2-Day Cliff Notes Post

Two days of riding and no posts! Well, it was a heck of a long day today, and it is very late, so here is a cliff notes version of what has happened. Day one: Warm up ride; ice cold rain. Day two: BBIIIIGGG day of climbing and beautiful weather for it.

We all started out yesterday under threatening skies, but looking forward to finally getting on the bike after long travel. Here's the group. Much larger than last year, and more diverse. We are the only Americans, with a couple from Australia, two from England, one from Finland, and one Scott.



All smiles now, all shivers later.


Despite the weather, Annecy is beautiful. Annie spent some time walking the town while we were out on the bikes.

So begins day two: Here is the lake from the top of the Col de la Forclaz. A brute of a climb if not all that long. The water in the Lake is as clear as crystal. Absolutely amazing. In the far distance, you can see the white of the buildings in the town where we started.

The group split in two, with some choosing to go to the top of the Forclaz, while others warmed there legs up going around the Lake, and I must say that I'm jealous of those who went 'round the Lake since the views were just as nice!

The Lake ride wasn't flat by any means, though. Annie and Mark stop on the way up one of the little cols.

Becky loving the Lake.

One last scene from the Lake. Cycling isn't the only way to get a good look!

Then it was a little more riding, another little Col, and some lunch before the big effort of the day, the Col de la Madeleine. The Tour just came through a couple weeks ago, as evidenced by the signs of encouragement.

Becky attacks one of the switchbacks. Watch out pro-tour, here she comes!

At 26 kilometers to the top, a little break in the middle to refill the water bottles is certainly called for.

More support for the Tour riders. Apparently, it took the pro peloton (those who finished first anyway) just under two hours to get from the bottom, up and over, and to the town we are staying in tonight (the finish town for the Tour). The fastest of us today took two hours just to get to the top. Incredible.

A look back to the valley from where we started, and one of the many little villages we rode through along the way up.

One of the hardest things about the climb is coming to a sign post that says 4 kilometers to the summit. You look at the sign, and look at a seemingly vertical mountain face, and think that it couldn't possibly be true, but this is the look down on the last 4K. The photo really doesn't due it justice.

Finally, at the top, we think of Thom. Keep fighting buddy.

(right next to the altitude number)

It was a bit cold at the top of the Col, as you might guess from the clouds we are standing in, so a quick shot with the cyclist-turned-super-support woman, and I shot off down the other side to a warm bath and a cold beer.

Soon after Mark and B came rolling through. By far B's biggest effort, and something to be super proud of.

A little relief at last, our home for the night. It is fun to see everything decked out in Tour regalia still. Our hotel has a polka dot bike in hour of the King of the Mountains competition. Fitting, I think.

That's all for tonight. Hopefully we won't go this long again without a new post.

Fondue? Fondon't!!

When in Switzerland, you don't buy watches or open a secret bank account, you eat a big pot of bubbling cheese!


Not just bread when you have the authentic stuff. Dried meats, pearl onions, cheese (yes, you dip hard cheese into bubbling cheese), and much much more.

The quote of the night, and perhaps the trip - "Hey, where's my Gherkin?" (stemming from the video below, watch for the falling pickle!). A close second was from Becky - "Everytime I get close to myself, I smell like cheese." It's deep, think about it.

Earlier in the day, it was super hot. We took a boat ride around the Lake and walked the old city some more. A little lucky strike to find this cold water fountain. As long as you see the sign "D'eau potable" go for it!

The little cafe Chien.

We stumbled upon an awesome park. So many families, and little kids running around. Old folks having a cafe in the shade, old dudes playing chess, college kids kissing in the grass.

And a fun little spin around the Lake. Very tempting to hop in, but even more tempting to day dream about living on the shore and taking out a sail boat every day.

(A view of the mountains to come!)

(A little jetty for swimming)

And tomorrow, the cycling begins!

On Our Way!

Yesterday was a loooooong day of travel, ending up in Geneve. Even though it was a long voyage, it was extremely comfortable thanks to the Man with the Plan. Don't think 16 hours of airline travel can be enjoyable. I give you this evidence:

(pre-flight champagne)

(Dinner menu)

And, don't forget about the sweets! As I woke up in the middle of the night, they offered me ice-cream as well. What luxury!


No time for Paris, but we got to see the Eiffel Tower anyway.

Geneve airport was a breeze, a quick bus ride to the hotel, and we are in Switzerland, the land of very serious people on the currency . . .

Efficient and beatiful watches, lovely scenery, scary people on the bills.

WELCOME TO GENEVE!!!

The City for lovers!

After settling into the hotel and fighting the urge to sleep, we made it downtown for a little dinner and exploring. All the places advertise "Non-Stop Resauration" whatever the heck that means. We are batting a thousand for exceptional food so far, though, because dinner was super yum!

This is the Perch caught daily from the Lake. Can't say I've had much Perch, but this was by far the best. The "frites" helped. So did the local wine.

They had me at "Creme Brule". How could I refuse. And, a little "Apple Pie". It wasn't Grandma's, that's for sure. But very delicious.

(Good enough for a sword fight with the spoons)

After dinner, a nice walk around Lake Geneve, and a stroll through the old city. As you would expect, everything was just beautiful and completely charming.

(Looking into the old city from the top of a Ferris Wheel)

A little chocolate shop in the old city

Just a reminder of how bike friendly Europe is. You got to get out of the car!

(Typical amazingly huge, ornate door in the old city)

Don't know what to say about this one. Just a fun thing to see . . . floating above the Lake and city. Must have been a beautiful view.

A little end of the day bike ride to burn off all that food! Becky got on first - the locals loved to see the American's jump on the kids toys in the park.