In anticipation of the wildcard entry of Black Fly in Le Tour for 2011 (they can't snub us again), I recently took the Black Fly jersey to do some scouting of the decisive climbs in the Pyrenees.
It was amazing and incredibly difficult, on every climb I used a 30/25 or 30/23 ratio, and still needed to stop and take breaks. Clearly I will not be protecting our captain on the mountain stages, good luck Marty.
I rationalized my breaks as "scenic breaks" as the old french men grinded past me, but the breaks also allowed lots of pictures and I included some below.
Most climbs were about 13-18 km long and often averaged 7-8%, taking about 2 hours to climb. Descents were scary and fun, but also freezing, my toes would go numb and it was never a nice surprise to see a tour bus or RV making its way up switchbacks. Most daily rides were about 75-100 km in total, with half of the trip coasting (sometimes up to 45min chunks without pedaling).
If anyone has any questions about visiting the Pyrenees for cycling feel free to give me shout, otherwise I am hoping to make it back there next summer.
The key climbs in the trip included:
Col du Tourmalet (2115 m)
Station Luz Arididen
(1725 m)
Hautacam
(1700 m or about that)
Port de Boucharo (about 2200 m)
plus lots of other ones!
I will try and post the rest of the pictures on the facebook page sometime
Jody
on the the way to
Port de Boucharo, the final kilometer was snowed in still (May 30! and snow!)
Switchbacks up to Station Luz Arididen
cooked on top of Hautacam
View from Hautacam
The crowds cheering on Black Fly were out in force on the Hautacam
Black Fly in small village at 1300 meters!
Just above the clouds and almost at the top of the Tourmalet
Switchbacks up to Station Luz Arididen
cooked on top of Hautacam
View from Hautacam
The crowds cheering on Black Fly were out in force on the Hautacam
Black Fly in small village at 1300 meters!
Just above the clouds and almost at the top of the Tourmalet
Mansfield. Chris B. described the day as magical. I agree. There was something special going on yesterday at our annual Spring 8 hour race. Maybe it was the fact we had 3 teams entered, maybe it was how well the new riders gelled with the group, maybe it was the Friday night shenanigan's and how some of us "left it out on the course". (Ask Tony for the details of that comment!) It was probably all of the above + more. Lots of fun everyone, thanks for a great day!
Stitt and I did some road riding north of Brooklin, Ontario this weekend. Our ride took us from their house along quiet paved roads north-east until we got to the town of Port Perry on the shores of Lake Scugog. The countryside up there has plenty of rolling hills, giving you an immediate downhill reward after climbing. 
Last weekend while we were visiting my parents, I was able to slip away for a couple hours and ride a lap of the Pinery. Saw maybe 6 people all day and nobody at the beach. The beauty of fall riding.
Jody on the highest step of the podium.
Jody crossing it up at the Willow Beach races in Port Hope. Jody went on to win his category and also racing was Ian, who ended up with a solid top 10 result. OCA race report here and full results here.
Ian washing his bike after what could only have been another 2009 muddy Black Fly Racing experience.
