Training 2.0--The Next Chapter

My first Saturday back from France, and what'd I do...a bike race, of course!  The beautiful Blue Ridge Valley town of Shenandoah, VA (http://www.townofshenandoah.com/) settled along the Shenandoah River hosted the annual Shenandoah Time Trial a 35 kilometer out&back race into the foothills of the nearby Blue Ridge mountains--what a beautiful area for cycling! 

Stevens Cottage, our Race Headquarters for the day

I've done this race before, but this time it was made better by having cycling teammates Rod (Tank) & Sue (Sprint) Gregory joining me to help out with the bike gear & the driving--what awesome teammates to have there not only to help me with the warm-up but to see me off at the start line and to be there when I crossed at the finish.  Though I missed my target time goal, this event was a good one as a follow-on to last week's Thomson Trip--motivating, challenging, and "teaching"...

And what was I "taught" today...?  That I really like riding bikes...that no matter how much I think I'm ready for something, sometimes I'm not (see Rule #51, Sometimes You're Wrong)...that the conclusion of one finish line is the starting line for the next training session...that good friends are dear treasures...that apple donuts, while very tasty, are dangerously addictive...that I really like riding bikes. :-)

This week marks the 2nd half of 2014 cycling season and the launch of Training 2.0 where everything changes--workout sessions, food choices, sleep, everything---the Next Chapter begins now...

Day 4 - Day of Tears

Today's adventure across the French landscape took us down the Aiton-La Chapelle valley south from Albertville to the small quaint village of St Martin and the base of the Col de la Madeleine,  another legendary storied climb in cycling lore.  And while the 19 kilometer (11.4 mile) continuous 7% average climb was indeed extraordinarily awesome & difficult and ultimately rewarding, today's ride became a "day of tears" witnessing the breathtaking majesty of these magnificent Alps & the breathtaking beauty of the valleys below them. As I rode down the valley today, the very thought of Jehovah Almighty placing His loving & powerful hands upon the Earth forming these mountains with the creases of His palms was simply overwhelming, tears rolling down my cheeks over the very image. Think of it this way; the next time you have mashed potatoes for dinner, take a small hand full of them (without the gravy :-P) and place your hand palm down on a flat surface (preferably a plate) but do not "pancake" them. Then, slowly lift your hand and watch the creases of your palm naturally create ridges similar to a mountain range. I had been riding with one of my new-found Aussie mates from the start this morning,  but soon I found myself riding solo in reflection & contemplation, an experience I had not expected on this trip.  Shaddai is indeed the Almighty Teacher...

I'd only achieved 8 kilometers of the Madeleine climb when BOTH my legs reminded me THEY controlled my destiny this day, so I wisely acquiesced to their "recommendation" of taking the SAG wagon to the top & meet up with the crew for lunch and prepare for the corresponding descent to the valley floor on the other side---and what a RUSH it was!  At times even down right scarry as other more talented local area & even Continental level pro cyclists would pass us as if standing still though we were achieving speeds at times of 83kph (51 mph) under control (meaning constantly applying the brakes)--simply amazing. But interestingly enough and almost down right disconcerting during my descent was reliving my 2006 crash in my mind as I made the various switchback turns & chicane type twists throughout the 15 kilometer drop.  As I finally approached the bottom and our group all gathered to catch our collective breath, I suddenly found myself in a stream of tears again from a sense of historical release & accomplishment.  Since our arrival on Monday, many of my fellow team members have shared "war stories" with each other and with the Thomson crew from various rides, one of which being my Mt Weather crash--their support & encouragement to me as I stood there shedding joyful tears was gratefully appreciated, again something I had not expected on this trip...

No doubt more adventures lay in store over the remaining three days, but this day of tears will no doubt be a favorite Chasing-Yellow memory...

Day 8 - Heading Home

Breakfast this morning was quiet...oh there were many people gathered for a morning meal, sharing cappuccino & espresso, bagels & baguettes, cereal & crepes, but none shared the commonality of the bike 24 other people had in recent days.  No doubt everyone attending this past week's Thompson Bike Tour experienced some great riding and took with them wonderful memories,  many in which I share; in those memories new friends have been found, new connections established,  and fresh perspectives of life revealed, all because of a bike ride--who says the human race can't find the common ground of koinonia...

I head home today with a great sense of completion & anticipation of reuniting with my wife, my family & friends, and with the local roads upon which my bike & I have trained these past few months preparing for this trip; I suspect, though, each ride from this point forward and throughout my life will mean so much more....

The Chasing-Yellow journey of life continues...may mine give you praise, Adonai!

Day 7 -- The Big Circus, Part Two

Our last day of riding in the Alps as well as Stage 14 viewing took us to the boarder of Italy up the Col d'Izoard,  the highest elevation on this year's Tour at 2360 meters (over 7000 ft) and while the gradient inclines may not have seemed as austere as previous days, they were...and long!  Totaling 19 kilometers in length, the first 11 averaged 5-6%, but in the last 8 the average gradient rose to 8.3%, at times pushing 9. Many riders prefer shorter & steeper climbs to the longer & more stringent gradient climbs--understandable!  During my efforts of this storied Tour climb, who would I come across but DiDi Senft, the famous "Tour Devil"
(http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didi_Senft) who has graced the Tour "unofficially" for almost twenty years & become a Tour icon legend.  After passing the 1 kilometer marker to the Izoard apex, I made my way through the growing crowd of fans to the last of 5 short harpin turns, stood up from the bike saddle and proudly "danced on the pedals" the final 600 meters to the summit, another cycling mecca conquered...

After venturing my way back down the mountain to our group's viewing point, we settled in for our afternoon lunch & live stage viewing of the Tour, breaking from our chairs only for the spectacle of the Tour Caravan then finally the pro peloton passing us within inches; several of our Thomson support crew speak several languages and spoke directly to specific riders as they passed, Alejandro Valverde being the most notable, many of who responded & glanced at our group for some great photos. Our vantage point this day was much farther away from the finish than the previous day's Stage requiring us to drive two hours back to the hotel following the conclusion of the stage reducing our ride time a bit for the day, but having put in the effort of climbing the Izoard, the respite was very welcomed!  It was also quite welcoming to have so many cycling fans surround our tent viewing area & join us in cheering the peloton and exchanging promotional "swag" tossed from the Tour Caravan--at that moment, the  joy of sharing the bike community overcame any language barrier present as strangers from across the planet stood toasting the racers, the Tour, and life...

Arriving back to our hotel in Albertville, now almost 930 in the evening, the entire entourage of Thomson clients & crew kicked into packing mode in order to be prepared for the return trip to the Lyons airport early the next morning; as an added incentive, the hotel hosted a party for the group with a wonderful dinner (every dinner this week was wonderful!) of lamb, roast vegetables,  and creme brulee', inspiring either some highly efficient packing methodologies or defaulting to lackadaisical logistics; I saved my "true" packing effort for the overnight stay at the Lyons airport hotel & focused on getting my bike packed as secure as possible--I'm hoping the British Airways attendants on the boarding side of my flight here were not trained by TSA...

Day 6 -- The Big Circus, Part One

Today was cool, really cool...actually, it was rather hot (low 90s) on the mountainside where our Thomson Tours reception venue was positioned 2 kilometers from the Stage 13 finish line at Chamrousse, but the cool part was our group getting to ride 36 kilometers (20 miles) of the actual Tour stage route up to the finish line & witness all the craziness required to put on a Tour stage -- the "Big Circus" as the riders call it.  As in previous days, the inclines reached gradient levels in access of 8 & 9 percent over the last 15 kilometers, making the effort quite challenging yet rewarding reaching the top.  I've been to professional bike races in the past, even been to other professional sporting venues like baseball & basketball, but nothing--NOTHING--is like the Tour; the openess of the venue & "playing field" (to an extent) to the fans & spectators yet the clear delineation between professional & non-professional participants, the carnival-like atmosphere of the Tour Village much like a county fair or town square parade, and vast amount of technology vans & trucks proving the digital infrastructure broadcasting to the world. And if that isn't enough,  add thousands of journalists to the mix, the majority of which are NOT sitting like those in a stadium or a broadcast booths, but view openly and commentate from tent-like structures mounted firmly on a flat bed trailer.  And while all that was rather amazing to this technology savy cyclist, I found the mountain top venue hosting this spectacle beautifully captivating and inviting...

I made my way as far as I could to the closed off finish line, about 100 meters away (mandatory arms raised photo op, of course), then proceeded back down the mountain to our group's viewing venue, pausing for a moment to take a picture of the village Usias bellow where we began the morning. I arrived to our group's location where a fresh set of pre-staged clothes awaited each rider along with a picnic venue of prosuitto baguette sandwiches, wonderfully fresh cucumber & tomato salad, watermelon, and Coke--and it's true, European Coca-Cola products taste BETTER than USA products, who knew! And Pepsi?  Fughettabowtit...!  Not being a regular consumer of Coke, I think I've more than made up for any  Coca-Cola deficit I may have had.  The remainder of the afternoon consisted of witnessing the infamous Tour Caravan where all the corporate sponsors of the Tour make their way up the route tossing out various promotional "swag" items, some of which are highly sought after by Tour fans; finally, we could see the TV helicopter  providing live viewing footage approaching the mountain side and within moments the lead riders were upon us--what speed & strength of effort! 

Vincenzo Nibali stamped his authority on this year's Tour this day...I know, I was there. :-)

Day 5 -- Knackered

Didn't sleep well last night for some reason; wasn't hurting or in any (real) pain or discomfort, enjoyed a good evening meal of grilled fish, ratatouille (which done well is fabulous!), roast potatoes,  and apricot tart, have kept well hydrated throughout each day, stretched out well each evening before retiring for the night. But today as we rolled out for a four climb day (nothing major as previous days), my whole body began to go "knackered", as my Aussie roommate Tim would say, the further we rode.  The first climb of the day, the 974 meter 6% avg Col du la E'Pinine, came after a 24 kilometer (15 mile) "warm up" through the northern valley around Albertville which was rather enjoyable, and I'd hoped the warm up would help me get through the "knackerings"; sadly, by the time we arrived at the climb, I threw in the towel & informed the Thomson ride leader Tony I was returning to the hotel for some rest & recovery in preparation for tomorrow's ride up to Chamrousse where the group will get prime real estate viewing for the Stage 13 finish. Tony applauded the decision and made sure I was comfortable returning on my own, which I was, padded me on the back & said "chapeuax", Spanish slang for "good choice"...

So with a disappointed spirit, I waved best wishes & good ride encouragement to my velociped comrades as they continued on towards the first of four climbs for the day, then turned south back towards Albertville; I was thankful moments later, though, to be joined by the Aussie father-son duo who apparently we're "knackered" as well & chose to enjoy their holiday back at the hotel poolside for the day.  As we rolled back into town to complete our short lived Day 5 ride, we looped through the Albertville City Centre to see the remnants of the 1992 Olympic Hall (sadly being dismantled to make way for a shopping plaza) and the Olympic torch across from the outdoor Olympic stadium, now a local velodrome--heritage reminders of the global nature sport leverages with humanity.  But for now, the sirens of a shower, a margharita pizza, and a nap are calling my name--I believe I will answer their call... :-)

Day 1+1

So after an adventurous travel day on Day 1 of the Chasing-Yellow venture where my luggage almost didn't make the trip due to my bike case & bag not making the plane from London (they were finally delivered 7 hrs after my arrival), the excitement meter regained its altitude upon the arrival of the Thomson Bike Tours vans as they pulled up to the hotel this morning;  after preliminary greetings were exchanged between the Crew & the 24 participants, we headed off to the Alpine arena of Albertville (about a 90 min drive) to begin our ride experience. It's obvious Thomson has been doing this line of business quite well as we were checked into our hotel rooms and presented a thorough orientation meeting within 45 min of our arrival followed by a traditional Alpine lunch of green beans & beets drizzled in vinaigrette dressing, shredded zucchini spaghetti, dried ham slices & black olives, and ham & cheese quiche.  After lunch, the mechanics went right to work prepping the bikes for all the riders; as I had brought my own bike, I had to accomplish the reassembly myself, which is no big deal since I've done it plenty times before; to my horror, though, I discovered the right brake shifter lever had been damaged during shipment requiring a greater level of mechanic expertise.  Sadly, the Thomson mechanics were not able to repair the shifter for my much anticipated first afternoon ride, but were able to prepare for me at no cost one of their spare Bianchi Sempre Pro road bikes made available to their clients--needless to say, I was very thankful...

My inaugural French Alps ride was...well, fantastic! Completing a 48 kilometer(27 mile) loop north of the Albertville Olympic Park (home of the 1992 Winter Games), the group climbed the 907 meter (2730ft) Col D' Taime mountain (5.5% avg gradient) & descended back into Albertville with the afternoon summer rains sprinkling upon us as if shedding cumulus tears of joy & blessing, a wonderful welcome to this much anticipated week of riding, making new friendships,  and watching the Tour.  Following dinner (pasta w/marinara,  beef skirt steak, roasted tomatoes & green beans--the French love 'em, I suppose), the lead mechanic told me they would drive to a nearby town with a well-known bike shop to obtain the replacement part for my shifter---I think I picked a GREAT tour group for this trip, what'd you think?

As I turn off the lights on Day 2 of the Chasing Yellow adventure, the skies outside our hotel are filled with fireworks of celebration as today is Bastille Day, the French equivalent of our American 4th of July; but for me tonight, they celebrate the many family & friends who have supported & encouraged me on this adventure---much love for all of you...Viva La France, Viva Le Tour!