with popular trees aligning the main street, at this time of the year it is a beautiful sight. Next stop, after our one and only flat of the weekend, we were in Targo and up rolling through the undulating hills of the area. Coffee in Bungendore was well deserved and sitting in the sun added to the great morning.
There is a nice hill out of Bungendore heading up towards Macs Reef Road but it didn’t even register on the cyclists legs. Before they knew it, after some more rolling hills, they were on the down hill stretch to the Nations Capital, Canberra.
Lunch was at Tilleys in Lyneham a regular haunt for many Canberra-ites and it was such a glorious day to be sitting outside and reminiscing about the time just spent in the saddle.
It was time to check into the Australian Institute of Sport and relax, the pool was open and massages had been booked. We put the heater on, had time to read the paper and also a few cycle related magazines.
‘All you can eat dinner’ can never come quick enough after cyclists have done 115k. Saturday night at the AIS is ‘fat night’ --- ice-cream and a few other treats to recharge the athletes stores after a week of hard work ... including cyclists!
We usually head to the pub on Saturday night but this time we had no takers, back to a warm room, a little TV, magazines and dark chocolate. It was not long offer before lights were out.
The weather report for Sunday morning was for a chance of rain, they must have got the wrong day. Breakfast of bircher muesli and anything else you would like was consumed eagerly. Before you know it we were headed down the hill from the AIS and through a sparsely populated Canberra.
The Cotter loop is a famous one if you are a cyclist from Canberra, not many cars, some rolling hills and some steep ones too. There was an option to head out to Corrin Dam (+50k) but we decided to head out to the Space Station instead (+10k). Out there we had a chance to tell some stories about the universe, the riders were all highly intelligent - aren’t they always? - then they were off to complete what they had started. The ride out of Cotter Dam was a long haul but a few other cyclists were on the road to make it that much more of a ‘race’. There was also an option to climb to the top of Mt Stromlo but we had no takers, “maybe next time” was the answer by one rider. On the last major hill of the day there was an unofficial KOM, congratulations to Caroline of taking the honours.
Time for a Turkish coffee in the sun in Turner then back to the AIS for a shower before a big lunch. All up that days ride was 105k.
On the drive home we usually have everyone asleep by Lake George, this time we had a great time of regaling the adventures they had just had.
It really was a great weekend, thanks to the riders who provided many smiles and laughs. Looking forward to doing it all again sometime in the near future.
Monday 16 May 2011
Just back from a weekend in Canberra, who says it's too cold to ride down there in May and June!? I must admit that it was a brisk 2C when we came home from the pub on Saturday night but ALL 6 riders were up at 6:30 ready to ride on Sunday morning, this is the FIRST time ever that we have all ALL riders up for the cobweb cleaner ride!
It is always hard to sum up a weekend in such a short space. In short, it could not have been a better weekend! The riders were amazing, so excited to be out riding, hungry to learn, full of stories and laughs and fearless!!
I know that you should never have 'favourites' but I will just say that this group was one of the best. From the first ride out at Sparrow it seemed like they were already best friends. Many new skills were learned during the session, an hours worth of MTB skills and then we were out on trail to ride that amazing single track. Once again, Paul Cole and co continue to keep those 12k of trails in amazing condition. A few kangaroos kept us company on the trails but other than that we had the whole place to ourselves.
Coming back to the bus and having lunch in the sun was just a perfect way to end session one. After saying good bye to Peter Dowse, our MTB skills session leader out at Sparrow, we were off to Dickson to stop for a coffee and grab some extra gloves at Mal Adjusted.
Check in at the AIS and the girls only needed 15 minutes to turn around and be back out on their bikes, dare I say a new record!? Then it was off to check out the trails of Bruce Ridge, now legalised and a HEAP of fun! The trail fairies were out recently and have done some altering of some sections, all to make it that much better of a MTB ride site!
We rode until sundown, thanks to Hiran from Radical Lights for the demo lights. Again they worked better than anything else we have ever tried. Lighting the way for us all to make it home safe and sound.
Massages on offer, all you can eat dinner, rooms with the heaters on and a trip the pub round out our regular Saturday evening.
Come Sunday, as mentioned above, all riders were front and centre for the early ride. Back over to Bruce Ridge to check out some of the other trails that are out there. After and hour of flowing single track it was time to head back for a delicious hot breakfast.
Time to head off to the amazing trails of Mt Stromlo. The car park was pretty full for a brisk Sunday morning, true testament to the toughness of MTB'ers! Some time to work on our skills around the base of the mountain saw the ladies pick up some more skills. Before you know it we were off on trail again. There is a loop that we take in before heading up that has some good examples of what you'll see around Mt S. One being a see-saw. I had pulled up near the run into the see-saw to let the riders know that it was approaching. Next thing you know one rider is giving it a go!! Like a walk in the park, she was calm and composed, got to the top of the see and sawed down to the bottom! IMPRESSED is one word that comes to mind. To prove it not a fluke she did it again as did some of the other ladies, impressed once again.
Time to take off some of the layers we had all applied and the to the top! The ladies ALL made it to the top of Stromlo and with one big hurrah we celebrated reaching the top. The trip down the mountain/hill saw many smiles and times where the ladies put into practice what they had learned.
Another lunch in the glorious sun and then back to the AIS for a shower and back to Sydney. Phew - what a weekend, thank you to all those who came along for so many great memories. This truly was a great weekend and I'm already looking forward to our next GUG trip in September. Before that trip we have a few more on the cards, especially out Australian Mountain Bike Magazine trip. For more details check out our home page.
Monday 21 Mar 2011
Tour de Cure
Haute Route
MTB Switzerland
TdF Provence to Paris
twowheeltours.com.auis a bike tour company which was created to take cyclists on tours to amazing destinations. Many companies offer cycling trips, yet our subtle difference is that we take those who want to cycle and we also take their loved ones (other than their bikes) along for the adventure.
We offer a client focused adventure which is activity based for both the cyclist and non cyclist.
We are an Australian company which is based in Europe during their summers. We offer luxury bike tours for both road and mountain bikers. We are primarily based in France including the Alps and the Pyrenees but also take trips to Switzerland. We also offer Australian based tours, including Sydney and it's famous New Years Eve celebration and Port Douglas for its natural beauty in the tropics.
for our latest MTB clips
Tour de Cure
The Tour de Cure is a journey like no other - its aim is to raise funds for vital cancer research, support and prevention projects. As part of my fundraising I am offering a three course Sydney harbour-side dinner including alcohol, for the person, and their partner, who makes the largest donation.
In combination with Ride Cycling Review, Australia's finest Cycling publication, twowheeltours is offering twenty riders and their partners the chance to travel in style and participate in the inaugural Haute Route. This land based tour is as good as it gets - a professional team including translators, highly qualified mechanics, tour guides, drivers and a tour manager. For more information click here.
TdF 2011
The Tour de France here we come, a cyclist dream! Experience six TDF Stages including Alpe d'Huez and the Paris finish. Riders conquer Mont Ventoux and Alpe d'Huez. Grandstand seating in Paris for the finish; optional morning ride on Champs Elysées on race day. In combination with tdf-tours - twowheeltours is offering a 9 day fully catered adventure. For more information click here.
MTB Week Switzerland
Welcome to the beautiful Swiss Alps, where the grass is green, the snow is on the peaks and there are cows and trails everywhere. For the riders we have some breath taking trips going through amazing scenery and riding flowing trails. For the non riders you will have a wonderful time with our guide who will take you on hikes and show you places of natural beauty. For more information click here.
Tour De Cure - Come April I will be working with Tour De Cure - a cycling event riding from Sydney to Melbourne. If you can assist, a dollar or even by forwarding this post, it will greatly benefit awareness, research, support and prevention. As part of my fundraising I am also offering a three course Sydney harbour-side dinner including alcohol, for the person, and their partner, who makes the largest donation. Here is the view below! To sponsor click here.
---------- The Haute Route is drawing closer:
We are offering an 11 day fully catered adventure including:
Entry to the inaugural 7 day La Haute Route from Geneva to Nice
Five star accommodation before and after La Haute Route - Geneva we will be staying at Le Richemond - Nice we will be at Hotel Negresco
Gourmet food including Welcome and Farewell Dinners
Premium Accommodation Package while on tour
Dedicated mechanical support
Tours of Geneva and Nice
Cycling Kit included
Partner Program for those who do not ride - daily activities
For more information please click on the French flag below.
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Swiss Lakes and Alps MTB - riding some of EU's best single track (MTB based)
Welcome to the beautiful to Swiss Alps, where the grass is green, the snow is on the peaks and there are cows and trails everywhere. For the riders we have some breath taking trips going through amazing scenery and riding flowing trails. For the non riders you will have a wonderful time with our guide who will take you on hikes and show you places of natural beauty.
The Tour de France here we come, a cyclist dream! Experience six TDF Stages including Alpe d'Huez and the Paris finish. Riders conquer Mont Ventoux and Alpe d'Huez. Grandstand seating in Paris for the finish; optional morning ride on Champs Elysées on race day. ----
twowheeltours.com.au is a bike tour company which was created to take cyclist on tours to amazing destinations. Many companies offer cycling trips, yet our subtle difference is that not only do we take those who cycle but we also take their loved ones (other than their bikes) along for the adventure. We offer a client focused adventure which is activity based for both the cyclist and non cyclist.
We are an Australian company which is based in Europe during their summers. We offer luxury bike tours encompassing both road and mountain biking. We are primarily based in France and Switzerland including the Pyrenees and Alps. We also offer Australian and New Zealand based tours, including Sydney for it's famous New Years Eve celebration, Tropical North Queensland for its 2012 Solar Eclipse and MTB tours to Rotorua, home of single track heaven.
Monday 7 Mar 2011
Another perfect weekend in Canberra - we had our fittest group ever head down on Saturday morning. I was on my new steed, the Cannondale RZ One Twenty-1 - to have a NO chain feeling all weekend was amazing! With Sram X9 (2x10) gearing I found myself never in the small chain ring and kept the bottom 3 clean all weekend ... an truly amazing bike! It was great that we had fit MTB'ers as at our first ride site, Sparrow and then the new Kowen Trail, was Ben Henderson. The weekend before Ben was racing at the National Champs down at Eagle Park down in Adelaide, to read about his 'experience' down there click here. Riding the trails at Sparrow Hill were as per usual great! Even with the road being built through the majority of the area there is still 12k of flowing single track ... don't forget that Manly Dam(b) has all of 10k!
After that 'warm-up' session we headed over the road to ride the new MTB Mont 24 Course, being run April 9-10. WHAT A TRACK - hats off to all the builders Paul Cole, Alan Vogt and co! There is a little more climbing than at Sparrow but that also means there is PLENTY of flow! The final run is very reminiscent to the old Roller Coaster at Sparrow - the Kowen trail is now up there on the favourite MTB track 1st page.
From there lunch, coffee, check in at the Australian Institute of Sport and then back out on trail for some more entertainment ... now if you can't make fun of yourself then your taking yourself too seriously ... I had an accident - never before have I scratched my forearms! Not only one forearm but both! There will be footage soon of the crash ... I leave it at that.
For dinner we were joined by Ben, his girlfriend Ali and Peter Dowse from Capital Bike Hire. It was a great opportunity to ask some questions to Ben about his training practices, nutrition and other regimens. Ali is a physio-theparist and masseuse and also gave us some insight how we can become better riders/athletes ... all while eating ALL YOU CAN EAT.
There were some tuckered out riders so off to bed early. Hats off to Simon and Michael for getting up early and hitting some more trails. Simon had forgotten his lights so he got to use my Chutta Radical-Lights, needless to say he was impressed at the amount of light that they threw out onto the trail!
Once we filled our stomachs at breakfast, plenty of bircher muesli, bacon and eggs etc etc we were off to Stromlo. The trail was in good condition after the Rocky Trail Entertainments race that was held the day before. I was impressed that our crew did so much riding after already having completed so much the day before (and morning). Simon Finch, one of our riders, is in training for Cape Epic in South Africa, rumoured to be one of the toughest MTB races, and seems to have the lungs and legs for the race - GOOD LUCK to Simon and we'll all be following him with much interest! It was three laps for him and the other Simon, nothing to sneeze at all!
Another big session of food eating followed then back to the AIS to shower before heading back to Sydney. Big thanks to Heinz and Simon for coming over from Adelaide for the trip, they were impressed with the trails down in Canberra and I look forward to heading back to Adelaide to ride some of those great single tracks that they have in Adelaide in the very near future.
What's next - we have a busy schedule coming up - we will be out at the Rocky Trail - Mt Annan race which is being held 26-27 March then we are sagging the Tour de Cure which is raising money for the fight against Cancer. The 70 riders will depart from Sydney and finish at the MCG in Melbourne - the riders departing Friday 1 and finishing Sunday 10 April. It will be great to be part of something so special.
Monday 28 Feb 2011
Hello all you riders out there in computer land - sitting in front of a computer instead of sitting on your bike, how sad this can be! It was another whirlwind week for all parts that are the three co's.
On Saturday 26 Feb we took our first official MTB Day Trip up to Ourimbah and Awaba MTB parks. We all had a great time besides a few minor incidents ... below are just two clips from a two 'mis-jedgements' - the other clip from our trip can be found here.
What are these day trips about ... they're all about taking Sydney riders North to hit up the MTB trails at Ourimbah and Awaba. mtnbike departs from two locations in Sydney, 1) Super Centre at Moore Park and 2) 120 Pacific Hwy North Sydney. Cost is $89 and includes transport of you and your bike plus lunch. The trails up there are flowing and full of single track. Book Now to get your spot sorted. If I come along what should I bring? Check out our FAQ section.
Accommodation has been booked for La Haute Route. Five star accommodation pre and post race in Geneva and Nice. Below is a brief review of what is in store for those lucky enough to be coming along for the racing adventure.
Set on the banks of Lake Geneva, overlooking the famous Jet d’Eau, with the snow-capped Alps in the distance, the historic Le Richemond is one of the most prestigious hotels in Geneva.
All rooms are decorated in a contemporary style and equipped with a unique individualized heating/cooling system, dual-line telephones with voice messaging, LCD flat-screen television with interactive video on demand, satellite, cordless keyboard with internet access through the TV, data port with high speed internet connection, in-room safe, minibar, hairdryer, heated towels rack and many enjoy views over the peaceful Brunswick Gardens or Lake Geneva.
In addition, in all Suites: docking station for Ipod, plasma screen in bathrooms, and DVD player.
Le Negresco
Set on the shore of the Mediterranean, the Negresco is much more than a luxury hotel; it is the result of human adventures, of meetings, of anecdotes, of artistic flair – from the situation itself and its collections.
The decoration of each one of our 94 guestrooms and 31 suites has been inspired by the most outstanding periods of French art and history. Rooms have been individually decorated to reflect styles as different as Louis XIII and art deco.
The most recent technology has not been forgotten and every room is equipped with LCD television sets and Wifi Internet access.
It is with great honour that we now classify as 'amateur sports teams' on facebook! We are closing down the standard pages and now moving to 'liked' pages. If you are a member of facebook and are not FRIENDS of mtnbike & twowheeltours click the links and join in to see what we are all about.
We are just about to start another block of Skills Clinics for Ladies on MTB's. Below are more details and we will be running another block of four in April. Dates to be released in the very near future.
Skills Sessions 2011 - Each month we will be running a block of four skill sessions at Moore and Centennial Park.
Details are:
In March they will take place on Tuesday 1, 8, 15 and 22
Cost - $100
Time - 6:15pm - 7:30pm
Equipment - we reccommend that you at least have a comfortable pair of cycling shorts, a helmet and a working recently serviced mountain bike.
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Have a good week and see you out on the trails/road.
AMB - Australian Mountain Bike (!) - the big news of the week is that we've got a weekend coming up where the boys from AMB will coming down to Canberra. To start the weekend a skills session will be held, during this block of time riders will be coached on techniques such as cornering, braking, obstacles and many more MTB skills. Throughout the weekend AMB will be riding with us and continuing to coach and instruct. A truly great way to improve your riding ability and a great learning experience. More info can be found on the site by clickinghere.
Trizone - Big thanks to trizone for their great work and helping to spread the word of bikeshuttle.com.au - we have some events coming up which we will be shuttling bikes to, these including the USM Event Mooloolaba Triathlon(late March) and the Olympic distance Byron Bay Triathlon (early May). No more packing your bike, putting it in a bag, then taxi, then plane etc etc! Let us transport your bike from Sydney to your event without the hassle.
SMP Saddles - this week I added to my Cannondale CAAD 10-1 a SMP Composit saddle. I've been riding my old saddle for almost 10 years now, afraid of change! How very wrong I was, Oly, from Cheeky Monkey Randwick, suggested that I give it a test and I'm sold! It does seem a little hard to the touch but the way it is designed is quite impressive. Obviously much research has gone into these saddles and my body appreciates it in every single way!
Day Trip - mtnbike is about to take its first official day trip from Sydney. Heading out from Moore Park Super Centre and North Sydney Post Office on Saturday 26 Feb we will be heading to Ourimbah and Awaba MTB areas. These two great ride sites offer plenty of flowing single track and are favourites to many Sydney MTB'ers - the only issue is that they are not really in Sydney ... they are 1.5 hours away! That is where we come in and take you to both locations, provide you with lunch and do all the driving! Come join us for an MTB day trip - we will be offering these trips once a month, our next one is slated for Saturday March 12.
Ladies MTB Skills Sessions - it is hard to believe but we are just about to finish another block of our MTB skills weeks for ladies! We will be running another block in March and we have a number of eager riders looking to enhancing their bike handling skills. These MTB sessions take place in the Moore Park/Centennial Park areas on Tuesday nights. We work on different skills each week including the following:
Session One - Slow Corners - Sweeping Corners - Braking - Neutral Position - Balance
Session Two - Changing a tyre - Tight Corners at a Higher Pace - Climbing Technique - Balance - Neutral Position
Session Three - Cleaning your bike - Obstacles - Neutral Position - Pumping the Bike - Wheelies
Session Four - Putting Practice into Trail Sections
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That is all the info I can muster for the week. Take good care and look forward to seeing you out on the road or trail.
One more thing - Australians wanting to head to Haute Route - this will be an amazing cycling race - here is the new flyer ...
The First Gear Up Girl Weekend of 2011 - nine ladies were in Canberra this weekend working on their MTB skills, riding some of Australia's best single track and making new friends. We left a very rainy Sydney on Saturday morning with the majority of the drive spent in the rain, was this to be a wet weekend? After speaking to Peter Dowse in Goulburn he mentioned that Canb had experienced a little rain the night before but it was dry. Once through Bungendore the rain stopped and before you knew it we were unloaded and working our skills. Spending time working on MTB skills such as your balance, cornering, braking and obstacles build your confidence to become a better rider. To view more pictures - click here.
After about an hours session we split up into two groups and head out onto trail. There continues to be great single track out at Sparrow Hill. Evenwith the new freeway going out to HQJOC (a new military base) there is over 12k of flowing single track. Once again thanks to Paul Cole for all his work in building and maintaining those trails.
The comment which I heard most after completing the 1+ hour ride was "why can't we have single track in Sydney like that!" The best answer is, there is plenty more of that type of track to come, this is just ride number one of the weekend.
After a hearty lunch and a quick photo op - we headed into Dickson for our Apres Bike Coffee. A few goodies were bought at Mal Adjusted and then time to check into the AIS. A little bit of down time before heading back out onto track. Once again this little track is one of my (and our riders) favourites. Spending a few more hours out on the bike certainly helps to continue to work on your skills. Not that there is anything out on trail that is 'over the top' (literally) but working on flowing corners, braking and logs to roll and jump over is all apart of becoming better on the bike.
Only one rider signed up for the MTB massage, it is always a treat to watch them walk into dinner with a huge grin on their face after their hour long massage. The rest of us were smiling at the ALL YOU CAN EAT dinner which was well deserved after two great rides in one day.
A few of us headed out to All Bar Nun for a few quiet ales. It was always amazing to me how much people can recall of the days riding, "remember that bit ... remember this" - all making for great tales over a drink or two.
After some solid sleep and a great Sunday morning breakfast, we loaded up and headed out to Mt Stromlo. They are building a pretty big jump park at Strom and it looks like it will be open in the very near future! We completed a brief skills session to work on berms, neutral position and shifting weight - then time to hit the trails.
After riding at Stomlo last weekend and after so much rain there were some pretty hairy sections but the trail fairies have been out this week, thank you trail fairies! At the very top, Echidna Gap Junction, I was a little hesitant to put our riders on the trail Wedge Tail Junction, it was pretty arduous (for a green run) last weekend, once again trail fairies had been there and it was back to its AMAZING flowy self.
The trip down was one of thrills and a few spills. Using the skills that we had learned on both Saturday and Sunday were vital. Some riders expressing "I wouldn't have done that before" and "I've got so much more confidence" are all great to hear, especially when the riders can hardly keep the smile of their faces!
Another good serving of food for lunch under the shade and over looking more of the goings on of Mt Stromlo, a truly great venue for cross country running, criterium riding and much much more. Back to the AIS for a clean up, grab a coffee in Dickson and then off home. Usually many of guests spend the time sleeping but these ladies were still full-o-beans and reliving the tales from the weekend, a truly great group!
Many thanks ladies for such an enjoyable weekend - it looks like we'll have a few of these ladies back for another trip in the near future.
Don't forget we have a day trip coming up Feb 26 which will take in Awaba and Ourimbah. Safe riding all and see you out on trail.
Monday 7 Feb 2011
News from our recent trip - Headlines read Sydney Swelters 42C in Saturdays papers! Meanwhile, our riders were riding in almost chilly conditions in Canberra, a freezing 28C! Even leaving Sydney on Saturday morning at 7am it was HOT! We got down to Canberra and put up the new Cannondale tent, gee it looks good, and completed our initial skills session. It is always great to spend a little time warming up before hitting the trails.
Sparrow Hill is always a fantastic place to ride, flowing track, hard compound and riding through a pine forest is always that little bit different. Paul Cole continues to work tirelessly on the track out there, hats/helmets off to you Paul!
We came back to a lovely lunch, some riders barely able to wipe the smiles of their faces! This was our first trip down for the season and with many more to come I'm already looking forward to them all! A great lunch was consumed, many thanks to the Greengrocer Cafe in Goulburn for their sandwiches, and then it was time to head into town for a relaxing coffee ... again in the pleasant conditions that Canberra had on offer this past weekend.
After checking in at the AIS we were back out on trail to ride a completely different track. Now riding through true Australian bush, completely different to the pine forest of Sparrow, it was nice to be railing corners on flowing single track. This session can last for anywhere between one to two hours ... all depending on whether you have a massage lined up for that evening.
Time for all you can eat dinner and a thunder and lightening show for dessert, quite amazing to see it come and go all within 20 minutes! Then it was time to head to the pub for a few quiet ales and some stories from the days trails.
There were three of us up for the 6:15 morning ride, within five minutes we were on track and enjoying flowing trails. A great way to warm up and stretch the legs. The trail was in perfect condition even after last nights storm and after an hour we were headed back to the AIS for 'fat' breakfast.
Next stop more fun out at Stromlo, the conditions for Sunday were posted as isolated showers, we saw maybe two minutes of showers while warming up at the base of the mount. The skills session went over corners, braking, obstacles and berms. All necessary skills for hitting the flowing trails at Stromlo. It is amazing how quickly time flies when you're having fun. Before you knew it, 12 o'clock was there and lunch was there for the taking.
Bikes on the trailer, everyone well fed and back to the AIS for a shower before heading back to a MUCH cooler Sydney. In all it was another great trip. Lots of laughs, some amazing trails and repeat riders make for a great weekend.
Next weekend can't come soon enough ... Gear Up Girl weekend here we come!
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Our Sydney Skills Session for girls only is filling up. For the four Tuesdays in February we will be meeting in the Centennial Park area to work on cornering, braking, balance and obstacles. The first round of these 'Up Skill with Will' (named by Katheryn) went great in December. All the ladies benefited from the small setting and specific instruction, all ladies mastered how to wheelie with one rider mentioning "I've been to other skills and I never got how to do this!" Come join us for some fun in the park. For more information click here and to book click here.
PauFrance – AMAZING! The riding around there is absolutely amazing! I climbed Col de Marie Blanque five times during my six weeks in EU! That means I’ve climbed M-B more times that any of our measly hills here in Sydney this year!! Nine kilometres of pure mountain fun! Once over the top of M-B you descend into a beautiful prairie then some descend some more followed by some more hills!
The Pyrenees themselves – I never thought I would enjoy mountains that much! Five days of slugging up those mountains lead to me finding my favourite climb … it’ll be on next years agenda for sure!
BordeauxFrance – more beautiful than Paris!? A nice rest from the hills of the Pyrenees, all that hard work in the mountains lead to the feeling of no chain for the majority of that riding.
Spain – San Sebastian, still an amazing city, just the way I remembered it from 12 years before, I’m getting old!! Big thanks to Gorka for an amazing stay and for showing me around. The riding on both mountain and road around there is truly beautiful.
French Alps – back to the hills and time to get on a full suspension bike for fun-fun-fun. This is undoubtedly some of the most beautiful scenery in the world! Throw a bike into the mix and six days is just not enough. I never thought I’d ever be that thankful for chairlifts, not even Alberto Contador could climb those hills for six days!
Now the bad stuff --- only the girl sitting beside me on the trip home, not able to contain her coughing attacks, most directed at me, was able to shun my trip slightly. There is another story which occurred in Provence but professionals should never let other people in the industry know what they think of themJ
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