the long way to Perpignan (and -hopefully- back)

Tuesday, 6 April 2010

Training

Climbed to Horta in one cog smaller than usual. Hardly made a difference. Used the dirt path to cross over to Tibidabo. Got passed by another cyclist while descending to St Cugat and was unable to chase. I'm starting to feel really outgeared

Monday, 5 April 2010

Dirt roads

By the way, I've got hooked on dirt roads to the surprise of ATB users. They get stared at my 28x622 before starting whispering as I pass by.

Coll de Revell revisited

Last Sunday I climbed again the Coll de Revell. I hadn't cycled that road since the previous non-attempted BPB two years ago. A 13km twisty climb on fine pavement amidst trees followed by a chilly descent. The climb was preceded by a 60 km approach at full speed (I drafted some guys that were obviously trying to break the hour record). In fact, most of the time I felt outgeared (had a hard time closing the gaps)

I'm back (again)

Yes, I know... I've neglected this blog for a short (long) time. It might look like I've resigned but... NO.
Now seriously, the BPB is being held again this year (May 29-30th) and this time I'm quite determined to give it a go. To be sincere I feel a bit insecure. In fact my first intention was to take a year's sabbatical from brevets but... Have I mentioned last Easter flèche vélocio? No? Well, to make a long story short I was a member of the only non-french team that successfully completed the arrow (despite the rain and the vent del sud that plagued the southern approach to Le Pontet). Three months ago, in the celebration meal (ACP awards included) I learned that the rest of the team was fully comitted to this year's Barcelona-Perpinyà and I felt somehow obliged to (reluctantly) join them. The 200 km brevet (a bit early for the season) went uneventfully but for the freezing temperature and since then I've kept on training.