Thursday, July 15, 2010
Grounded!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
NAN: Ben suggested I add my 'goals.' Although I usually have goals (i.e., target achievements)for races, but not for vacations, still it's easy to answer: I want to enjoy my biking vacation in the French countryside and see Lance and the other TdF riders in the flesh. Throw in as much riding as suits my abilities (i.e., enough challenge with as little injury as possible) because I just love to ride, especially with good friends and my husband. Toss in as much wine and good food as I can handle each night wihtout tipping the scale or waking up impaired. And top it off with a fun few days in Paris starting with the Tour finale. My sister Maryann and brother-in-law Wodel who will fly in from Berlin to meet us - an added treat. Climb the Tourmalet? If I do, awesome, somethingI can say I did for years to come. (I'll be the first one to be surprised that I managed it.) If I don't? No problem. I'll still have fun. How can you not? French countryside, Paris, Tour de France, French food and wine, aaaand my bike! What's not to love.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Goals
Ben: Killer asked what my goals were for this little ride. Simple, very simple: Col de Aspin/ Col du Tourmalet combination on 7/19 which is part of Stage 16. I have always wanted to climb the Tourmalet (Ventoux too, but next year). And the Col du Soulor/Col de Aubisque combination on 7/21 also a Tour stage (17).
The Tourmalet day is 3 days into the trip. Jet lag will, hopefully, be behind me and it's early enough that exhaustion shouldn't have set it. The Solour/Aubisque combination follows a relative rest day and is the last big scheduled climb of the trip.
This isn't a race. Just getting to the top and back down with a solid effort equals a successful ride. If the bike is good, if I'm good, if the weather is good then everything else is secondary.
Oh, and as I am regularly reminded by my spouse, taking the time to look around and enjoy the view is good too.
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