But given the ice around at the moment, I thought I’d take a look some training videos suggested to me by friends.

www.thesufferfest.com offers two new training videos that make hard, indoor training “almost” fun.

From the web site:

At Sufferfest Studios, I make the hardest, most exciting, most get-on-your-bike-and-suffer-your-ass-off cycling training videos in the world. Our videos are the only ones to feature officially licensed footage from professional race organisers like the ASO and the UCI, brilliant, hand-picked music, and structured workouts that you simply need to follow (if you can).

Today I did “The Downward Spiral.” The video is great. Lots of recent Paris-Roubaix footage. I almost died trying to stay on Tom Boonen’s wheel. There is no way I could work this hard on a trainer just watching TV.

How hard did I work? Below is my heart rate graph. Anytime it spikes into red …. it hurt. A lot.

I highly recommend The Suffer Fest videos.

PS – to my Aussie friends: The “rest” parts of the video is riding in an Australian club ride Peloton (in search of a donut store I assume).

The Suffer Fest: Downward Spiral

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• Col de la Croix Fry via Col de Plan Bois
• Metric Century Trainer Hell …. and Some Skiing
• Video: 1st Cols of the Year

It’s becoming an annual tradition to do this loop in Jan or Feb.

No water today as water bottle froze in first 15 minutes

Starting in Thones, it’s three kms slightly uphill to the start of Col de Plan Bois at Les Clefs. The climb is 6.5 steep kilometres on a very quiet road.

From the top, the other side is not ploughed for a while …. snow pushing. Then a steep down / up to Manigod to join the main road to Col de la Croix Fry. And from here a brief detour to Col de Merdassier (see map below).

A video of the ride:

Sun at the top (Merdassier):

Despite a decent forecast, it was pretty cloudy most of the way. Here’s a view I missed (pic from last year).

Col de la Croix Fry via Col de Plan Bois

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• Col du Galibier is Closed?
• Video: Col des Glières from the Steep East Side
• Col de la Croix Fry – Video

One of my 2010 goals is to do at least one metric century a month.

It didn’t look like it was going to happen outdoors for January, so I did it on the trainer. 100 kilometres is way too long to be on a trainer. Not exactly fun, but I am glad I did it. My proof is in the photo.

On a more interesting note, we spent a fun week in Val Thorens skiing last week.

Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe. It’s also one of the longest road cycling climbs anywhere – 38 kms. I cycled it about 15 months ago – details of the cycling route here.

Below: A few pictures and video of our trip.

Snow Hiking:

Skiing:

Metric Century Trainer Hell …. and Some Skiing

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• The Suffer Fest: Downward Spiral
• Col de la Croix Fry via Col de Plan Bois
• Video: Cross Country Skiing

I am addicted to cross country skiing.

I’ll occasionally brave the freezing cold for some winter cycling climbs (and the painfully cold descents). But cross country skiing is just more fun when the thermometer drops below the line.

And it is such a complete workout. Absolutely exhausting – especially going uphill. My arms are sore! When’s the last time that happened cycling?

My skate-skiing technique is still pretty lousy … but I am slowly improving while breathing very heavily.

The video is from the Beauregard Plateau (parking @ Col de la Croix Fry):

And best of all Doreen received cross country skate skis for Christmas and has already joined me for a few workouts.

Video: Cross Country Skiing

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• Above the Clouds
• Col du Galibier is Closed?
• Up and Over Col du Cenise

Eric joined me on my favourite local loop. Up Mont Salève via Saint Blaise, across the mountain and descend from Croisette via Le Coin.

The Route passes 5 Cols – see map – but really only climbs two: the small Col de la Croix Biche (@800 metres) and near the high point of the ride, Col des Pitons (@1340 metres).

The road up was closed at the Restaurant Grotte du Diable – and we had to push the bikes for 7 kms through nice powder snow.

A long hike through powder – and my trusty Sorel boots kept my feet VERY warm:

Video: 1st Cols of the Year

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It’s time for my 6th annual cycling challenge.

2009 results here.

MY 2010 CYCLING CHALLENGE:

#1 – Climb 100 Different Cols

Yes, the same main goal as 2009. It’s what I like to do: Explore the mountains while cycling uphill.

Climb at least 100 different Cols (mountain passes) or other big climbs.*

– At least 20 Cols over 2000 metres
– At least 30 new climbs (it’s getting very hard to find new stuff near home)
– Repeat climbs won’t count, but the other side of big climbs is fine.
– little Cols won’t count although I’ll track them

Along with the usual big climbs near me, I hope to get back to the French Pyrénées and the Dolomites in Italy.

* For example, Alpe d’Huez isn’t a pass but it would count.

#2 – One Metric Century per Month

This is a bit harder than it sounds as there aren’t really flat rides here.

And given that before June 2007 I had NEVER done a metric century, this should keep me a little tense. I have a few good 80 and 90 kilometre loops that will need to be lengthened.

Somehow in 2005 I cycled 10,000 kms without even once doing a 100 km ride

#3 – Cycle La Marmotte (again!?!?)

Yikes. I am a little scared of this idea, but have already registered – and I am too cheap to not show up.

By far the toughest ride of my life was the 2008 La Marmotte. 174 kilometres and 5000 metres vertical. Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Galibier via Télégraphe, and then the “easiest”
climb of the day: Alpe d’Huez.

The difficulty is daunting enough, but equally for me, the 40+ kilometre descent from Galibier to the base of Alpe d’Huez through 10 tunnels is terrifying.

Training for this should keep me motivated.

I am hoping that some of my cycling partners will sign up as well (hint, hint).

As preparation, I have also signed up for “La Ventoux” in early June.

#4 – Weight Goal

No Comment!

A Big Thanks!

I just wanted to again say a big “Thanks” to Doreen and everyone else that has tolerated my “Challenges” and given me so much encouragement.

These silly challenges keep me motivated, fitter and (generally) cheerful.

I have accumulated an ever growing collection of memorable experiences. And the best memories are those achieved with friends.

My 2010 Cycling Challenge

Related Posts

• 2009 Challenge Results
• My 2009 Cycling Challenge
• 2008 Challenge Success!

My 2009 Challenge results:

#1 – Climb 100 Different Cols

Not counting repeats, I managed over 200 Cols (see list below the map at bottom) – admittedly 50 or so of the Cols were either very small or approached from an easy direction. From a “collecting” point of view, the highlight included 10 Cols in one ride in the Vercors region.

Additionally:
- 25 Cols above 2000 metres (versus a goal of 15)
- over a 100 climbs for the 1st time (versus a goal of 30)

#2 – Complete the Maratona dles Dolomites

This was one of my greatest days on a bike. Martin and I survived the 138 kms, 7 beautiful passes, and even a little bit of hail. Details here.

#3 – Lose 7 – 10 pounds

No comment. And I am not getting on a scale!!

Other stuff:

I visited a few regions for the first time in 2009 – and frankly would return to any of them in a heart beat.

1. A week in the French pyrénées climbing many of the most famous climbs including Tourmalet, Aubisque, Plateau de Beille, etc.

Overview map and tour details here.

2. A week in the Italian Dolomites

Including the Maratona and several other great routes (and a visit to Stelvio!).

Overview map of climbs in region here.

3. A few days in central Switzerland.

Loads of huge climbs including Furka, Susten, Gotthard, Klausen, Grimsel, Oberalp.

4. A weekend in the Vercors massif.

Thanks!

Thanks to my good friends for joining me on so many of these great rides, for suggesting interesting new route ideas, or for kindly offering support.

And in particular thanks to my wonderful wife for supporting me in my silly hobby – and especially for cycling up Col du Galibier with me!

Map of 2009 Climbs:

Blue = French Alps ; Green = French Jura Mountains Red = Swiss Alps (empty so far) ; Pale Blue = Swiss Jura Mountains
Small Red flag = small cols (passes) that I have climbed or perhaps passed from an easier direction.

Pan map for Italy / Pyrenees / Switzerland / etc.

View 2009 Big Cycling Climbs in a larger map

1. 2770 metres – Col de l’Iseran
2. 2758 metres – Passo delle Stelvio*
3. 2642 metres – Col du Galibier
4. 2436 metres – Furka Pass
5. 2249 metres – Passo Pordoi – east*
6. 2249 metres – Passo Pordoi – west*
7. 2240 metres – Passo Sella – east*
8. 2240 metres – Passo Sella – west*
9. 2235 metres – Passo Giau*
10. 2252 metres – Col du Sanetsch*
11. 2224 metres – Susten Pass*
12. 2165 metres – Grimsel Pass*
13. 2150 metres – Passo Valparola*
14. 2121 metres – Passo Gardena – east*
15. 2121 metres – Passo Gardena – west*
16. 2115 metres – Col du Tourmalet – east*
17. 2115 metres – Col du Tourmalet – west*
18. 2108 metres – San Gottardo – north*
19. 2108 metres – San Gottardo – south*
20. 2107 metres – Cormet d’Arèches*
21. 2105 metres – Passo Falzarego*
22. 2067 metres – Col de la Croix de Fer
23. 2046 metres – Oberalppass – east*
24. 2046 metres – Oberalppass – west*
25. 2025 metres – above Grieslap
26. 1993 metres – Col de la Madeleine
27. 1987 metres – Passo delle Erbe*
28. 1970 metres – Lac de Mauvoisin*
29. 1970 metres – Col Croix de Pierre*
30. 1962 metres – Col de Véry*
31. 1968 metres – Roselend – east*
32. 1968 metres – Roselend – west
33. 1952 metres – Klausenpass*
34. 1948 metres – Col de la Péchette*
35. 1934 metres – Signal de Bisanne*
36. 1924 metres – Col du Glandon
37. 1909 metres – Mont Ventoux
38. 1875 metres – P. Campolongo – north*
39. 1875 metres – P. Campolongo – south*
40. 1844 metres – Col de Pierre Carrée
41. 1841 metres – Col des Tempetes
42. 1800 metres – Superbagnères*
43. 1800 metres – Col de la Lézette*
44. 1790 metres – Plateau de Beille*
45. 1776 metres – Col de la Legette *
46. 1760 metres – Col de la Joux Verte
47. 1778 metres – Col de Bassachaux – E*
48. 1752 metres – Col de la Madeleine
49. 1724 metres – Col du Cenise
50. 1721 metres – Col des Annes*
51. 1709 metres – Col d’Aubisque*
52. 1703 metres – Col du Pré
53. 1691 metres – Col de Joux Plane
54. 1660 metres – Col de Borneronde*
55. 1656 metres – Col du Ranfolly
56. 1655 metres – Le Semnoz
57. 1650 metres – Col des Saisies – N
58. 1650 metres – Col des Saisies – S
59. 1638 metres – Col du Mollard
60. 1630 metres – Col de Chaude*
61. 1618 metres – Col de la Colombière
62. 1615 metres – Col de la Ramaz
63. 1605 metres – Col de Meraillet
64. 1570 metres – Col d’Agnès*
65. 1569 metres – Col de Peyresourde*
66. 1566 metres – Col du Télégraphe
67. 1565 metres – Above Lac de l’Hongrin
68. 1538 metres – Mont Revard
69. 1533 metres – Col du Chaussy*
70. 1528 metres – La Barillette
71. 1527 metres – Col de la Forclaz*
72. 1517 metres – Port de Lers*
73. 1512 metres – Col de Jaman
74. 1510 metres – Col de Solaison
75. 1509 metres – Jaunpass*
76. 1504 metres – Mont du Chat
77. 1501 metres – Col Mesan
78. 1501 metres – Col du Grand Colombier
79. 1500 metres – Col de Merdassier
80. 1498 metres – Col des Aravis
81. 1495 metres – Col de Chérel*
82. 1489 metres – Chalet du Suchet*
83. 1485 metres – Col de Crozet
84. 1480 metres – Col de Malaterre*
85. 1477 metres – Col de la Croix Fry – E
86. 1477 metres – Col de la Croix Fry – W
87. 1475 metres – Col de la Baume*
88. 1474 metres – Col du Soulor*
89. 1461 metres – Col des Montets
90. 1449 metres – Col du Marchairuz North*
91. 1449 metres – Col du Marchairuz South
92. 1446 metres – Col du Pillon
93. 1445 metres – Col des Mosses
94. 1440 metres – Col des Glières
95. 1439 metres – Col de l’Encrenaz
96. 1431 metres – Col du Mont Noir*
97. 1418 metres – Col la Savolière
98. 1415 metres – Mont d’Or*
99. 1405 metres – Col de l’Agues*
100. 1393 metres – Col du Collet
101. 1390 metres – Col de Combe Blanche
102. 1377 metres – Col du Plane
103. 1370 meters – Col d’Herbouilly*
104. 1369 metres – Pas de Morgins*
105. 1365 metres – Col de Chalimont*
106. 1360 metres – Col de Chaud Clapier*
107. 1349 metres – Col de Menté*
108. 1340 metres – Col des Pitons
109. 1337 metres – Col de la Chau*
110. 1326 metres – Col de la Biche
111. 1323 metres – Col de la Faucille
112. 1313 metres – Col de la Bataille*
113. 1312 metres – Pas de Logue*
114. 1305 metres – Col des Convers
115. 1305 metres – Col des Convers
116. 1297 metres – Col de Romme
117. 1299 metres – Col de Plan Bois
118. 1293 metres – Col de l’Aiguillon
119. 1272 metres – Saanenmoser*
120. 1267 metres – Col de Prélétang*
121. 1260 metres – Col de Landoz Neuve*
122. 1250 metres – La Ronde Noire*
123. 1249 metres – Col de Port*
124. 1249 metres – Col du Pré Coquet*
125. 1245 metres – Col de la Clin*
126. 1233 metres – Col de l’Oeillon*
127. 1230 metres – Col du Corbier – W*
128. 1226 metres – Col du Liorin*
129. 1218 metres – Col de la Croix Perrin*
130. 1215 metres – Col de Carri*
131. 1205 metres – Col du Cucheron*
132. 1205 metres – Col du Gratteau*
133. 1201 metres – Croix de Chaubouret*
134. 1184 metres – Col de la Clusaz
135. 1178 metres – Col de Cuvéry
136. 1176 metres – Croisette (Muraz)
137. 1176 metres – Croisette (Le Coin)
138. 1176 metres – Croisette (Annemss)
139. 1175 metres – Col de la Portette*
140. 1169 metres – Col de la Cluse
141. 1168 metres – Col des Etroits*
142. 1165 metres – Col de Taillebourse*
143. 1164 metres – Col des Arces
144. 1157 metres – Col de la Forclaz
145. 1156 metres – Col des Bordères*
146. 1151 metres – Col de Mazières*
147. 1149 metres – Col de Sonloup*
148. 1146 metres – Col de l’Echarasson*
149. 1144 metres – Col de Bérentin
150. 1134 metres – Col du Granier
151. 1128 metres – Col de Menthières
152. 1117 metres – Col du Feu
153. 1116 metres – Col de Champlaurent*
154. 1116 metres – Col de Cou
155. 1115 metres – Col des Moises
156. 1112 metres – Col de la Rochette
157. 1100 metres – Sommet d’Andey – W*
158. 1100 metres – Sommet d’Andey – E*
159. 1100 metres – Col de Proncel*
160. 1099 metres – Col de la Croix de l’Orme*
161. 1096 metres – Col de Terramont
162. 1074 metres – Col de Romeyère*
163. 1069 metres – Col de Portet d’Aspet – W*
164. 1069 metres – Col de Portet d’Aspet – E*
165. 1061 metres – Col du Mont d’Orzeires*
166. 1056 metres – Col de Belleroche
167. 1054 metres – Col des Contrebandiers
168. 1050 metres – Col de la Machine*
169. 1012 metres – Col de l’Epine
170. 1010 metres – Col de Portes*
171. 1000 metres – Col de Jougne*
172. 987 metres – Col de l’Epine
173. 979 metres – Col de Colliard
174. 975 metres – Col du Sentier*
175. 968 metres – Col du Pisseloup*
176. 958 metres – Col des Egaux*
177. 958 metres – Col du Marocaz*
178. 947 metres – Col de Caougnous*
179. 944 metres – Col de Saxel
180. 929 metres – Col de Ballon
181. 925 metres – Col de la Cheminée
182. 923 metres – Pas le Cheval*
183. 917 metres – Col du Pré Vernet
184. 915 metres – Col le Parc*
185. 915 metres – Col du Crucifix*
186. 907 metres – Col de Tamié*
187. 903 metres – Col du Cruchon
188. 903 metres – Col Saint-Michel*
189. 900 metres – Col des Leschaux
190. 897 metres – Col du Sapenay
191. 870 metres – Col de la Forclaz de Queige*
192. 867 metres – Col des Brosses*
193. 843 metres – Col du Marais
194. 811 metres – Col de la Croix de Pars*
195. 801 metres – Col d’Evires*
196. 800 metres – Col de la Croix Biche
197. 797 metres – Col de Cessens*
198. 786 metres – Col du Mont Sion
199. 732 metres – Col de Malval*
200. 725 metres – Col des Essérieux*
201. 714 metres – Col de Menulles*
202. 712 metres – Col de la Luère*
203. 702 metres – Col de Mallebranche*
204. 670 metres – Col de la Frétallaz*
205. 650 metres – Col de la Chambotte*
206. 638 metres – Col du Chat
207. 626 metres – Col de Couz*
208. 602 metres – Col de la Croix du Ban*

2009 Challenge Results

Related Posts

• Twelve Months in Photos
• 2009 Big Climbs Map
• My 2009 Cycling Challenge

2009 Cycling Fav Photos from Le Cycliste on Vimeo.

My Favourite photo of the year?

Galibier while closed in late October. Eric is becoming a very good photographer these days.

Twelve Months in Photos

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• La Marmotte 2008 – Success!
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Col de l’Epine is on the shoulder of Mont du Chat and not far from that redoutable climb – details here. I shouldn’t really climb this without adding Mont du Chat …. but considering it’s December, this was a good little loop.

The road to Epine was signed as closed due to the snow a couple of weeks back – but it was completely clear …. and with the closure also car free.

From the Col is a forest road (turning into a hiking trail) along the ridge of the mountain that passes by Col du Crucifix and Col Saint-Michel.

These two passes – overlooking Lac Aiguebelette – are far from any roads or civilization – but were used as roads in past times. Col Saint-Michel was a Roman road used as a short cut to Chambery. And in the early 1700’s, when the Roman road was crumbling, a new road was commissioned over Col du Cricifix.

From Saint-Michel I descended towards Saint-Sulpice on the old Roman road – now just a deep rutted hiking trail. To be clear, it’s very technical on a mountain bike (this is code meaning I walked for long stretches).

Don’t confuse this climb with another Col de l’Epine a little north of Albertville – details here

Col de l’Epine

Related Posts

• Col de l’Epine and Col du Chat
• Col du Marocaz and Col de Champ-Laurent
• Mont du Chat – Col du Chat Loop

The Trois Vallées region of the French Alps features loads of interesting cycling climbs – most famously Courchevel (details here) and the incredible 38 km climb to Val Thorens (details here).

Col de la Coche shares the first 7 kms with the road to Val Thorens. But when the traffic heads left to all the ski stations, the route to Col de la Cloche turns right – up a very quiet, scenic road.

At the top is the Barrage de la Coche. A little alpine lake/dam.

As the map above shows, you can approach the dam by turning right a kilometre from the top, or take the direct road to the Col and descend down to the lake (they do link up).

I was looking forward to the usual beautiful mountain lake but was disappointed to find that the lake was completely empty apart from some snow. Oh well, just an excuse to return.

Col de la Coche

Related Posts

• Col de la Croix Fry via Col de Plan Bois
• 2009 Challenge Results
• Twelve Months in Photos