Day 1

Today was my first riding day, no testing, just explore some French roads.  After our 7 am breakfast of yogurt, muesli, some ham and a cup of coffee about 10 of us headed out for a 9:00 ride.  We were on roads from stage 11? of the TDF.  We descended and TJ and I decided to keep going while the rest went back up to do a different loop.  We missed a turn on the way back but without the mistake, we would have missed Paul Bunyans bike.  He must have left it back in the day.

We made it back just in time to eat lunch in our chamois.  It was a good first day at about 3 hours.

Tomorrow is the first day of testing and I am doing a CO rebreathing test that will also measure blood volume.

Made it.

It was quite an easy travel day.  All of my flights were on time and I was in Geneva by 3 pm.  The plane from Amsterdam to Geneva was a commuter so we bussed it to the plane.

When I got to Geneva I even had my name on a sign for pick up to Premanon.  It was overcast, drizzling and 45 degrees at the facility.  It is the National facility for the French XC skiers.  I built my bike and we had a short meeting on what was going to happen.  Testing starts on Sept. 1. 

Dinner was at 7 and we had carrot soup, salad, fish and potatoes with fruit cocktail for dessert.  They even serve wine at dinner.

This is my room and the view I have.  I am even listening to the cows outside with bells on and they are loud.

Here we go!

The bags are packed and I am set to go.  After a great surprise birthday party at the Muddy Pig organized by my wonderful wife (who I will miss immensely) and a night at the cabin I am heading to the airport.  Hopefully I can get my bike on for free and then I am going to the Delta Sky lounge to hang out.  I have a direct flight to Amsterdam and then a short flight to Geneva.  Should be a quick travel day, I hope.
Next update from Premanon, France.

Getting ready

It has been a busy week with my online classes starting and trying to get everything together for 2 months away.  My bike is boxed and ready.  I am taking my Trek XO2 cyclocross bike so I can ride the road and the dirt.  I have also checked into racing the first World Cup CX race in Switzerland.  It probably will not happen but I figured I might as well try.

Across the pond

This is why I created the blog.  I will do my best share my experience.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/scientific-study-on-altitude-training

Test post

Is this thing on?

Test post

I love laughing