Author: Will

Through most of the 20th century, the Col de l’Iseran was known as the highest road in Europe. While no longer quite the highest, it literally goes over the French Alps near (and well above) the ski resort at Val d’Isère. It had been a dream of mine to climb this Col since a ski vacation to Val D’Isère. Despite being mid June the Col was still officially closed due to snow but the roads were clear (with large drifts at the sides). Starting in the little town of Langslebourg (about 33 kms from the top), the ride starts with…

35.8 km A little behind on my postings. Another fast short ride in preparation for a huge climbing weekend. Total distance 4,306 will-davies.com

34.8 km I recorded my fastest average speed of the year despite riding a notch below full out. I felt great after yesterday’s recovery ride; that and the flattest route available near home both helped the speed. Total distance 4,270 kms will-davies.com

45.6 & 35.2 km We canceled weekend plans due to a shaky weather forecast, but the rain general stayed away. A good ride on Saturday on my racing bike and then a relaxing ride with Doreen on Sunday. Total distance 4,235 kms will-davies.com

51.5 km Almost took a day off as I felt sluggish and tired at the start but once I got going the legs did pretty well on a hilly ride. Total distance 4,154 kms will-davies.com

43.3 km Relatively calm ride. I tried out a few adjustments to saddle height in the hope of helping my calves but now am a bit more confused than ever as to the proper height. Need to do some research. We booked a four day weekend next week in France that will (hopefully) include some epic mountain climbs. Total distance 4,103 km will-davies.com

59.4 km Nothing like two rest days to rejuvenate tired legs. I was feeling pretty sluggish after the weekend so i decided to take a longer rest than I can probably afford. Great ride near home. Some guy flew past me coming down a hill and along a flat part just before a big hill. By the time the second hill was over he was FAR behind me and gone. Ah, childish pleasure! Total distance 4,059 km will-davies.com

37.5 km A relaxing, easy ride with Doreen on a VERY hot day. Well, I have hit 4,000 kms and am just a touch behind schedule for 10,000 this year. I must admit, 10,000 was a devilishly well chosen target. There is no room for letting up and it has got me out many times on days when I don’t quite feel like riding. With lots of steep mountain rides planned, it can be hard to get in a lot of KMs and afterwards the legs can demand a day off. I am well on target to climb 100,000 metres,…

Picture taken of Saturday’s ride by Doreen in the car behind me. She had already gone running in the morning and kindly offered to drive the route with me. She would drive ahead and every half hour or so, get out and take a picture and giveme some (much needed) encouragement.

63.3 km We had planned to drive to the french alps and climb the famous Col de Galibier, but a small bout of insomnia made me reconsider. Instead I did a terrific ride from the beautiful ,medievil town of gruyère, past the posh ski resort of Gstaad and then up the Col du Pillon. It’s a beautiful ride through a long, high mountain valley. It is generally uphill the whole way but not too steep, and capped by an ascent up the Col du Pillon. It was hot and I rode hard, and it seemed to take its toll. After…