La Marmotte (along with l’Etape du Tour) are probably the most famous and two of the most challenging Cyclosportives in France.

I’ll be riding it this Saturday: 174 kilometres and +5,000 metres of ascent (+17,000 feet). Three epic, beautiful, and legendary climbs with the easiest being Alpe d’Huez (seriously).

In May, Doreen and I spent three days cycling around Gstaad, Switzerland. Someone saw one of the photos and invited me to enter the PBS Nature - Television “Prince of the Alps” photo contest.

And the photo placed in the top 10 - sort of cool.

Today I climbed the “Classic” Col du Joly.

Over 140 kilometres with about 3,400 metres climb (+11,000 feet) in a heat wave.

Woohooo! I cross the finish line at today’s Tour of Switzerland well before the pros - my first stage victory!

My legs needed a day off, but the sirens of the Dauphiné were calling my name.

On a last second whim, I jumped in the car to the base of Col du Granier - the first climb in today’s race.

Here’s Big George Hincapie near the top of the hors categorie Col de Joux Plane

Another great day watching the Dauphinée Libéré.

Many people don’t realize there is a lot more to do than just climbing the usual Tour de France route.

Wow, I am tired!

Attracting several thousand riders, the Time-Megeve cyclosportive is one of the bigger cycling events in France.

A CHALLENGE to Martin, Barry, Eric (and anyone else):

Come join me on June 29th for La Grand Bo cyclosportif from Le Grand-Bornand.