Lost (and found)
By Will • Dec 12th, 2007 • Category: Climbs, Cycling, SnowSince my diet only started yesterday, I was not too worried as I had plenty of fat stores to live off. But today I got pretty lost in snow-filled woods.
I had decided to climb the mountain behind me to see some snow. I took my usual route up Le Saleve - behind my house, running into the white stuff at about 800 metres (2,700 feet). The plan was to stay on-road but when I passed by the mountain bike shortcut (at 1,000 metres) a snow plough drove out of this non-paved route - sweet!! - or so I thought.
As I slowly climbed this steep path the snow began to get deeper. After a while the ploughed part stopped. Not sure why, but I kept going - but hey I am a guy. Riding soon became impossible and I walked/jogged.
I started getting a little confused where I was and decided to follow a trail made by cross-country skis. This went through thick woods so i turned onto a little forest logging road. And I kept walking, slowly getting higher. And walking. And carrying my bike.
After about 45 slow minutes I got just a little nervous as my feet were cold and wet - but then voila I bumped into the main road - nicely ploughed.
It was pretty foggy, so I hoped that climbing a little further would find the sun above the clouds - and so it did. It’s the best feeling to find sunshine when it’s depressing and grey down low.
A cold descent into a cold north wind left my wet feet, pretty cold - and a little numb. Fun ride but unploughed trails means a U turn from now on.
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Will is Happiest while cycling uphill. More enthusiastic than talented, his 2009 Challenge is to cycle a 100 Cols (mountain passes) and lose a couple of pounds.
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You descended by la Croisette??
Salut Gilles,
I added a map
No, I was too scared because of the snow. There is not much sun on that descent and you know how steep it is!
Non, j’avais peur à cause de neige. il n’y a pas beaucoup de soleil sur ce coté là … et vous connaissez (savez?) la pente!
Not only are you truly a guy for riding in snow deep enough to hold up your bike by itself, you are going on a diet two weeks before Christmas in Europe, the Pastry Continent. Respect.
Will… once again, great pics and what an adventure! I think you should get credit for altitude climbed on foot (cyclocross). By the way, your rich neighbors could have at least invited you in for a Trappist by the fire while you thawed your feet!
Sprocketboy - yes, I figured if I waited until after Christmas it would be too late. And I am of course inspired by your weight performance this year.
Donald - I gave myself full altitude credit for slogging up through the snow - hard work
I think a cold beer would have killed me at that point - not that I’d have said no.