Increasing Performance

stats of the week: run 19 km, cycled 157 km, gym 3 h

The good news is that I am now capable to climb 1,000 meters of ascent on the bike without too much exhaustion. The weather is going to be hot meanwhile, cycling in the late afternoon is no longer possible with degrees well over 30°c. We still have one week in Mollans, with a prospect of nearly 40°c, luckily when we will be leaving for less hot Germany. Plans for our last week are now to try the ascent of Mont Ventoux from Bédoin which is the classic and toughest route and will be the route for the Tour de France Femmes in August.

Photos: The view downhill from Col d'Ey in direction of Buis les Baronnies

Mirabel-aux-Baronnies is a nice little village with all kind of shops

The 500-year-old bridge of Les Pilles was destroyed before end of World War II

The view from Col de Propiac is always a reward.

Cycling against the doubts

stats of the week: run 7 km, cycled 201 km (2,900 m ascent)

The focus is still on cycling, and I would consider this week a respectable one for a 73 year old. However, so far I have gained the impression that I am not yet capable of completing a bike tour involving 3,000 metres of climbing.

This week, I rode around Mont Ventoux, covering 105 kilometres and accumulating 1,300 metres of ascent. By the end, I was completely exhausted. There was no chance of attempting the climb up Ventoux, particularly from Bédoin, after such a warm up.

On the running side, I am pleased to be able to complete my 7 km loop without having to take a walking break. On the other hand, it is not particularly encouraging that the damaged nerve appears to tolerate running better than cycling, given that cycling remains my primary focus.

Photos: Cols de la Chaine and Suzette will be part of the Tour de France Femmes. With great views of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

Collecting climbs

stats of the week: run 7 km, cycled 180 km, gym 4.5 h

My focus is on hilly cycling at the moment, as I am still hoping to get fit enough for the L'Étape du Tour Femmes on 6 August. I am not sure whether I will be able to cope with 3,000 metres of climbing, but training comes first and then I will have a better idea.

I am very keen to get started. If necessary, I can always stop at Bédoin. By that point, I will already have had a wonderful experience.

I managed 2,400 metres of climbing this week and felt some improvement, although the nerve is still a nuisance. The good news is that I feel best when I am active, whether that is running or cycling.

photo: a must every year, les Gorges de la Nesque

The view from Col de Fontaube to Ventoux

Evening view from our piquenique place