Etape du Tour 2009

I’ve just discovered that this year’s Etape du Tour will ride the route from Montelimar to the Mont Ventoux summit. I was lucky enough to get a guaranteed place via one of the US agents to still have a couple of spots open. The ride is about 107 US miles (172 km) and includes a number of climbs, culminating with the 1,912 meter ascent of Mont Ventoux from Bedoin. Here is a link to find out more:

http://www.letapedutour.com/2009/ETDT/presentation/us/index.htm

I’ve been back on the CompuTrainer this week, and feeling MUCH better after my bout with the crud. Working towards a new Threshold test ride on Tuesday to see where I stand. I’ll post the results.

Hope everyone enjoyed the Tour of California--it’s great to have a race of this caliber here in the US, and even better that it rolls through my backyard of Pasadena! Happy riding.

Ken

Setbacks

Got hit with the cold from hell two weeks ago. Isn’t that how life works! Feeling good, working hard, then BAM! Two weeks of lots of coughing, vitamins, sleeping, watching the Tour of California live internet coverage, and no riding. I was finally feeling well enough to venture out on a ride yesterday, and was surprised that I had retained a good deal of the fitness from before I got sick. Not 100%, but I didn’t ride as poorly as I thought I would!

My plan is to repeat my last week of training workouts--maybe reduce the FTP a tad if needed, and do another FTP Test in a week to see where I stand. I then have about 2 weeks to hit it hard, and then taper a little before the Solvang Century in March.

As upsetting as setbacks are, Coach Wharton nicely reminded me that most of us are not professionals and don’t get paid for riding--so don’t let these little things get you down and just focus on having fun. I can do that.

Ken