Grand Bo Sportive

In the style of a true busman, we had a weekend off here in the Alps and so decided to enter Le Grand Bornand Sportive. This local event is an opportunity to cycle the climbs that we know so well, linking them all together. There are 3 options, the short, medium and long. All of which, on a hot summer’s day, are brutal.

Early morning start under the mountains of the Aravis

Marjolein and I decided to leave the entry until late, most did the same and the entries went from just 50 at the beginning of the week to over 400. We were getting excited and apprehensive at the same time. One disadvantage of knowing the area, is that you know it! Each climb that was on the parcours was difficult in its own right. The connecting loop around the back of the plateau was long and sapped the energy so that you could never really get any rest bite.  With temperatures over 30 degrees, we knew that we were going to have to keep hydrated.

At the start line, we bumped into a friend, Peter, a Dutchman who is in the middle of Ironman training, so he is fit! He shot off and we tried to keep at our own pace, a difficult thing to do in a sportive but vital. The aperitif was the Croix de la Fry via La Clusaz. This is similar to the Aravis, not too steep and it is possible to get into a good rhythm. The peloton was not that split so the atmosphere made it that bit easier. It was actually fun! You have to remember the little kick up after the Etale ski lift system and not get carried away, but at the summit, we were feeling confident. As Marjolein was doing the medium, and I the long, we decided to go at our own pace from here. This is where I made the cardinal mistake, following someone!

Descending into Thones, we looped out and down towards Naves, there is a ridiculously steep 100m section that you need to be ready for but then it rolls out ans is just undulating. This is where Peter re overtook, I was confused but he was having puncture issues. A couple had slowed him down. He was keen to power back through the field. I made the mistake of holding his wheel. This section, I had planned to take easy, knowing the climbs to come, so I was very annoyed with myself when I glanced down to see my heart rate exploding. I still felt solid and confident, but I was going to pay for this mistake.

A feed station was at the top of the Col des Fleuries, typical mountain affair, cheese and sausage is not something you crave, but there was Coke and chocolate there to feed up. I had already had some bars too so I was energized. It was now onto the Saxonnex. Where again, I did not follow the plan.

Partnering up with a welder from Annecy, we took it upon ourselves to catch everybody we could see, rather than again, taking it easy. It was just the first of three assents. Still, even when you are concentrating, it is hard to miss the beauty of the river and gorges that you climb up. Then comes the decision time, do you do the long or medium? After the Saxonnex descent you either turn right for the Colombière and home or left towards the Romme. We arrived in pretty good time so the two of us turned left. Then the pain began!

You wonder where the Romme is, there is no sign of it as you cycle through the outskirts of Cluses. There are mountains either side but no signs of roads. Then you bear right and it hits you, a wall. It pulls no punches, does not allow you to settle into a rhythm, it just goes from flat to steep, pretty much at the first marker sign – 11%. The welder just stood up and tapped out an easy gear. He was away. I was alone. I knew that this was going to destroy me and any chance of a good time, but there was no turning back – “here we go” I thought.

All the time you are climbing up the Col du Romme, one thing is in your mind, I still have to do 7km of the Colombière, and they are the hardest. Don’t over do it. But if I went any slower, I would have toppled over. I was cursing myself for going out to quick, the one thing that I said not to do. It was now midday and the sun was directly overhead. Luckily, I had been sensible with refilling my bottles so hydration was fine, it was just my legs.

Wow! That was hot

After being caught by a group of guys, one being from the Brixton Cycle Club. We again refueled at the top, and I washed the salt off my face. The stinging eyes and the flys had added to the misery of this climb. But it was finished. I joined up with them for the downhill to Le Reposoir. This rest from pedaling had slightly revitalized me, and I actually felt better. Not top form but I knew that I would now be able to make it. We rounded the bend in Reposoir and began the climb up. It was satisfying to get to the 5 km to go marker, however hard the last part would be, it was only a few kilometres.

It was just my luck then that I felt a bumping sensation on my back wheel, this could not be. My first puncture in the last 2 years. Why now? I double checked, it was not completely flat, could I make it? The debate was going on in my head whether to stop or not. Although I knew that it would be foolish to descend with a soft tyre, something said keep going. Then the tyre slipped and I almost fell off! This job had to be done. I was livid! It is the last thing that you want to do when you have given every ounce of energy to get over these mountain walls. However, every cloud, the gas canister after inflating was freezing and I used it welcomingly to cool my face! Upwards with dirty hands!

There was no europhia when I got to the top, I was too drained from the heat. I got my head down and start the drop to Le Grand Bornand. Stopping very briefly to dump the evidence of a punctured inner tube in Chinaillon. Onwards to the finish. When I passed the 500m marker, I saw Marjolein, looking fresh having done an almost as difficult medium route (it was just missing the Romme), putting the bike on the car. She was looking much too happy, I thought. Sportive complete, now time to down a Coca Cola.

We were guided to the after ride meal which was lasagne and you guessed it, more cheese. They do things differently here! Then time for the presentation. I was still in a world of my own, slowly recovering so was not listening attentively to the announcer. To my surprise when I looked up, I saw Marjolein standing on the top podium for winning her category on the medium route. Chapeau. She came back with her prize. We both smiled. We both had had a cracking day. And her prize for winning, cheese!

And the winner is

Paris Cycling Group June Weekend

They did a day’s work, got on the train and were with us in Annecy by 2130.  Loading the bikes onto the van, I noticed that there were a couple of interesting selections of bikes. Paul, who is doing the Ironman Nice next weekend, turned up with a TT bike, fair enough, but it would be a little tough on the steeper climbs. The big surprise was Ross, who had a 1990’s Raleigh Frame, with 26 inch wheels and just one, yes just one, cog on the front. It was so heavy that I thought that we may have needed a crane to lift it onto the roof. Everyone was saying, just wait until you see him ride. I thought that they were all bonkers but alas, I was proven wrong. He was a machine!

Everybody was excited to get up into the mountains and start their weekend away from the smoke. Driving up, they were studying the shadows of the mountains, I could feel their excitement. Friday was the first day. It was predicted to rain in the morning and ease up after around 9am. So we delayed the start a little. It was a wise decision as we did not see a drop. We were to test out a development route, up and across the Plateau des Glieres. I have done it before and this was the first opportunity to take a group.

Shaun powering up to the Plateau

It starts with a nice descent out through Thones and then we head to Naves. The first climb that they do is 100m, but it is a nearly 20% gradient. I did advise to drop into the easiest gear, Liza, mustn’t have heard as she had to make a U-turn to change down and try again. It is so steep! But at least it is short. It is then a rolling ride to Thorens. Shaun was having trouble with his rear Dura Ace cassette, more of that to come.

Remoteness and mist

The start of the climb to the Plateau des Glieres is at Thorens, it is just over 13km and the first few are pretty flat, going up the valley that scores its way into the mountains. Then boom, you are at 10%. They knew that they were in the Alps now! Ross and Joe were making a good effort at it though, it would be a different type of riding to what they were used to. There was no let up with the gradient until about 2km, where there is a short decent before the final push the Plateau. The area, where during the war, the Resistance could hide from the German army, is very remote. After arriving by bike, it is very obvious why the Germans found it so difficult to get in.

It was time for lunch, alfresco.

How do you like yours?

After everyone had fuelled themselves, it was time for the return trip down. Crossing the plateau on unpaved roads needs a bit of care but it is worth it to complete the loop, it is only for a kilometre. When we met the valley bottom, we had to stop and watch a semi pro race whizz past, it was the second stage of the Tour des Pays de Savoie. They were motoring. The false flat back up to Saint Jean de Sixt, always catches people out, it keeps you honest.

Officially alpine addicts!

In conclusion, it this is a perfect trip to add to our selection. It has a bit of everything, rolling hills, steep climbs and unpaved roads. It is a great first day option.

Day 2 was our big day. Everyone loaded up into the van and we went to Taninges near Les Gets. This would be our start point and the plan was to loop out around the Col du Joux Plane via Samoens and then head straight back down the mountain to Cluses before taking on the Col du Romme, reconnect with the Colombiere and head back down to Saint Jean de Sixt. Three big climbs.

The Col du Joux Plane features pretty regularly on the Tour. It is a classic and very popular in the area. Being able to drive out and then ride back to Saint Jean means that we can recreate a similar day to a stage in the Tour. The Joux Plane from Samoens is certainly a climb of two halves, the initial part is relatively comfortable but then with about 7km to go, the gradient ramps up to 10% and then tinkers around 9 to 10% all the way until the finish.

The Col du Joux Plane is fun but certainly a challenge

Shaun was putting down the power, so much so (he claims), that it was the reason for his cassette to final give up the ghost and shatter to pieces. We let him have his moment of glory and then gave him a spare wheel, when we returned to the van in Taninges. Definitely a warranty claim. The descent down through Morzine was infact closed to cars, a result of the May floods that savaged the area but it was still open to bikes, we were able to pass through. It is always satisfying to come out on top of a mountain bike lift knowing that you have arrived under your own power.  I jumped into the support van and we were off to the next climb.

I am so powerful! I break things!

Due to the varying speed in the group, half went up the Colombiere direct and the others went via the Romme, which is like a wall out of Cluses. It is very steep for the first 3km and Joe was thanking his lucky stars that he had a 32 gear on the back, Ross and Paul were not so chuffed with their bikes. But somehow, Ross on what he calls “the gate”, why? Because it is “fecking heavy” he says in his Irish way, managed to summit the col first. Just goes to show that no matter what your bike budget is, if you put in the miles, you can enjoy these mountains. Chapeau sir, inspirational.

Stunning when you summit the Col du Romme, looking back towards the Joux Plane

There was a regroup at Reposoir, the picturesque village, 7km from the summit of the Colombiere and a spot of lunch by the river. Joe mentioning that it is the simple things in life that gave him so much pleasure. I hope that he was not talking about me!

After all the climbing, the Colombiere was painful for everyone, those last 3km are notorious and almost everyone on any of our trip, talks about how tantalizing it is to see the chalet at the col from 3km. The problem is that 3km averages over 10%. Everybody made the Big Saturday and it was a nice descent back down, Shaun bought a new cassette from our friends at Cycl’Aravis and then it was time for a well-deserved meal at Le Peille. These Parisians were becoming huge alpine fans.

The first trip to the Alps is always the toughest, but Liza always had a smile - good work!

Sunday was the first day of an event in the area called 7 jours 7 cols which, for a couple of months, sees a col closed to cars each Sunday. This was the Col des Aravis turn. So it would have been rude not to have made a visit to La Giettaz and back, completing the Col from both sides. It was a lovely atmosphere. I had a bit of a spurt on and with one thing on my mind, Strava, I paced it up the north side. I was convinced of a personal record. I dropped my pump out of my back pocket but even with an U-turn to pick it up, I was still on course. I was blown towards the top, and seeing Joe and Ross “the gate” Collins catching, I carried on pushing. I was going to smash it! They paced me in, and then, a herd of cows crossing the road 25m before the finish brought us to a halt! C’est la vie!

There goes the Strava time!

Paul had to dash off from the Col to get down to Aix en Provence to start his Ironman preparation but the rest of us enjoyed the atmosphere and also the south side. Returning via Les Confins to add a bit of distance, finishing up at lunchtime. With an 1830 train, they had a bit of time for a swim in Lake Annecy before going back to the citylights.

Showing off in La Giettaz

I think it is safe to say that I got them all hooked!

Thank you Liza, Marjolein, Joe, Ross, Paul and Sean for another memorable weekend in the alps and the discovery of let more routes. 

The Gate, how did he get this thing over the mountains, even the van struggled to carry it!

The Ripcor Alpine Adventure

The old cliché was bounced around a lot this weekend, “Don’t worry Michael, it’s just like herding cats”. However, I do not think that this was particularly fair… on the cat species. Ripcor were back.

Neil and Badger enjoying the warm up day on the Col de la Colombiere

Let it be said that I love Ripcor, and I am in fact proud to be a member. The individuals are all extremely kind and very entertaining. Apparently they are all pretty successful in their individual fields, however they like to leave this aptitude at passport control in Gatwick. As a herder, you have to be on your “A game” to keep these guys and gals in the right direction.

“Cycling, beer and cake” is a tagline on one of their great t-shirts, they are proud to do this in equal measure. I have come to realize though that it is similar to nations trading emission quotas, in that some of the group end up doing more of the cycling and others more of the beer so there is no net gain! What would you say Martin?

Rent-a-crowd, everyone had a little bit of a welcome party at the top! 

They are MAMILs* and everybody that comes across them, love them. They are funny, smile a lot and actually get over the mountains that many others find so difficult. Their enthusiasm for life is infectious, from bike shop owners, to chefs to the locals at the bar, to the hotel manager, everybody in Saint Jean de Sixt is asking me what Ripcor is? What amazing people they are and how do I get my hands on one of their t-shirts?

The best way to manage them, is to trap them in one place. This meant that the coach journey from Geneva was perfect time to give them their welcome packs and get all the information out. I knew that once the coach doors were open and these MAMILs were released, it would be hard to get them back in one place.

Basing the group of 30 at the Hotel Beau Site was perfect, centrally located in the village, beer garden, spa and swimming pool, a great location to have their annual weekend of alpine cycling, cake and beer. We had three days of cycling planned and the potential of a short morning ride on the Monday before they departed.

A subset of Ripcor are the Crondall Rouleurs. Looks like they are discussing team tactics

3 years ago they completed the Col de la Colombiere from the north side. This is a nasty climb with a 3 km ramp at the end, which feels a little like being kicked in the stomach when you have already hit the deck. However, the climb from the south side, starting in Le Grand Bornand, is lovely. Weaving its way in between beautiful chalets, the road is in great condition and the gradient is constant. Being over 10 km, it is a climb worthy of note but with nothing above 8%, it is a perfect route to warm up and feel the mountain legs. We provided cake at the top and it was then a ride down the other side and return up the gorge.  Everyone loved it.

The Ripcor Peloton - where omerta rules!

If Friday was the warm up day, then Saturday was certainly the main event! A figure of eight that involves the Col du Forclaz with its steep finish but stunning views across Lake Annecy. Then the long descent away from the lake. We had the relatively easy, connecting Col du Marais, before attempting the Croix de la Fry. This is where there was a slight issue.

Arriving at the base of the Marais, we were greeted by several locals explaining that a bridge had collapsed so that there was no way up. There were other cyclists there too in the same predicament and it meant that the only way around was to scale the Col de l’Epine which although relatively short at 7Km, has a constant 7 to 8% gradient, so is not easy. But we had no choice, this was to be a big day.

The stunning view from the Col du Forclaz

A certain Criterium du Dauphiné was also going over the Col de la Croix Fry for its 7th stage and we were keen to get there for 1500hrs to watch the pros go past. We had already pre driven a van to the summit packed with some spare clothes and picnic so that we could enjoy this spectacle. So we did not hang around on the Epiné, had a quick coffee and got going. The group began to split but with an easy navigation, nobody was going to get lost and if the pros did catch us, we could just pull over and watch them go by.

The Col de la Croix Fry was hot, but unlike last year when the boys tackled the Alpe d’Huez bends everybody kept well hydrated with electrolytes so there were no signs of dehydration. They are learning! It was tough though. About 15 people made it up before the pros to meet the 5 who had done the shorter Croix Fry loop and we waited for Chris Froome and co to come past. It was a great atmosphere and when the peloton finally did come past, we were all happy to see that even these super athletes looked tired and hot! There was an old bloke giving out cans of coke to them, few of them refused. It was reassuring that it was not just us that found it hot.

The pros taking refreshment from a man with a bag of cans of coke - just as hot as us

Everyone picnicked, refueled and went for a quick drink in the restaurant. This is when Gary saw some older people having a bit of an afternoon tea dance. He was not going to give up the opportunity of a bit of ballroom, waltzed in, still in is lycra and cycling cleats, and found a partner – very bizarre and I have to say, a first on one of our trips.  However, he could not spend too long, as it was time to head back to the swimming pool and spa before going to Le Peille for dinner. They too were taken back by how nice Ripcor were. A fun evening had by everyone.

It would not be a Ripcor Alpine Adventure without a visit to Lake Annecy. It is becoming a bit of tradition. Treve would never forgive me if it was not planned into the proceedings. Sunday was “Lake and Cake” day. For those who still had the legs (which was about 25 people). The loop around the Lake was extended to take in one of my favourite climbs, Semnoz. This 18km climb goes up in the shade through the mountain forests and it is only with about 5km to go that it begins to open up. There are fantastic views and you get the realization of how far you have pulled the bike up. That is normally, for us it was raining! But still being warm, everybody was welcoming of the refreshment.

Down to the Spinnaker. The club’s favourite stop, it is right on the shores of Lake Annecy in the village of Duingt and a perfect place to stop off at the south side. Plenty of laughter was heard and the whole group was in great spirits. We finally managed to prise 10 of them away from the lake and up in the van from here, whilst the others cycled to Thones where we could shuttle them back up to the hotel as they were not in the mood for the 8km drag back to Saint Jean. A special mention should go to John Wood, Nick, Gary and Jerry who cycled all the way back!

Sunday night was a treat. Le Cabanon was taken over with Damien and Aurielle taking great care of the group. It was a perfect way to round off the weekend. Like everybody that they met in the area, I love Ripcor! It’s all good.

Special Thanks to

- Nick “Badger” Boothroyd from Ripcor for coordinating the weekend

- Fred and the team at Hotel Beau Site for their hospitality

- Le Peille and Le Cabanon for two great meals

- MOMA porridge for yet again energizing our weekends

- Trigger for the driving the bikes down from London

- Redhill Van Hire for the quality van that we used to ferry the bikes down

- Marjolein for her help with lunch and cakes

*Middle Aged Man in Lycra is a subspecies of the homo sapien.

Tour du Mont Blanc 2015

There is only one mountain in Europe, Mont Blanc. It separates France from Italy and has Switzerland knocking on its door. To cycle around it takes in all three of these countries, over 300 km with 10,000m of uphill. It is an epic route. There was a popular uptake with 23 cyclists joining us for our inaugural Tour du Mont Blanc.

Team Tour du Mont Blanc ready to depart - what a peloton!

Everybody met up at Geneva Airport on the Thursday evening. Flying in from all parts of the UK and 3 taking the train from Paris. It was a good place to congregate. There was a true sense of anticipation and excitement on the coach from Geneva to our first nights accommodation in La Giettaz. A lot of catching up to do too as many had been on previous events. With route cards, information, jerseys distributed, everybody was ready.

Friday was the “gentle day” and is common stage for those that have done our High Alps Challenge. After putting over night bags in the trailer and leaving the bike boxes in Chalet La Giettaz, we could begin with a roll out to Flumet and then a nice climb up to the ski station of Les Saisies.

This was a good opportunity to see the standard of the group. It was solid and everyone was well matched. It is never a race but the little groups that formed meant that everybody had someone to pace them up, except Ivan who was way out in front. For him, it was the challenge of organising himself to get out of the door and on the bike!

A quick regroup and snack and we were off down to Beaufort where we were to begin the climb of 23 km to the Cormet de Roseland. There is a perfect lunch stop at the Col du Meraillet, just before the reservoir, which is stunning. The group was beginning to spread itself out but everybody made it up and were in good spirits. Adam’s smile as big as ever.

Congregating on the Roseland before the nice descent back to Bourg St Maurice

It was just then a case of getting over the top and starting the most technical descent of the weekend into Bourg Saint Maurice and onto our hotel in Seez. A retired cyclist himself, the hotelier knew exactly what we needed which was volume and protein. Chicken and pasta will do perfectly! Everybody celebrated over a glass of red wine. The big day though was looming over everyone.

Being a retired cyclist, the hotelier in Seez knew exactly what was needed, chicken and pasta! Perfect!

A special thanks needs to go to Moma Porridge who supplied us with their sachets that added to the continental breakfast in the hotel. It meant that everybody had plenty of energy and no excuses for the upcoming climb to the Petit Saint Bernard. It was long at 30km but being early it was not too hot and being relative gentle slopes, it was actually quite fun. Matt was able to do some filming of people posing, with Olly, Michael, Jack and James, playing up to the camera. People were getting a little too confident! I reminded them at the top that we were about to do the Grand Saint Bernard which means big!

Michael showing off that he has done this before, last year on the High Alps Challenge!

Not before lunch though. Marjolein made some lovely eggs to go, which went down nicely in the Aosta Valley. Now what was that about a big climb? People talk about heat, people talk about big climbs, people talk about long distances, people talk about remoteness. All this aligned and you have a tough few hours ahead. Even Adam stopped smiling. This was what it was like up from Aosta to the monastery that we were staying in that evening. Dancing around the road looking for shady parts, the sun was sapping energy quickly and there was no breeze to cool people down. Somebody in the lead group of 6 suggested an ice cream in the next village. Not surprisingly nobody said that they did not want to stop. So we did. It was very welcomed. As people caught up, it was clear that they were happy that they could now stop guilt free too. After all, we still had another 16 km of this killer climb to go. It is like 3 climbs for the price of one. Barry and Kate in the van and Sue and Matt in the car were keeping water topped up.

Trigger, when he was on the slopes of the Petit Saint Bernard, blissfully unaware of what lay ahead

Some sensible few knew when to say "stop" and jumped in the support van. It is not sensible to push yourself too much in these conditions and they all were very happy with the decision. It is after all, what the van is there for. The rest pushed themselves up the unrelenting bends past the tree line and up to the sky. You know in the Alps that you are at altitude if you can hear the squeaks of marmots around. Almost as though they are laughing at you for making the decision to ride a bike up such a thing. I don’t think that this is what the wheel was invented for!

There were plenty of buildings that looked like monasteries and each one that you reached, not to see a monk was a bitter blow. But it kind of made the accomplishment of getting there all the more sweeter. It should be noted though that Olly, two of the James, Ivan and Hannah seemed to be relishing the challenge and made it look a little too easy. Paul, who has turned a new leaf thanks to Ironman training, may have paid the price for bossing it on the Petit Saint Bernard. For the rest of us, it was a case of grinding it out to the top.

The eight thirty Mass meant that dinner was served at 1915 sharp with no negotiation. This added a bit of a time limit on the climb too. But with a mammoth effort, Emma and Becca made it through the door just as their soup was being served, albeit having to eat in their lycra.

Just in time for dinner...

The Grand Saint Bernard Monastery is a special place that is nestled high up on the Swiss – Italian border. It has been remarkably kept and is a very comfortable experience. It has been used by monks, travellers and even Napoleon’s army (although this was by force so we should not mention it too loud). Some of the team went along to experience Mass after dinner that added to the experience (although being in Latin, I don’t think that many made it all the way to the end).

Simon has recently developed coffee for endurance sports. He has that sorted so now all he needs to do is ditch his TT bike!

The monastery was not that full and we set about leaving for our final day pretty sharpish after breakfast, so there was a true sense of isolation and wilderness at the start of the 45 km descent into Martingy. Simon who had already regretted his dubious decision of packing his tri bike had a puncture on the way down but that was sorted out sharpish with the help of Ivan and the van. Bend after bend, the descent continued, but still we worked out that we were probably not averaging much higher than Sir Brad who was attempting the hour record later that evening. There is always something that puts things into perspective!

Ready to depart the Monastery on the last day. Just a gentle 150km ahead through Switzerland and into France...

From Martingy it was a left and a challenging but relatively short climb up to the Col du Forclaz (not the same as the one just outside of Annecy). We were heading towards Chamonix, the capital of mountaineering, so it was no surprise that it was steep. But again it was hot. Keeping the electrolytes up would be important. Howard switched the music onto his phone and seemed to get into a rhythm. He shot up!

Kelly and Ewan had made it up pretty comfortably but we think that Kelly, the only person with a pannier, may have been hiding a little motor in the bag. I am also sure that Ewan had a towrope on his too.

At every stop, Trigger insisted on removing his shirt, not a particularly pleasant sight after he has cycled across the Alps. Today he was joined by Simon. However, on this occasion it was to the joy of the rest of us that the waiter demanded that he put it back on. They clearly have standards in Switzerland!

We had a special visitor at the lunch stop on the next Col des Montets, a wandering Ibex came strolling into the car park. With it’s huge horns, it seemed to take an interest in Helena, it moved closer and closer to her and she was getting, understandably, a little apprehensive but then we realised he was eyeing up a water trough. Luckily he did not get spooked so everybody had time for a picture. We were pretty lucky.

Well we were not expecting a visit from this fella

Following this was the descent out of the Chamonix and the little bit of tricky navigation out of Les Houches down towards the final climb of the day from Domancy to Combloux, made famous by a certain Bernard Hinault. We stuck together as a large peloton on this section before the climb but inevitably the lead group shot down one of the easy wrong turnings. The rest of us continued along to the start and we sent Cliff on his motorbike to re direct. The bike comes in handy! Everybody got back on the climb and we knew that the last push back to base had begun.

Arriving in Flumet, the official end point, there was the option to continue up to the chalet in La Giettaz. Everybody took this option, and for once Tom had managed to keep up with his lady, Hannah. As we cycled up with Sarah, she seemed proud and happy to be finishing the 150km day. She apologised for a sense of humour failure earlier in the day but no one had even noticed it, she is a old hand at getting over mountains now having been on three of our tours.

The BBQ at Chalet La Giettaz rounded off the weekend perfectly. Everybody had made it and now able to enjoy a beer and watch Bradley ride the hour record. The place was buzzing. What adds to this is the achievement of the money and we hope the awareness that we raised for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, a very worthy cause.

Mont Blanc, 3 days, 10,000m of climbing – done!

A special thanks go out to...

... our team of volunteers - Kate, Marjolein, Sue, Barry, Cliff and Matt 

... the wonderful accommodation and hospitality at Chalet La Giettaz, Hotel Le Vallon and the Hospice du Grand Saint Bernard

... Moma porridge for providing that extra boost of energy in the mornings

... Lawi Clothing for the fantastic team jerseys

... Eddy Merckx Cycles for our support bikes

... Ballanfat Cars for squeezing the bike boxes into their coach with a smile!

The Ant Hill Mob

It is starting to become a bit of a tradition; Anthony Hart and the Ant Hill Mob opening up our cycling season. Taking advantage of our weekend concept, they arrived on a sunny Thursday evening. This year however, the other Ant, in the form of a big, bald, Cypriot, came out a day early and we don’t need to be asked twice to go out on a pre trip ride.

As it coincided with the Giro, we thought that the team kit had to be Pink 

Thursday was hot, unseasonably so, 31 degrees on the south facing bends of the Croix Fry. Ant Marcou sped off with his characteristic high cadence. It is true that if you have a big heart, this is a great way to get over the mountain. You rely on your big muscles and this saves the legs. We had to let him go, knowing your limits is important and we did not want to blow up. Luckily, though, for my bragging rights, Ant did slow up, and my steadier pace meant that I reeled him in. Phew!

We treated ourselves to a burger at the Mazo, always a treat, and then it was time to welcome the other 5 (Ian, Ant, James, Stu and Roger). Three of them had bikes, two rented from our friends at Cyclo Aravis. Brand new, Cannondale Synapse’s – they had no excuses!

So, this is when the mountains mess with our minds. Friday was forecasted to be a bad weather day, this meant that we did not plan a big ride and decided that a quick warm up the Col des Aravis was adequate – let’s just see what the rain did. Well, whilst in the café after the climb, this rain turned into snow, and it settled. Summer to Winter in 12 hours! This was crazy.

Well we were expecting rain on the Friday, but not snow. All aboard the van...

Having the van meant that we could load the racks and took the safe option back down to Saint Jean de Sixt to get lunch and watch the Giro. Nobody was disheartened as summer was forecasted for the next few days.

Three days followed with perfect weather. Ian was as strong as usual. James, new to the group, was very capable and by his own admission, a few kilos lost and he would be very fast. Ant and Roger both strong, with a special chapeau to Stu, who has improved remarkably from last year.

Roger summiting the Colombiere with some very dubious arm warmers, it was not even cold!!!

Forclaz, Croix Fry, Semnoz and Colombière in three days is not a bad effort. Fuelled in the evenings by the Mazo, La Peille and peaking with La Cabanon restaurant. It was as good as it gets. If we do not say so ourselves, we are perfectly situated for weekend cycling.

With plenty of groups to come, we are looking forward to summer 2015.

The majestical Lake Annecy from the Forclaz, spot the flying man!

Far North

With spring warming up the French Alps, lifts closing daily, April can be a month where skiing becomes a second thought. Planning summer trips and getting the shorts out are top of the list. For the second year, we wanted to buck that trend and eek out a little extra from the Northern Hemisphere's winter. We went Far North...

The Lyngen Alps, located about an hour from Tromso, 69 degrees north, is a haven for ski touring and now with Norwegian Airlines it is also easy to get to. 

Tromso Airport is an hour's drive and a 20 minute ferry journey from our base on the Lyngen Pennisula, Svensby. It is a bumpy road that is in remarkably good nick considering the battering that it receives from the arctic winters. Once on the ferry to the final destination, the beauty of the alpine peaks rising from the cold seas dawns on you.

Being our second year in Lyngen, we knew where to head on the first day, when the clouds came in. It was a small hut above the main "town" in the area. Easy navigation, through tracks in the forest, meant that visibility was not a problem and still, when we reached the ridge, the views down to the dark, moody sea where breathtaking. Everyone was in good spirits for the week ahead.

Back at our base in Svensby, we had two lodges with all the mod cons. There are 5 in total and we had access to the sauna, jacuzzi and BBQ hut. We remembered that the only blue house in the hamlet was that of the local fisherman, so we made a visit to acquire cod. Fresh and only hours out of the water, it was perfect for the BBQ. It was big enough to fed the 7 of us for 2 nights. 

It took us 3 days to build up the courage for an arctic swim. Ideas of doing a couple of hundred metres turned into a dive in and a run out. But it was worth it and a reheat in the sauna with a beer was our reward. We all would recommend it but next year we may just be the towel holders!

For such a wild place, it is surprisingly accessible from the UK. This meant that 3 of our group with prior commitments could make it out for a long weekend. This still meant that they could have 3 full days of ski touring and appreciate the beauty of the area. Pat, who came for the second weekend, really lucked out and seemed to bring the sunshine with him. 

As the week went on, the clouds broke and the sun shone. This meant that more routes became accessible. There are so many different variations on this huge peninsula that it would take a lifetime to do them all. Each time we walked up, we could see another exciting option. We will certainly be spending a lot of future Springs here. Everybody was blown away by the isolation, wilderness and beauty of the place. You are just as likely to see a reindeer than a fellow ski tourer and we were ticking off our wildlife check list, reindeer, arctic fox, eagle...

We have bigger plans for next year, having blocked off all five lodges. We look to fill them with people who will enjoy experiencing these special peaks and making new friends. Already having nearly sold out for the first long weekend.

Thank you to Anne, Emma, Mel, Alex, Nick, Pat and Rob for a fantastic experience.

Michael