My trip to the alps

[Soltydog]

Well im 41....already got the custom ti build and a custom cannondale build. So it was only the alps left for me. Was a tough few days though, but proud to have done it

Well impressed mate. Some people don't understand how hard it is for 'larger' riders to climb 2 years ago I was 2 stone lighter & climbing was much easier, but at 6'5" & 15 stone I looked quite ill & drawn, & that weight wasn't sustainable, not with the odd pint & fish & chips & living round here hill training can be difficult, I did 107 miles yesterday & less than 2000 feet of 'climbing'

 

[ianrauk]

That looked an awesome trip @jowwy . Bought back memories of climbing the Sierra Nevada's last September. It was bloody hard work no doubt but well worth it in the end. Roll on end of August when I am climbing the Jura's again.

There's a whole world of difference in climbing real proper mountains on a bike rather the the hills on the highways and byeways of the UK.

 

[jowwy]

That looked an awesome trip @jowwy . Bought back memories of climbing the Sierra Nevada's last September. It was bloody hard work no doubt but well worth it in the end. Roll on end of August when I am climbing the Jura's again.

There's a whole world of difference in climbing real proper mountains on a bike rather the the hills on the highways and byeways of the UK.

I can certainly 2nd that comment mate.......was tough and enjoyable at the same time

 

[Fonze]

Great read that, something I'd love to do, scenery must have been awesome ..

 

[steveindenmark]

Great write up Jowwy. Congrats on your successes.

My Genesis CDF is on the way to me now and Jamie has gets. She wants to go and ride that hill. Good thing with the CDF is that it looks like a touring bike and do you are allowed to stop and take photos while your lungs are exploding. I used this ploy several times in Majorca.

 

[jowwy]

Thanks to everyone thats taken time to read my post and to all those that left me well done messages.

Its always nice to know and read such appreciative comments.

It was always going to be tough as a big guy going out and doing such climbs, but i never went with the aim to race, earn money or break speed records. It was for me all about the experience of alpine climbs and the chance to ride them to the best of my ability. Looking back on it i was probably about naive about the task as on paper some of the climbs looked very doable and watching videos from the col collective certainly made it look easier than what it was.

But the experience of those climbs and the hugeness (is that a word) of the alps will live with me forever.

Thanks again and enjoy your rides guys, lifes too short not too.

 

[Winnershsaint]

Great stuff Jowwy. We arrived in Bourg d'Oisans halfway through the All Blacks/Lions first test after an overnight dash from Calais by car. No sleep!

I too will write up my experiences. My trip summary went like this
24/6 Vaujany.
25/6 Col d'Ornon.
26/6 Glandon abandon!
27/6 Alpe d'Huez.
28/6 Rain and more rain.
29/6 F***ing rain!
30/6 Les Deux Alpes
Distance ridden 328km
Metres Ascended 5000m
Fastest speed 81.4kph

In conclusion I loved it, but the weather was unkind in the middle of the week. Plenty to go back for in two year's time and some unfinished business to attend to.

 

[Winnershsaint]

I am going to put my write up in the 'Members Travelogues' section of the forum.If you have the time please take a look.

 

[Winnershsaint]

Top kudos @jowwy I'd planned on a similar type trip for my 50th, but being a 'large' chap myself, I'm not sure I'd want to spend day after day on long climbs, so for my 50th I'm opting for a once in a lifetime bike, custom ti build. But my retirement plan is to go follow the tour & do a climb or two whilst there If I lose a few pound each year before retirement I'll be in much better shape for climbing

Don't let age be a barrier. My trip was part of my 60th birthday celebrations, albeit six months early. 5'8" and over 80kg isn't exactly a 'grimpeurs' build and it was a jowwy said more about achievement than times.

 

[Winnershsaint]

I've never done climbs like that but I suspect I wouldn't be doing much gear changing if I did. Straight to the bottom!

Take Alpe d'Huez for example. If you've watched the Tour go up there the approach should be familiar. It's slightly downhill and quick until you cross the Sarenne bridge which scrubs some speed off. As you hit the corner you go from middle gears on the big ring to little ring and then as far as you can down the cassette in the blink of an eye and there you stay.

 

[NorthernDave]

Great write up and an inspiration to all us big lads.

Well done sir!