I chose the latter of at least three loppets this weekend between 42 km classic Cookie Race in Kananaskis, 50 km Payak skate loppet in Whistler's Callaghan Valley, and 30 km skate loppet in Rossland.
Small crowd though I was near a couple skiers most of the time. Led my group the first 10k loop of heinous long and steep climbs in 35 min. Starting the race at +3C, it was steamy hot when the sun came out.
After the first 10k loop, I saw one guy stop to remove a layer or two. I really wanted to, though slogged along in my sauna cave.
Taking a moment for food, I then followed a skier who had been behind me. I was gapped a couple times though caught up on the steeper climbs. The classic track was a smidgeon faster so I double poled when I could. 2nd loop was 40 min.
Into the 3rd loop, I threw in the towel with the conditions as they were slurpee-like. Let at least 3 skiers go just like that. Dropped the pace to where I could finish at a happy pace. No-one else passed me so likely we were all sloths in the warming conditions.
Tough conditions - great course!
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Ullr's Test Winter Tri
Small crowd of 10 riders to start including a few relay teams. On the start line, we were told to ride past Nickelplate where "Mike" would be standing with an orange flag to turn around.
The ride was mostly uphill starting from Apex village base.
I chose my cross bike with a studded tire on front and a Conti Top Contact winter tire on rear. The 29-er mtnbikes got ahead on the snowy village start. I was just back of around 5 riders. Rear tire sketched out a little on the graded snow-ice-dirt roads though was ok.
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| photo Hoodoo Adventure Facebook |
Too late as I was flying down the descent. A car flashing lights was ahead. He was one of the organizers and was angry that "Mike" was not at the turn-around. I was told to grab onto the car and towed back up the snowy hill climb (a little scary with handlebars swerving into the car a few times).
At the apparent snow-covered cattle guard turn-around point, I rode back toward Nickelplate. At this time, the rest of the riders back of me were caught in time to not make the same mistake.
I fumbled with putting on gear for the skate-ski leg, then off on snowy tracks. I knew the course description though was frazzled on which direction to start my ski. The course had been changed at the last minute. Thanks to Dave who said "go out Nickleplate race loop"!
Fast though not speedy snow. I caught up to one guy and kept just ahead until the end of the two 5-km loops.
Transition to borrowed snowshoes (thanks to organizers), I snow-shoe raced my first time ever. Awkward! The shoes felt like a hindrance and weighted me down. I was going 10 min per km pace!
First 2.5 km was uphill and tracked up onto Riordhan Mountain. The trail was pretty cool, though I was miserable with weighted feet and stumbling. I took the snowshoes off for awhile and was equally as quick (or slow!) on the soft snow. Put them back on for the steeper climb.
My hip flexors were getting worked, and worse my right knee was aching. Guess an intact ACL is needed! I vowed to never snowshoe again.
Finally, the trail descended. The snowshoes were valuable in their larger platform surface to land on the uneven snow. I slogged along. It was a challenge to keep eyes peeled for the correct trail. There seemed to be just enough "Ullr" signs.
With 2.5k to go, a woman on snowshoes headed towards me which confused me. She got off-track, which was easy to do, and was backtracking.
Just descending out of the trails at the top of Apex, another woman fled by me like a deer. The last 2 km on Apex snowmobile descent was steep. Took the snowshoes off to run the last 800m to the village. My feet spun out like getting off an escalator fast. Ended up 3 min back of the fleet footed woman.
Even the lead cycling guy went way further than me on the cycling section (only other cross rider). The other guys knew to turn around as they did the event years ago. Checking over the bike times, I lost at least 4 min with missing "Mike". Oh well...
I would use a cross bike again. The fast descents were scary though the mtnbikers thought so too. Just had to have faith, and two studded tires would help.
The organization is attempting to bring back an epic event from the 1990's. A downfall for the price of admission was the lack of prizing, no race token like a toque, and no post-event food... making it primarily a lure for racers who like a challenge.
The scenery is outstanding! Fun to bike race in winter conditions for a change.
Saturday, February 06, 2016
Nickel Plate Loppet - Winter Wonderland
As a warm-front came in all week decimating the snow everywhere, seemed every skier was surprised at the amazing snow conditions at Nickel Plate on loppet day. Sure, the base level is at 1800m though I assumed the tracks would be glazed and temp warmer.
Tracks were snowy, temp stayed at -5C the whole time with a gnarly strong prevailing wind - perfect, except the wind.
The course started on the inner green/blue trails I rarely ski as these are mostly flat. Had a good start. Only a hundred metres after skiers funnelled into two bumper-to-bumper tracks, a small 10 footer climb bunched up at least 5 skiers on either side. I was quick to foresee it and ran up the middle! Put me into an even better position.
If I chose the left hand side track, it seemed the turns always went right and I was skiing the greater distance. When I shifted over the the right hand side track, the turns then went left, doh! Was able to maintain good contact with a handful of skiers as well as a few junior Nickel Plate skiers racing the 15k.
Cannonball switchback hill climb and descent was breathtaking to race up hard, and then eye-opening to make the corners at a blazing step turn pace and stay upright! One guy swooshed by me on this descent.
Had good company up Eagle's Nest trail, slopping thru a short snowdrift section, into Upper Meadow green loop where I was then on my own into the headwind. After a few more awesome climbs and a 1 km descent to finish a loop, no-one was in sight as the junior racers finished their 15k race.
Happy to have the same guy ski by. We had been near each other since pre-Cannonball climb though he had faster gliding skis than me. Managed to stay in reach of him as we took the best line crossing the flat tracked corners time and time again. At the Cannonball hill climb, I hoofed off and kept my gain on the descent this time.
On Eagle's Nest climb, I had a red-clad skier in sight. His climbing grip was noticeably slipping. Caught him on the snowdrift section and was smart to stay behind him with the headwind around Meadow.
Finally onto a big climb, I hoofed and knew I had to work any descent to stay ahead. Saw yet another guy ahead which helped me work the next few climbs. Came close to him though did not catch him before the last 1 km descent.
The red-clad skier was only 10 sec back of me at the finish, with my mid-way skier bud another 20 sec back. I finished 37 sec back of the last guy I saw in front of me. Funny at the peak of the last climb, I was within 15 sec of him... which shows how much time I can lose with lightweightedness!
Pleased with the hard effort. At such a hilly venue, I was surprised the course was mostly double-poling!
Nice to hear Steve King's voice as announcer.
Both Amanda and I laughed at how tight the generic race bib was - first time! Bummer for the big guys! Amanda had a good 15k, and was cheering at the finish.
Nice to see other Edmontonians Taras Pojasok and Laurie Murray. One man and his wife mistakenly wore each other's bibs. He placed a few minutes earlier than me in the results with her name down. Good tactic!
Post-race food was awesome with veg chili and homemade cookies.
Test run on my race food storage… lately I've been tucking a date on each side of my Camelbak straps. Sometimes difficult to grab with gloves on. As I usually wear my Camelbak, I hung a couple dates using dental floss from the Camelbak chest strap. It was amazingly easy to grab to eat them, and the dangling dates tucked behind the provided bib# nicely.
Tracks were snowy, temp stayed at -5C the whole time with a gnarly strong prevailing wind - perfect, except the wind.
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| photo - Amanda Kosmerly |
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| Course meanders on Meadow track before going round about in Evening Star, Night Hawk towards a wicked climb up Cannonball then a more wicked descent over to Eagle's Nest climb, flat Upper Meadow, to a couple hurtful climbs in Vindicator, and finally down Last Chance for one 15-k loop |
If I chose the left hand side track, it seemed the turns always went right and I was skiing the greater distance. When I shifted over the the right hand side track, the turns then went left, doh! Was able to maintain good contact with a handful of skiers as well as a few junior Nickel Plate skiers racing the 15k.
Cannonball switchback hill climb and descent was breathtaking to race up hard, and then eye-opening to make the corners at a blazing step turn pace and stay upright! One guy swooshed by me on this descent.
Had good company up Eagle's Nest trail, slopping thru a short snowdrift section, into Upper Meadow green loop where I was then on my own into the headwind. After a few more awesome climbs and a 1 km descent to finish a loop, no-one was in sight as the junior racers finished their 15k race.
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| Crazy amount of double-poling in such a hilly place! - photo Amanda Kosmerly |
On Eagle's Nest climb, I had a red-clad skier in sight. His climbing grip was noticeably slipping. Caught him on the snowdrift section and was smart to stay behind him with the headwind around Meadow.
Finally onto a big climb, I hoofed and knew I had to work any descent to stay ahead. Saw yet another guy ahead which helped me work the next few climbs. Came close to him though did not catch him before the last 1 km descent.
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| Amazed I stayed ahead on the descent! - photo Amanda Kosmerly |
Pleased with the hard effort. At such a hilly venue, I was surprised the course was mostly double-poling!
Nice to hear Steve King's voice as announcer.
Both Amanda and I laughed at how tight the generic race bib was - first time! Bummer for the big guys! Amanda had a good 15k, and was cheering at the finish.
Nice to see other Edmontonians Taras Pojasok and Laurie Murray. One man and his wife mistakenly wore each other's bibs. He placed a few minutes earlier than me in the results with her name down. Good tactic!
Post-race food was awesome with veg chili and homemade cookies.
Test run on my race food storage… lately I've been tucking a date on each side of my Camelbak straps. Sometimes difficult to grab with gloves on. As I usually wear my Camelbak, I hung a couple dates using dental floss from the Camelbak chest strap. It was amazingly easy to grab to eat them, and the dangling dates tucked behind the provided bib# nicely.
Monday, February 01, 2016
Kelowna Apple Skiathlon!
Finally took opportunity to use my new pre-owned skiathlon boots at the Kelowna Apple Loppet held at Telemark nordic trails.
After a few days of rain and melt in the lower levels, 11 cm fresh snow fell overnight at the nordic venue at 1000m. Light flakes fell during part of the event with the sun poking out mid-way. Concerned about grip at the mild, just below 0C temps.
I set up my skate gear on a rug at my numbered spot in transition. A time chip was strapped to my ankle as I lined up for the classic start.
Classic course was 2 loops of 7.5 km before switching to a 13k skate loop.
The pack broke apart within the first 3 km of climbing. With the twisty trails, I felt distanced from the skier in front. On a straight-away, I gained optimism when I saw I was only 50m back of a pack of skiers. I pushed on alone.
Course followed Telemark loop merging onto Rabbit trail with its twists and turns.
Had ok grip, not stellar. On the few steeper sections, I skimmied in between the tracks on the fresh snow with better traction and speed. Glide was decent. Double-poled single-kicked whenever possible.
Managed to grab a date I had tucked under my Camelbak straps, now having gopher cheeks and breathing hard at the same time. Was glad I used the Camelbak as I drank a lot more than a little cup could provide from the feed zones.
Finishing my 2nd loop, I stopped at my race number spot in transition. Quick and easy to clip out of classic gear, step into skate gear, and I was off. The skiathlon boots finally came to good use!
Fortunately, the first part of the 13k skate loop was mostly descending down Fern Creek trail. Gave time to chill. I found double-poling was quicker in the tracks than skating in the soft trails. The long hill climbs on the soft track took forever.
First time on "Carol's Trail" which has 4 boomerang type steep descents and ascents. With the soft snow, I could barely one-pole ski or herringbone up a couple of them. Caught a few skiers towards the latter half.
The descending final trails on Fern Creek to Rollercoaster (appropriately named!) were a gong show with consecutive sharp corners. I had a skier in sight that helped me gauge the turns. A little icy underneath the snow had me shuffling my skis in quick micro step turns. I can not believe I stayed upright!
Coming into the finish area I double-poled hard past this skier only to find out there was still another 400m loop of Forest Trail before crossing the line. Worked it and held my spot.
Good effort, liked the switch-up of disciplines.
I set up my skate gear on a rug at my numbered spot in transition. A time chip was strapped to my ankle as I lined up for the classic start.
Classic course was 2 loops of 7.5 km before switching to a 13k skate loop.
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| In there somewhere… photo Telemark Facebook |
Course followed Telemark loop merging onto Rabbit trail with its twists and turns.
Had ok grip, not stellar. On the few steeper sections, I skimmied in between the tracks on the fresh snow with better traction and speed. Glide was decent. Double-poled single-kicked whenever possible.
Managed to grab a date I had tucked under my Camelbak straps, now having gopher cheeks and breathing hard at the same time. Was glad I used the Camelbak as I drank a lot more than a little cup could provide from the feed zones.
Finishing my 2nd loop, I stopped at my race number spot in transition. Quick and easy to clip out of classic gear, step into skate gear, and I was off. The skiathlon boots finally came to good use!
Fortunately, the first part of the 13k skate loop was mostly descending down Fern Creek trail. Gave time to chill. I found double-poling was quicker in the tracks than skating in the soft trails. The long hill climbs on the soft track took forever.
First time on "Carol's Trail" which has 4 boomerang type steep descents and ascents. With the soft snow, I could barely one-pole ski or herringbone up a couple of them. Caught a few skiers towards the latter half.
The descending final trails on Fern Creek to Rollercoaster (appropriately named!) were a gong show with consecutive sharp corners. I had a skier in sight that helped me gauge the turns. A little icy underneath the snow had me shuffling my skis in quick micro step turns. I can not believe I stayed upright!
Coming into the finish area I double-poled hard past this skier only to find out there was still another 400m loop of Forest Trail before crossing the line. Worked it and held my spot.
Good effort, liked the switch-up of disciplines.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
All Glide! - My 8th Lake Louise to Banff Loppet
Last year the race was a 52 km S-L-O-G, as there was "no glide" after each double-pole! This year it was 72 km "all glide"! Was way better, though was still quite the effort with almost 80% double-pole single-kick!
The 2-3 cm of fresh snow overnight, nicely covered the slightly glazed tracks from the previous day's melting temps and rain.
Jumped on the 6 a.m. shuttle bus from Banff to the start at Lake Louise. At the bib pickup, relay skier Bill Young was kind to help arrange for my skate ski gear to be dropped off at the transition from Leg 5 to Leg 6.
The race started barely at daylight on the frozen Lake Louise. There were a few racers to follow down the double pole descent on Tramline, as it was difficult to pass in the left side track.
A few lumpy road crossings had volunteers quickly shovel snow on the road after a car passed.
Leg 1 usually is the best tracked of all the 6 legs. This time is was just ok. I almost dead-stopped when my skis scraped a rock on the Hwy 1 underpass.
An 800m section on Morant's Curve could not be track-set. Fortunately, there was just enough snow on the road to double-pole as the sound of ski tips hit the pavement. Just before the tracks began up the snowbank, heard the sound of grating skis likely hitting rocks underneath.
When the track swerved on a few lumpy sections, I fell a couple times landing forward on my knees.
Early in Leg 1, I managed to get in a few slurps of fresh frozen thawed coconut water from my Camelbak. It is a long leg at 22k. At the first transition, I asked for help and coached a spectator to grab a date from my forward-facing fanny pack. Excellent refuelling!
Leg 2 was the best scenic leg and was mostly in good shape (out of the 6 legs!).
Leg 3 had a surprising crusty layer underneath the bits of fresh snow. The normally crazy fast descending section in the trees was calmed by that snow, thankfully. Just over half distance done… and feeling the effects of continuous double poling.
Skied mostly alone with a relay team skier passing me or me re-passing a slower relay teammate.
Leg 4 was hilarious attempting the big climbs with no grip using short weighted steps. On the descent, the track was set very close to the road. Speeding clumsily down the wobbly track had me cautious with the oncoming cars so close. It would have been a quick tumble into traffic with the skittish snow.
Leg 5 was in the best shape I have ever seen it in all the years I've raced this loppet (when this section was included). Realistically, the track was still pretty lumpy with poling through deep snow every so often. I was so tired, and could not wait to get out of the adventurous back swamp section.
My double-pole single-kick muscles were maxed out!
My skate gear was waiting for me at transition… all zipped up in their bags. I quickly hollered for anyone to help me. A kind woman and guy spectator helped unzip the gear. I plunked my butt down on the damp snow to remove my boots. One toggle was iced up. Moments later to my surprise my whole boot was tugged off by the guy. Awesome help! I tossed on my skate boots. My guy then gave me my thermos I had prepared with Apple Blossom honey in warm water with cinnamon. What a great boost!
The 800m run on the pavement to the trailhead with gear dangling was awkward. Note to self to leave ski sleeves on.
Even though I now had skate skis on, I double-poled in the track whenever I could as the inner lane was lumpy. I was so happy to switch disciplines. The hill climbs were forever long. Finally onto the snowy bike path by the river, the bomb-field of teeny pine cones got me once. I fell to my knees with a screech as a couple Sunday walkers looked back at me.
A short skate-ski on the river, and the finish was close by.
Ivana Novosel who I passed on the descent at Lake Louise on Leg 1 came in only a few minutes back. Looking at results, we flip-flopped for fastest solo women's times for the different legs. 3rd woman Jessica Stichelbout was also getting closer in time.
The top team "overall" was the dynamic triple of local Canmore/Banff women Maria Hawkins, Kathy Davies and Theresa Gawron. They had a battle to the finish line with the top solo male.
I appreciate all the volunteers that shovelled snow on the road crossings, train tracks, and were marshalling all over the place (even in the back-swamp), and the cheers they gave.
I was very slaughtered at the end (and during)! It is a wicked challenge in a beautiful scenic area… to want to do it again. Each year with the varied weather conditions makes it a different course.
Epic!
The 2-3 cm of fresh snow overnight, nicely covered the slightly glazed tracks from the previous day's melting temps and rain.
Jumped on the 6 a.m. shuttle bus from Banff to the start at Lake Louise. At the bib pickup, relay skier Bill Young was kind to help arrange for my skate ski gear to be dropped off at the transition from Leg 5 to Leg 6.
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| photo SkierBob.ca |
A few lumpy road crossings had volunteers quickly shovel snow on the road after a car passed.
Leg 1 usually is the best tracked of all the 6 legs. This time is was just ok. I almost dead-stopped when my skis scraped a rock on the Hwy 1 underpass.
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| photo SkierBob.ca |
When the track swerved on a few lumpy sections, I fell a couple times landing forward on my knees.
Early in Leg 1, I managed to get in a few slurps of fresh frozen thawed coconut water from my Camelbak. It is a long leg at 22k. At the first transition, I asked for help and coached a spectator to grab a date from my forward-facing fanny pack. Excellent refuelling!
Leg 2 was the best scenic leg and was mostly in good shape (out of the 6 legs!).
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| photo SkierBob.ca |
Skied mostly alone with a relay team skier passing me or me re-passing a slower relay teammate.
Leg 4 was hilarious attempting the big climbs with no grip using short weighted steps. On the descent, the track was set very close to the road. Speeding clumsily down the wobbly track had me cautious with the oncoming cars so close. It would have been a quick tumble into traffic with the skittish snow.
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| Leg 5 start - photo SkierBob.ca |
My double-pole single-kick muscles were maxed out!
My skate gear was waiting for me at transition… all zipped up in their bags. I quickly hollered for anyone to help me. A kind woman and guy spectator helped unzip the gear. I plunked my butt down on the damp snow to remove my boots. One toggle was iced up. Moments later to my surprise my whole boot was tugged off by the guy. Awesome help! I tossed on my skate boots. My guy then gave me my thermos I had prepared with Apple Blossom honey in warm water with cinnamon. What a great boost!
The 800m run on the pavement to the trailhead with gear dangling was awkward. Note to self to leave ski sleeves on.
Even though I now had skate skis on, I double-poled in the track whenever I could as the inner lane was lumpy. I was so happy to switch disciplines. The hill climbs were forever long. Finally onto the snowy bike path by the river, the bomb-field of teeny pine cones got me once. I fell to my knees with a screech as a couple Sunday walkers looked back at me.
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| photo SkierBob.ca |
Ivana Novosel who I passed on the descent at Lake Louise on Leg 1 came in only a few minutes back. Looking at results, we flip-flopped for fastest solo women's times for the different legs. 3rd woman Jessica Stichelbout was also getting closer in time.
The top team "overall" was the dynamic triple of local Canmore/Banff women Maria Hawkins, Kathy Davies and Theresa Gawron. They had a battle to the finish line with the top solo male.
I appreciate all the volunteers that shovelled snow on the road crossings, train tracks, and were marshalling all over the place (even in the back-swamp), and the cheers they gave.
I was very slaughtered at the end (and during)! It is a wicked challenge in a beautiful scenic area… to want to do it again. Each year with the varied weather conditions makes it a different course.
Epic!
Nordic views
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| Low sunset in Dec with an early season ski on the Lars-Taylor trail at Sovereign Lakes |
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| Awesome New Year's Eve day ski with Karine Travaillaud… -10C, excellent grip & glide, & sunshine! Connector trail between Sovereign & Silver Star. Snowy view of Monashee mountains. |
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| Top of Panorama Ridge at Nickel Plate Trails - photo Amanda Kosmerly |
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| Skiing the big climb at Larch Hills (near Salmon Arm) overlooking Mara Lake above the clouds |
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| Awesome trail Backcountry Connector at Nordic Trails up Hwy 33 - photo Amanda Kosmerly |
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| A lodgepole pine on the 6km nordic ski loop in the Jackman Flats Prov Park - On Hwy 5, just south of Hwy 16 (from Jasper past Tete Jaune Cache) |
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| The turn-around point on Cascade trail in Banff National Park - with Di MacGibbon |
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| At peak of Bear Cr Trail |
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| Quick hike up Bear Cr Trail… sitting in a tree stump on a rare sunny winter day |
Saturday, December 05, 2015
Vert180 Must-Do Skimo
Planned to go in as a particip-action event as it is a pretty cool event. One loop of the course: skin up, gentle grade run up boot-pack, with transition to descent. Repeat for 180 minutes!
Either it is the skier or the binding or combo, I have issue with getting into my bindings… and staying in them.
Into the 3rd loop, just starting the descent… my left ski felt a little strange when the ski just took off. I took a nice tumble, and had no idea where the ski ended up. I hobbled one-skied looking for it on the sides of the groomed runs, then took my one ski off and walked all the way down to transition as I searched for the runaway ski.
Bummed to have to DNF, I hoped my ski would eventually be found. Thanks to Dave Dornian who suggested to chat with the ski patrol who may figure out where the ski went. Meanwhile, I put on my down jacket to stay warm.
Ski patrol guy immediately drove his snowmobile all the way up the climb, and back down when I lost optimism. I watched as he parked and walked down below transition. When I caught a glimpse of him with something in his hand, I started getting my skins ready.
The ski apparently flew down the hill from top Westside past transition to lower Eastside without hitting any skier skinning up, thankfully.
After at least 40 min of uncertainty… and rest… I charged up the next climbs. I was overly cautious with ensuring I was clipped into the binding.
Due to my right unstable knee, I took all the descents pretty un-aggressive even though it was a straight line down with a hard hockey stop to the right.
I had no idea how much time was left. I was just happy to be back in the game!
Either it is the skier or the binding or combo, I have issue with getting into my bindings… and staying in them.
Into the 3rd loop, just starting the descent… my left ski felt a little strange when the ski just took off. I took a nice tumble, and had no idea where the ski ended up. I hobbled one-skied looking for it on the sides of the groomed runs, then took my one ski off and walked all the way down to transition as I searched for the runaway ski.
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| awesome style! ha, ha - photo Malcolm Taylor |
Ski patrol guy immediately drove his snowmobile all the way up the climb, and back down when I lost optimism. I watched as he parked and walked down below transition. When I caught a glimpse of him with something in his hand, I started getting my skins ready.
The ski apparently flew down the hill from top Westside past transition to lower Eastside without hitting any skier skinning up, thankfully.
After at least 40 min of uncertainty… and rest… I charged up the next climbs. I was overly cautious with ensuring I was clipped into the binding.
Due to my right unstable knee, I took all the descents pretty un-aggressive even though it was a straight line down with a hard hockey stop to the right.
I had no idea how much time was left. I was just happy to be back in the game!
Tuesday, November 03, 2015
Mike Nosco Memorial Ride 2015
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| Super cool to make the photo for the poster! |
After Deer Creek deathly steep hill climb, I was solo descending Encinal. Almost missed the turn for Mulholland and backtracked. Climbed Mulholland as best as possible solo losing a lot of ground on the couple descending sections.
It was cool to get cheers from the women's group I passed. One woman specifically hollered she was cheering for me for the Hammer award as the other woman had a group pulling her! I had no idea what she meant though was happy for the cheers.
When the grade diminished a tad, I then picked up the pace. Rode solo past Scott Johnson who gave me the awesome Serious Cycling jersey to wear.
Smashed my time on Latigo climb (!) with the guy behind thanking me for challenging the pace. Rolled back to the event start with the odd straggler rider. Where does everyone go…
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| Post-event with California lads Neil Shirley and Jeffrey Stern who I met in Taiwan just days earlier |
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| one of the winners of the "Female" Nosco Hammer Award - gotta laugh |
Friday, August 28, 2015
Tour of Le Salève
Every cyclist needs a Le Salève type mountain in their backyard!
Found this superb website "Cycling in the Alps" where Will documented 5 different routes up Le Salève.
I wanted to do all 5 climbs up/down in one ride!
From the Passion Bike store, I was given a great bike map of the local Geneva area. After a morning pondering the maps and Will's website, I planned to ride the climbs clockwise starting furthest north.
With the crazy twisty streets of Geneva, I took the most direct road southeast on Route de Florissant on the bike lane. Somehow I lost the maps on the way. Oh well, I had my plan scorched in my memory.
I rode on the forewarned busy road D1206 for 2.5 km before the turnoff to climb to Monnetier-Monex. The rest of the ride was traffic free. It was 10 km to the base from home. Below, I listed rough splits excluding descents which had abit of ascent.
Climb #2 - Col de la Croisette from La Murez (35 min, 7.5 km, 585m), descended to Cruseilles. Water stop at bakery where my Swiss francs were scoffed at. I forgot I was headed to a Euro country.
Climb #3 - From Cruseilles, climbed about 4 km up Col des Pitons (16:19 min, 4.4 km, 212m), then descended northwest passing the castle Château d'Avenières. It was hot on the open road so I turned around at Saint-Blaise to climb back to the intersection.
Climb #4 - Col du Mont Sion to intersection 3 km up (12:21 min, 2.9 km, 162m), to continue climb to Col des Pitons (33 min, 11.6 km, 341m), descended northwest side of Col de la Croisette, the wicked twisty 12% average descent.
Climb #5 - the hardest climb last... back up Col de la Croisette (38:30 min, 5.8 km, 618m). Lots of riders of all abilities riding this climb! Likely a great after-work ride. I started climbing somewhere in Le Bourg D'en Haut.
At the top I considered going back down the first climb towards Monnetier-Monex. After a food break, I decided to go the quickest route back down the 12% grade and direct through Carouge home (30 min, 13.5 km, 10m) - awesome slight descent back!
105 km, 5:21 hr, 3125m+
Best climbs for a climber - up/down front/back Col de la Croisette.
Scenic climb - Montée du Salève
Most leisure climb - Col des Pitons
It was cool to get a few "courage" cheers from locals as I climbed!
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| airplane view of the mountains behind Geneva with Mont Blanc |
Found this superb website "Cycling in the Alps" where Will documented 5 different routes up Le Salève.
I wanted to do all 5 climbs up/down in one ride!
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| View of Le Salève blocks away from home |
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| Making my way to Le Salève via the bike lane on Route de Florissant |
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| View of Geneva and the Jet of Water from the first lookout |
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| Climb #1 - mostly a tree-d climb up Montée du Salève, descended to La Murez (stats from home before descending: 1.5 hr, 26 km, 964m) |
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| Mont Blanc in the background |
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| Cow on ridge with Geneva in the far right |
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| I always stop for blackberries! |
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| Average 12% means seeing grades up to 16% on the GPS! |
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| Many fields of sunflowers on my way back into town |
105 km, 5:21 hr, 3125m+
Best climbs for a climber - up/down front/back Col de la Croisette.
Scenic climb - Montée du Salève
Most leisure climb - Col des Pitons
It was cool to get a few "courage" cheers from locals as I climbed!
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| Gavin, Jan's son from Revie, and Nigel, Mary's son from Geneva, both met me at the Geneva airport and escorted me to Mary's apt by train. When they jumped on the bus with my bags, I rode my bike. Easier than driving around by car. |
Saturday, July 25, 2015
L'Alpe de Grand Blanc - Big White
click to watch VIDEO recap of 2015 race
Race day - unexpected rain!
From past experience if the rain was to continue, the first half of a hill climb event will have warmer temps and the second half will be survival temps. It was 18C and humid at the base.
I decided to go with unusual extras for a summer race - an undershirt, knee warmers, cold weather arm warmers, a goofy hat underneath my helmet to prevent rain from hitting my eyewear, bootie covers, with my lightweight rain jacket in my rear pocket. Not ideal setup for racing though I was taking the chance for a gnarly day as we were going up to 1800m.
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| all photos courtesy BigWhite.com |
Legs were a little rigid from doing the Thursday night crit 36 hours ago. Jeff Innes from ERTC was hanging with me for awhile, though we wondered where Terra Manca, a fellow ERTC-er was.
At the top near Goudie road, I said to my riding buddy that we either bridge to the group of 3 riders ahead or he was stuck with me for the flat section, as the next group was abit further back.
The roads were rough when I noticed my rear tire was flat. New tire, so bummer. As I stopped to change it, a truck immediately stopped and two guys, Shaun and Caleb, helped me. I assumed they were with the race. I quickly shifted the rear derailleur to the small cog, and attempted to ignore the extra click that did not sound like a clean shift.
I put the rear wheel back on and was dismayed when I could not shift the rear cable to larger cogs. Doh, it was true the shifter had broken in the front. The gear choice of a 50/34 with an 11 cog would not be fun for long. I had to bail.
With my warm clothes bag already at the top, the guys suggested I jump in with them to get a ride. They were watching friends of theirs in the race.
As we drove past the racers, it was cool to see the little groups and the odd singled out person. This was a great race course!
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| Cool scenery! |
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| Roger Sherwood who solo-ed the whole race into 2nd place, an ERTC rider favourite! |
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| ERTC Jeff incognito in a very large blue rain-cape that a volunteer lent him. Jeff said if it was not for the volunteer's help at the feed zones, that he likely would not have finished. The cold rain was an unexpected extra element. It was 5C and close to sleeting at the top!! |
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| Volunteers at Big White were excited to put on this 1st time event. The support at the top was great with warm blankets and hot packs, and food. |
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| kids raced up the hardest last 2 km of the course! |
I'd like to give it another go!
Later in the week, Jeff & Terra joined me on my favourite route up to Crystal Mountain and back through Boucherie.
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| Marg & Terra on Boucherie Road |
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| Jeff, Marg & Terra about to descend Gellatly road |
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| Wildfires within 5 km where I stay at Mike's chalet circled in green - abit scary especially when we went through an evacuation one night |
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