The Morgins Pass

First day ride was spectacular! Only 20 or so miles but nearly 3000 feet of climbing over Morgins and then down down into Switzerland...it rained most of the way, but the climbing warmed things up...the climb back through Morgins was 2000 feet and a real bear, but scenery across valley was stunning, with thunderstorms moving in and out...I was in B group, and hear front...A group was mostly a Mexican contingent, great guys...there are some husband wife teams..about 30 total riders...finished with Fischer beer...ahhhhhh

Day 1: Headed Out to Join Thomson Team

Fortified by a breakfast of Muesli, hot coffee, and a dose of hubris, the intrepid cyclist is set to meet up with cycling group at the Geneva Airport. After meetup we head out to France and hotel, check in and then get ready for ride. I will need to add pedals and saddle to my Orca Opal with full DuraAce kit...then we do short warmup ride...tomorrow it is the Avoriaz and other cols as we meet Tour for first time...photos to follow...now, I need to print out those pesky cue sheets....

Arrival in Geneva

Well, it did not take long to get in the spirit, as it seemed half the passengers on the Geneva flight, United 974, were bound for European cycling vacations...there were helmets and gear everywhere, one guy was even already in spandex! Met one guy who was doing the Extreme version of King of the Mountains, which includes one day when they do 4 climbs (Telegraphe, Galibier, Alpe D'Huez and Crois de Fer). He had done the trip last year with different climbs..several other guys were on Trek trips..at Geneva, bike boxes came off the luggage carousel one after another, many had brought their bikes and planned to ship back after if they were staying...shuttled to the airport hotel to get some shuteye and then begin carbo loading for tomorrow: the prologue....

Cycle Art 10: Special Sketch Edition

Here is link to Cycle Art 10: Special Sketch Addition

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028130&id=1530786583&l=eb0496706c

Stay Tuned for King of the Alps

Departure is 8 July for Geneva....

Sugarloaf Trifecta

Ok, there just are not that many "mountains" in Montgomery County, so I went out and done Sugarloaf Mountain three times, a trifecta on a hot day....

Magic Black Mo Ride