Taper Tourist Wednesday

Bloody oath. A day off to rest and taper.... well, could have done a wee SBR but actually by today, I just couldn't be bothered and felt a day off was in order as hadn't had a total rest day for 12 days .... and 40 hours of training later...... Main goal was to keep moving and stretch today so a bit of walking......also must avoid putting my body into some acute shock with the abrupt halt to training. Not much of interest to waffle on about today ( no need to report on the minutiae of triathlon race prep........yawn). so this will be mainly made up of photos- post lunch , a group of us took the telecabine-lift-stairs- to get the cable car up to the top of the mountain - well, not strictly the top but up to Dome des Rousses at 2800m. The actual top is at 3300m and required a walk across to get another cable car.Amazing views, some perma snow and the odd little Alpine flower.

VAUJANY.

Will hang mid air for views. Best ice cream ever. Dinner at the big chalet and a wee glass of red to help relax and alleviate my heightening anxieties about ( wetsuit) swimming in a lake with 1800 other people. It's been too long then bed time....luckily found a plunger and some coffee in our chalet given I was housed with some non coffee drinkers. Some choices I will never understand :-)

Tuesday- La Grave>lost>lake> Bourg d'Oisans. > Vaujany

I think I had a good sleep here, benefits of being higher up in the mountains is that it cools down extensively at night. Yay. I'm at the point in my life however where I 'm not sure if it is actually summer heat or hormones .... likely both I'd say. Woke early so had a wee walk round the village. Very pretty. Gutted we weren't going to be there long enough to take the cable car visible opposite.

Bags down, brekky then off on the 30 km descent to Bourg d"oisans. Of course the group splintered by the time we got to the Bourg and somehow, following what Garmin was directing us, Dave, Steph, Tanya and myself ended up at. the other end of town realising we were not anywhere near the lake! We checked the Life 360 app which showed everyone else at the opposite end of town.... thanks to some actual navigating, Tanya got us back om course and we finally arrived at the car park to see the vans which were all locked up and no support crew there.........the lake was 1km down a path/ gravelly road so Dave volunteered to go down and grab the key while we decided that by the time we got there, the others would be finished swimming so no point. Have to confess was slightly cranky at this point.........anyhoo, we made it down then was time for a scenic team photo in our Epic camp kit ... and a group excursion by bike to the Intermarche ( supermarket) to stock up on any goodies needed for race and snacks....then was time to have coffee in Bourg, check out the bike shop before heading to Vaujany which was 21 km away but a 5km climb ( 900m up from Bd'O). So excited just couldn't hide it :-)

Cool bunch of peeps.

Bourg d"Oisans, coffee.....shopping for TdF + bike propaganda....... Once caffeinated we set off for Vaujany, winding through town on a bike path which took us almost all the way to the Lac du Vernay ( swim location for Thurs. Its a hydro lake, not for general public use) then the climb up to Vaujany. Jeezus!! Beautiful ride on a narrow, winding road through little villages but steep. I was starving having not eaten since brekky apart from half a nutella filled crepe....it was baking hot by this time too.......lots of groaning and moaning from the group and we finally made it..... to the main chalet anyway where lunch had been waiting, already devoured by the others...

Extra chamois time for sweaty and hungry humans Post lunch then had to navigate my way to my chalet, a room to myself for the next 3 nights and a double bed !! BLISS. The chalets are luxurious and like a proper home. Front loader washing machine, dishwasher, comfy lounge, decked out in IKEA. Can I just stay here forever? Just kidding, would miss my dogs too much.

Chalet Polaris. Views were magnificent.

Monday, Monday......so good to me....

St Jean de Maurienne to La Grave via Telegraphe, Galibier. Had a great sleep and felt a touch more refreshed after an easier day prior.... butt and legs slightly recovered/healed and ready to face getting back on the horse today. Quads still a bit tender tho. It was cloudy and humid this morning although a bit cooler than previous days which was very welcome. After a little roadworks detour which saw us stray off course, we made it to the start of the Telegraphe climb which was 12 km. It wasn't raining but the air was damp and quite sticky. I had a great climb up here, amazing what an easy day can do.... joined up with Pete, Lisa and Marisa who had left just after us but must have passed us at some point on our detour.... .

We stopped and had a coffee at the top here, and a pit stop then put a couple of jackets on as it was cloudy and a bit more chilly. I can't remember how long the descent was but it wasn't too long before you start the climb up the Galibier... we passed through a small town and had a wave from Oli and Kylie in a cafe then it was 17km to start the climb ( its 1250m ascent up there)... oof, too hot again so jackets off and luckily Ian came past in the van so were able to throw those in. Scenery wise, this was similar to the Iseran with some snow bowls visible in the rocky peaks, alpine wildflowers, cowbells, thin air...the last few kms felt a bit struggley, mainly because I think I hadnt fueled enough on the Telegraphe and after.... its quite bizarre as you turn the corner to reach the top and its like a Piccadilly circus of motorbikes, more motorbikes, cars and a few cyclists and more gangs of motorbikes...was bloody freezing up there too!!

It was quite a pleasant descent ( compared to others.... although hopefully after all the riding I'm descending a little less Granny like ) to the top of the Col du Lautouret then spotted the support crew who had lunch ready. SO hungry. Amazing scenery and we were all chanelling our inner marmotte ( see photos below )

Once lunch digested it was 10km down to La Grave... through a couple of tunnels but a nice descent to our base for the night with views to die for; at 1500m. Quick throwing of stuff into rooms and bike to the sheds then into the van for a mass exodus to Alpe d"huez to register and have a wee run at altitude and round one lap of the course. The ride up the Alpe did not fill me with much excitement about the race I must say...we tropped to registration which was rather busy so decided to run first. I was a bit CBF mode and weary as well as still lacking in energy #hangry much?! so Tanya and I just toddled easily round the course chopping off about 1.7 km to make for a 5km. Then rego time and an extensive debate ensued between myself and the reg lady who couldnt understand my Tri NZ membership declaration. Mostly my fault as I only uploaded to my registration the day before...........she was also confused as I was down as Scottish but affiliated to Tri NZ. Anyway much begging and pleasding and agreeing that Brexit was a terrible idea, I was able to register. Phew ( or not??!) Back down in the van ( thank GOD we don't have to descend that on race day) then back to the hotel for showers, organisation for the next day then wines and dinner. Can't even remember what we had that night but I did rejoice that it wasn't melted cheese. "Easier " day tomorrow and on to Vaujany where we will reside for the next 3 nights in chalets. So good to not have to be moving on and packing up, that feels like a more monumental task every day as the fatigue sets in deeper and deeper.

Spent Sunday.

No, I have not forgotten to complete the sentence.....just an apt description of the mind and body after my biggest training week since 2019!! Not much to report on today so will keep it brief and a few photos.......... Slept til 7, leisurely brekky with a little food fatigue in the mix too. More bread, ham and cheese consumed. Off to the pool for some "games".......nooooooo, I know exactly what this means. After an auspicious start and what felt like a good warm up, it was time for the handicapped ( literally and metaphorically in some cases...!) 400m. based on half IM swim times. Well, I havent' swum a half ironman swim since 2019. The fishies all started first then it was time for the rest of us , although Dave D and I had an interloper in our lane doing back stroke while we did ours ( Molina) who kindly mentioned he thought we were just cooling down like him. No, we are just fucking slow......!! St J de M pool - site of some intense battles :-)

After the 8 mins of thrashing and general questioining of life choices, it was a 50 m kick race. Actually I was not to bad at that though was so starved of oxygen after 25m I thought I was going to explode! Then team relays based on where you reside, sorry John. Was always a ganble being stuck with a big handicap ( Dave D and myself). So Team Chch were DFL in that!! A quick trip to the supermarket for snacks before it shut then back to the hotel and an afternoon sleep for me. Finally dragged myself out for an easy 5km round St jean du Maurienne stopping to take photos.

Tomorrow, we ride to La Grave via the Cols de Telegraphe, Galibier and Lautouret. Hope my quads have recovered after a day's rest!

Saturday -sucking in air then sizzling hot

Val d "Isere to St Jean de Maurienne 106 km. 1523 asc. 5km shuffle before brekky.

Sunset in Val d'Isere Had a sub par sleep in my sauna style bunk room and a rebellious tummy , likely from the overload of melted cheese or, in fact, any cheese. Dragged myself up at 5.45 nd joined Kylie and Tanya and we had a cruisy jog down throught the main st until we hit a rocky track. Kylie went on to join up with the guys and we turned around as rocky trails are hazardous on fatgued minds and bodies.Running back up to the hotel was hard work- altitude ( Val d'isere sits at 1800m) and fatigue. Kinda like that post Ironman feeling when your breathing muscles are tired and you can barely walk up a flight of stairs. After a decent brekky and gallons of mediocre French coffee we set off...16km of uphill up the Iseran, which I had only climbed from the other side and had in my head that today was the super steep side. It was actually a pretty pleasant climb ( most are when related to Ventoux or Forclaz..!) and stunningly beautiful with Alpine flowers and glaciated scenery. Much to our delight the Jumbo Visma team car came past and following suit were a few of the non TdF riders who were apparently doing "reps" on each side of the Col. jeezus!! The team car went past me at one point around 4 km from the summit; windows open so I yelled out "STicky Bottle" but wasn't obliged.... likely because I don't know you say it in Belgian.

Grinding on the Iseran. It was pretty busy at the top with motor bikes, cars, bikes and hard to get a photo of the summit which is 2770m; the highest sealed road in the Alps. Another long descent and Ian waiting at the bottom with the van so that we could disrobe of all the warm gear ( chilly up top! Still some wee snow patches). Then we headed down a long hot valley through a couple of beautiful wee towns towards lunch stop in Modane - the Garmin was directing us on the "route panoramique" - uh-oh, another grind up hill. Yes. And road works so it was a dusty ride in the searing heat through fresh seal /light gravelly bits until we hit a long gentle descent and made it through Modane until we founbd the lunch stop - the support crew had done a fabulous job and a huge spread on a picnic table for us. Yummy. Guzzled down a wrap, melon and some apricot juice then the heavenly nectar that is a cup of coke with ice in it. We had to take a detour due to roadworks ( large landslide) which again meant a steep , hot and dusty grind up through a tiny village then a descent to join the bike path on the main road, slight downhill all the way to St Jean de Maurienne. It was a little windy too but luckily Gordo had joined our group so he and Daryl did a fine job of sheltering us 3 girls and made for a swift ride to the hotel. But oh my goodness it was HOT!! Again, bikes offloaded, into the rooms, showered and it was beer O clock again. Dinner was at a restaurant owned by the hotel approx 500m away..... food was pretty good but it took an eternity to be served and in between courses - I think we ate dessert at 9pm... I had to have a cold shower when returned to cool myself down, it was only the next morning we spotted the air con unit above the door in the room. Not the only ones to miss it tho!! St Jean de Maurienne- famous for the home of Opinel who invented the knives. And a bike race dedicated to his memory. How cool.

Big day in the saddle - La Clusaz to Val d"Isere via Daisies, Cormet de Rosalind. One for grimpeurs ( and grinders)

Our grupetto was under instruction to be driven over the Aravis and start at the base of the Les Saisies climb. Half of our group ( us 3 girls) are reasonable climbers but slower descenders then the boys so we would have probably managed the Aravis in good time. However, after a twisting, slightly nauseating van ride over the Aravis and relief that in fact, I wasn't having to descend it we got out, a little green at the gills and regretting some over indulgence at the breakfast buffet ready to climb to Les Saisies. This was a fabulous climb with views of Mont Blanc. Another perfect bluebird day and shaping up to be another hot one. Bloody oath.

First one done !! Pleasant descent down then through Beaufort and ready to start the climb up the Cormet de Roselend which is 20 km long. I've done it fron the other side and remember it being very scenic and reminiscent of scenes from Heidi. The lower kms average around 8% ish and it felt a bit hard on the leggies, especially after a long descent where I find my legs stiffen and feel like I'm trying to rotate logs of wood. I concentrated on some banging music and focussed on the views and feeling #blessed. I had , for some reason thought lunch was 12.5 km up so much to my dismay when I spotted Ian ( support) at the roadside helping Tanya fix a flat that lunch was another 8km away. Eh?? #hangry. But that soon passed when was rewarded with views of the lake ( which I must have descended past 8 years ago but had no recollection). I did stop to take a photo here and then the gradient eased off a little after that and also we were out of the trees so it was a fabulous grind up to the summit and breathtakingly beautiful. Our sensational support crew were at the top ready with a table of delectable goodies for lunch. And a coffee from the wee Nespresso machine in the van. Oh my, that was like a celestial treat sent from the gods!

Luckily lunch had 20 km of descent to aid digestion, by the time I reached the bottom it felt like I was in some kind of tetanic spasm in my neck/ shoulders. Death grip on the brakes on all the switch backs lower down in the trees as well as motorbikes, cars, campervans all competing to get around cyclists on the road. Aaaaargh, a bit terrifying although all the vehicles here are great and either wait or pass with plenty of room ( unlike the entitled attitudes we receive from NZ drivers). From Bourg St Maurice the three of us girls then headed up the valley twards Val d"isere, our final destination and the promise of a long drag uphill to finish. It was super hot and dusty down here and we were all a little weary by now. I have to confess I was also a bit grumpy..........and had some ( a LOT) of trepidation about riding through the upcoming tunnels. We saw Julie part way and were able to refill bottles and throw down a load of Haribo lollies. Da bomb. We made it through the first couple of tunnels which luckily had some lights , but HELL the amplified noise of impending traffic is terrifying to the very depths of the soul. Three tunnels later and we were almost at Val d "isere which sits at 1800m elevation... straight up the road to the hotel. I couldn't contain my excitement when I spotted sheepskin covered stools in the lounge/bar area. They must have known my ass was coming for a vist haha. Shame we were only spending one night here as it was very luxurious ( albeit reminiscent of a large sauna...pine everywhere)................dinner was a traditional Swiss border feast of fondue or Raclette ( another variation on the melted cheese theme). However the raclette came with crunchy veggies and salad so mosyt of us opted for that. The potatoes were delivered to the table in a denim bag, much to our amusement ....as did the dehydrated bits of pepper and mushroom ( a la Eddie - Chandler's brief roommate..IYKYK)

We have to climb the Iseran tomorrow then a "cruisy net downhill" to St jean de Maurienne. Right. That means a few wee climbs thrown in I can imagine. Oh and a wee run before breakfast...

Toasty Thursday

This will be brief as I've been slack with the blog updatesthanks to being a bit frazzled by the heat as well as general CBF by the time I had a spare 10 minutes. And those who have done camps before, you know we don't get a lot of spare minutes in between meal schedules, bag logistics and then extensive prep for the day ahead as well as enough clean kit.....!! Today's plan was: Bike 30 km from La Clusaz down to the Lake Swim in the lake 5km run Bike 60 km back via Forclaz, Col de marais, Thones. After a reasonable night's sleep and another breakfast of scrambled eggs, jambon and some fresh bread and a flagon of coffee, we set off in our grupetto to the lake. Net downhill so was pretty quick. Swim plan was JN's favourite- an eliminator contest. I'm always out in the first round so was chuckling with internal glee that I wouldn't have to kill myself through rounds of 400s. Wetsuit still felt as if it was choking me round the neck and the chest, despite letting water in and doing all the things and I started to feel a panic attack coming so I took it off and just swam in the trisuit as the water was a very pleasant 21dgrees. Aaaah thats better although being an already disadvantaged swimmer , not wearing the wettie would definitely knock me out first round, which it did....... but then I enjoyed some relaxed swimming while the others fought for glory. next up was a "Guess your time 5km" ( another JN favourite!). It was a bit of a shoulder to shoulder battle between the Colonel and the Grinder and I was taken out by the Colonel.... but good to be pushed along and also run 1min13 quicker than predicted although in hindsight with the mercury already rising fast, I should probably have taken it a bit easier. All in the name of type 2 fun tho, right?!!

Run done, changed, sugary snacks on board and time to ride home the long way. I can't possibly print on this blog the word I'd like to use to describe Forclaz. It started off at a relatively steady grade but then kicked off at the top with pitches varying 12-17 %, combined with about 32 degree temps. It was a war zone of athletes at the top begging the support crew for coke and cuddles......and then the descent was just as nasty as the road was only the width of 1.5 cars with very tight corners and steep drop offs. We cruised on up the Col de Marais then regrouped and found the short cut avoiding the Croix de Fry and toddled up the valley through Thones and up to La Clusaz which was hot , rely hot, dusty and we were all dreaming of a cold beer.

Fake it til you make it

La Clusaz - stunner of a place. Beer. Mmmmmmmmmmmm. Dinner tonight was trout ( tasty) and the accompanying vegetable was half a stewed tomato. But no strawberry soup for dessert tonight at least :-)