The riders in the Tour de France have climbed the mighty Col de la Colombiere 23 times. And now, with the help of Mike Booth (the British king of the French Alps) I have climbed it once. I’m not sure if I have the legs for 22 more ascents. Even with Mike’s help. This is … Continue reading A Couple of Mighty Alp Climbs From Cluses: Pierre Carree & and the Colombiere
Author: Steve Wartenberg
A Day of Rest After Another Epic & Breathtaking Climb
Today I did something unusual: Nothing! Well, not totally nothing (I wandered around town and did laundry at the laverie), but I didn’t go for a ride. My body was telling me, very clearly, that I needed a day off. And, I listened. Susan was shocked when I told her. I think jet lag and … Continue reading A Day of Rest After Another Epic & Breathtaking Climb
The Famous Mountain Camels of the Alps … And An Incident “Set” in Concrete
Millions of years ago, colliding tectonic plates created the Alps. A few million years ago, powerful, shifting glaciers carved out a lake and a wide, beautiful valley between Annecy and Albertville. A couple decades ago, the bike lovers of this region created a bike path connecting the two towns. Merci! Today, I followed millions of … Continue reading The Famous Mountain Camels of the Alps … And An Incident “Set” in Concrete
A Crazy Climb Up the Montee de Semnoz
“Is this fun?” I asked myself this all-important question as I cycled up the Montee de Semnoz (also called the Cret de Chatillon) and came upon the sign (above) indicated the next kilometer was yet another 10-percent grade. 10 percent is steep! Think of it this way: Each percent, after about six, is like strapping … Continue reading A Crazy Climb Up the Montee de Semnoz
The First Col is the Steepest (Or Maybe Not!)
I admit it: I was a little apprehensive about this trip to the French Alps to climb the collection of cols. It’s not like I’m getting any younger, and it’s hard to practice climbing mountains in pancake-flat Central Ohio, where I live and train. But, what are you gonna do? Not go? Of course not. … Continue reading The First Col is the Steepest (Or Maybe Not!)
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