Archive for November 17th, 2008

Road cycling round Lac Leman

Late on Saturday night after a few Mutzigs and far too much wine a plan was hatched for riding on Sunday. Somehow the initial idea of going mountain biking turned into driving to Evian, getting the boat to Lausanne and cycling back round the lake to Evian - around 65km mostly on road, with some cycle tracks. Getting up at 7am the next morning it suddenly seemed a less good idea. The feeling grew as we drove down under a grey sky. However once the boat set off we realised we were heading in the direction of the sun.

Up riding on quite paths through the vineyards was fantastic, and with a mix of these paths, quiet roads and some busier ones we found ourselves in Montreux before long where we had to stop for kebabs and falafel for lunch. Fuelled up we pedalled out of the town and before too long were on quiet cycle paths with only walkers and dogs to avoid. This was probably my favourite part - no traffic to avoid, a nice steady pace chatting as we went and friendly families going by. plus some great views around us. The final section felt like a long way as my legs started to feel the efforts of keeping up with three far stronger riders than me so I was fairly relieved when we reached Evian and the car.

Another great road ride!

Road cycling in Morzine

On Saturday a group of us headed out for a road ride near Morzine. We drove down to le Jotty (by the Gorges du Pont du Diable) and set off from there. The aim was for a nice steady ride - it was Dan’s first go on a bike in a while and I’ve only actually ridden my road bike a few times. It was great riding though, steady climbs and flatter fast sections, plus of course a few exciting descents! A coffee stop gave us energy before the longest climb up the Col du Cou which saw us managing to rise out above the clouds, then followed a short but tough climb up the Col d’Arces before a quick run to a fantastic bakery and cafe for much needed food.

It was cold, but the great views more than made up for the chilly feet, and the climbs soon had us heating up. And i was left keen to get on my road bike more.