The Vosges Mountains – Alsace, France
By Will • Jul 1st, 2007 • Category: Climbs, Cycling, Cyclosportives, TouringI am in Alsace, France meeting up with several Americans and a Canadian for some cycling in the Vosges mountains. All very nice guys – ranging from good to VERY strong cyclists.
Sunday – to “warm-up” – we rode in the Col des Vosgiens cyclosportif. The route was 173 kms and well over 2,000 metres of vertical climb including the famous “Grand Ballon” – (my GPS says a little less as I forgot to return it on during a food break). This equaled the longest ride of my life and considering the climbing – it was the hardest. But a fairly measured pace, eating and drinking copious amounts, and fairly good preparation left me feeling good throughout the day.
It’s a great route through rolling mountains, forest paths and the occasional picture post-card village. And seven Col signs for the effort (which pleased me no end!!) – but it meant I had to ride like a mad-man to catch up after taking photos of the signs and I am the slowest descender ever born..
We’ll spend the next few days riding some more Vosges mountain routes.
Leslie, Andrew, me, John, Steve, and Larry
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Will is Happiest while cycling uphill. More enthusiastic than talented, his 2013 Challenge is to cycle a 150 Cols (mountain passes), slowly -- and to just enjoy.
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Hey Chilly,
Well done and you look like you are having a lot of fun. Keeping eating and drinking…I am doing same here at home. Just back from dinner with Margareth and more plans for tomorrow.
Stay strong and I am looking forward to seeing your new col sign pictures…are they the classic self portrait format, or did you have someone take them for you?
Love,
Your proud wife
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