Author: Will

34.4 km Sunny, Dark & Cloudy, Flurries, Rain, Sunny again. Usually I work super hard and really push myself when I ride. I enjoy it this ways – I guess it’s my competitive nature. But sometimes when I have trouble getting motivated to get outside I tell myself that I can relax and go a little slower. And yes, a nice relaxing ride (like today’s) can be very enjoyable. Total distance 993.2 km Total Ascent: 11,234 metres Total Calories: 35,515 will-davies.com

0.0 km Sigh. The last three days has been a mixture of rain, snow, and even a little sleet. And worse our entire household (both of us) are sick. My second cold of the winter, which means I have been more sick this year than I was in the entire 90’s. A little discouraging but I always expected to be behind the 10,000 km pace in the cold winter months. will-davies.com

40.6 km Fastest average speed today. I’m Exhausted! Fiddling with my camera’s bits and pieces and came across this picture from Jan. 5. Eating lunch above Lake Annecy after a difficult climb. Total distance 958.8 km Total Ascent: 11,234 metres Total Calories: 34,010 will-davies.com

45.2 km The roads were clear enough that i could switch back to my road bike. Still a few icy patches on small roads in the shade to watch out for. But I am continuing to see more and more runners and bikers out there. Caught up to a guy at the base of a hill and i figured I could blow by him – but he was competitive too! Good fun. Exhausted we reached the top side by side and then rode together for a while. I practice a lot of french while biking. I had my highest average…

51.5 km Back home after great trip to England & Wales. Unfortunately our camera broke – so no pictures. I had no luck renting a bike in Wales – seems people prefer warmer weather before the bike shops open. Legs strong today after the break. Most of the roads are now clear of snow and I saw a few people on road bikes today. Total distance 873 km Total Ascent: 10,344 metres Total Calories: 31,215 will-davies.com

In Manchester today for the Man U vs Birmingham match — Christmas present from the wife. The ‘red devils’ won 2-0. ————————– Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

I am writing from a super hotel in the Peak District National Park near Manchester, England. No biking today, but a scenic hike. We are here to see Manchester United play tomorrow – my Christmas present – what a wife! After the game we will spend a couple of days in Wales – hopefully with some biking. ————————– Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

36.8 km I started my ride today at full speed. I couldn’t believe how effortlessly and quickly I was going. Then it hit me, I had the dreaded Bise at my back. Generally the wind around Geneva comes from the west. But occassionally the wind comes from the north. This north wind is almost always much colder and much stronger that the prevailing wind. It’s know as “La Bise.” How strong was it today? Well I started a 15 minute climb straight into the teeth of La Bise and finished this “15 minute” climb in 20 minutes. Total distance: 821.5…

54.4 km Felt much stronger today. A really nice day with quite a few runners and a couple of cyclists enjoying the thaw. Finally no Balaclava needed. Mount Everest is 8,848 metres high and I have now completed over 9,000 metres of vertical ascent. Not bad. Due to snow and cold weather almost all my routes so far have been from home along fairly hilly terrain. For example, my favourite route up to Challex, France has a climb that is not too steep but 5km long. However, the really big climbing won’t start until probably April when the Alp cols…

Regardless of how the rest of the year goes, there is no doubt that my New Year’s Resolution led to a successful January. It has motivated me to get out and bike despite one of the coldest and iciest months in years in Switzerland. Last January I skied a few times – period. This January saw 15 bike rides, 7 ski days, and 2 hiking days. I am 4 pounds lighter than January 1st and looking forward to losing about 5 more before the big Alp climbs become snow free around May. Trust me – every pound I shed will…