It’s 2007 and time for a new challenge!
I really enjoyed 2006 for all the climbs I did. But the 10,000 km challenge of 2005 motivated me to get out more. So I will try and pull the best from each challenge.
In 2007, I will attempt to cycle 120,000 metres (about 400,000 feet) 160,000 metres (about 525,000 feet) (challenge increased in June) of vertical climb. this is about 45 feet 60 feet an hour every hour of the day – so I am already behind! I am hoping to climb lots of French Alps climbs and maybe an Italian week in the Dolomites.
There will be two new focus areas: First: Beaufort (near Albertville). there must be at least 7 great climbs that depart from this town. I have only climbed Col des Saisies and Cormet de Roselend. Roselend will be in this year’s tour so it’s a must again. But also I will ride Cormet d’Areches, Col du Joly, Col de Pré, Signal de Bisanne, etc.
The second focus area will be the route on the way to Val d’Isere. The epic Col d’Iseran makes a return to the tour, so I’ll climb that again, but on the way to there are many great climbs that I haven’t ridden, like Val Thorens, Courcheval, Méribel, La Plagne, among many others.
I have been bad the last couple months so there will be a weight goal (it’s a secret for the moment). But I need to be lighter to climbs these hills.
As a final footnote: Hiking will count towards my goal. I found in 2005 that I almost completely gave up hiking to help achieve the 10,0000 kms. And I don’t want to do that this year.
Should be fun.
In 2005, my challenge was to ride 10,000 kms. Hard work! But wow did it motivate me to go biking – in rain or snow.
On a wet, grey, Christmas day I hit 10,001 kms. Doreen presented me with a little trophy and I immediately took 2 months off.
In 2006, my primary goal was 30 rides of at least 1,000 metres vertical climb. This was achieved by August. I had also hoped to cycle in the Pyrenées, but its far. Still, a fantastic South Alps vacation with 8 huges climbs took its place.
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Good Luck and thanks for the inspiration!