Author: Will

I am writing this entry from a little bistro in Val d’Isere – a ski resort high in the French Alps. We have just finished climbing the famous col d’iseran. Formerly the highest road in Europe at 2770 metres (+9000 feet). We 1st saw this col on a hike during a ski vacation – I kept saying what a great bike route it would be – not realizing it was one of the most famous cycling climbs in the alps. I often say a ride is beautiful – but this ride is truly stunning. The route climbs along the edge…

20.5 kms; 1,240 metres ascent; Start: Beaufort 18.8 kms; 1,000 metres ascent; Start: Bourg St-Maurice Map of Route Details of the South side are here. Cormet de Roselend at just under 2000 metres at the summit is a beautiful and challenging climb. The north side is particularly scenic with a huge alpine lake at 1,600 metres created by a large dam (see photo). It has appeared more than a half dozen times in the Tour de France, first in 1979, when the Dutchman Henk Lubberding crossed the summit in front. It last appeared in 2005 and will be a…

28.3 kms Nice easy ride with Doreen before heading to the Alps tomorrow for some hard climbing. Total distance 5,940 km will-davies.com

34.5 kms Early ride before huge thunder-showers. Felt super strong. . Total distance 5,912 km will-davies.com

65.3 kms The return trip to Beaune follows the famous wine route and passes many of the most famous Burgundy vineyards. Overcast skies but the weather held. Another super route. We of course got an early start so we could rush home and see Lance Armstrong win his 7th Tour de France. Total distance 5,877 km Doreen just completing the hardest climb of Sunday’s ride. Vineyards behind.

66.3 kms Doreen and I are in beautiful Burgundy for the weekend. We put back-packs on and left Beaune to spend the night in Dijon. Today’s ride went along a quiet road through a narrow forested valley before approaching a tough climb then a descent to the Canal of Burgundy. The last 20 kilometers was on a fantastic, newly paved bike path beside the canal. Great route. Dijon is the capital of Burgundy and a pleasant city to stroll about in. But after a couple hours wandering around we rushed back to see the Tour de France on TV. Total…

47 km Good, hard ride on nice cool day. Off to Dijon in Burgundy tommorow Total distance 5,746 km will-davies.com

32.7 km I dropped the car off downtown for servicing this morning and planned my ride today around picking it up. Geneva has bike lanes and signed bike routes throughout the city but it’s still a little hair-raising riding in the city during rush hour. Another reason why it’s great to live only 8kms from center city but in a rural environment. Total distance 5,699 km will-davies.com

50.7 km About 2 kms from home, suddenly two deer rushed across the road – then due to a fence rushed back – while I braked frantically. Best weather day of the year – sunny and cool. Total distance 5,666 km will-davies.com

30.7 Recovery ride even though I was already recovered. Sometimes I just don’t feel like riding too hard. Total distance 5,615 will-davies.com