“I can’t see,” shouted Charles Minthorn Murphy. A cloud of dust and cinders enveloped the cyclist as he pedaled furiously on plank-covered railroad tracks behind a specially equipped train car filled with railroad officials, timers and newspapermen. It was June 30, 1899, and Murphy, one of the top bike racers of the early to mid … Continue reading The Life, Legend & History-Making Ride of Charles “Mile-A-Minute” Murphy
Shorter and Steeper … or Longer and a Little Less Steep?
I returned my bike to the shop a couple hours ago (in the rain) … and my hotel room feels empty without it. Then again, I can go to the bathroom tonight without tripping over it. During my final two rides: I saw something pretty unexpected and cool two days ago, and yesterday I went too … Continue reading Shorter and Steeper … or Longer and a Little Less Steep?
Climbing the Monte du Semnoz and … the Secret of Climbing Cols!
Are you ready to learn the secret of climbing cols? OK, here goes … there is no secret. Sorry. I wish there was a secret to get us magically and easily up a mountain, but in reality it’s all about the legs, experience, confidence, patience and nutrition. Oh wait, there might be a secret after … Continue reading Climbing the Monte du Semnoz and … the Secret of Climbing Cols!
Two Cols, A Case of Napnesia, Soft-Boiled Eggs and A Baguette Sandwich
Today was a great day of riding: 2 cols, 55.28 miles and 3,157 feet of climbing. You have a lot of time for thinking on the way up a mountain when you’re going 4 or 5 miles per hour, and so … here are a few of my thoughts … While I’m not quite ready … Continue reading Two Cols, A Case of Napnesia, Soft-Boiled Eggs and A Baguette Sandwich
A Close Shave …
It’s 8:55 a.m. here in Annecy … and 47 degrees! Brrrrrr. So … I’m killing time and waiting for it to warm up so I can ride. It will be all the way up to 51 degrees at 11! And so … here’s a clever packing hack I figured out. On my last trip, somehow, … Continue reading A Close Shave …
The Biking France Blog 