Video of Gran Fondo

Video done

Day 8,9 & 10 – Beam me home Scotty !

May 29th

4:40 breakfast

5:00 Bus from Arabba to Milan

11:30 Malpensa Airport Milan

12:30 try to checkin for 18:55 flight told to come back at 16:30 so had some lunch

14:00 went to sports bar to play cards 500 and watch giro stage on tv. Go Jens !!!! He is a ledgend

17:00 check-in go to lounge – full up on food & drink

19:00 fly to Hethrow – change terminals – brief shop – into lounge

22:15 Hethrow to Singapore

?? Singapore to Melbourne

Saturday 5:30 – 40 min queue to clear customs in mlb

Home by about 6:30am May 31st

Day 7 – Last ride & Last Full Day

So the last day of riding presented itself to a group of ameteurs with pretty tired legs. Troels our riding guide had some further punishment in-mind. And we had to be finished by early afternoon cause the bikes had to be cleaned, striped and packed away. So today we went up Passo Campoglono which is right outside our doorstep and although quite steep in parts but only about 300 meters. We then moved onto the main course for the day – up the Passo de Valparola, about 15km and about 1000 meters. On the climb I was trying to stay in the front group with Troels. Steve took the lead, with Dave on his tail – then Steve stopped – I think to take a photo so Dave had a gap. Was Chatting to Troels for a while – well he was chatting – I was puffing – I dont think he even broke a sweat. So Trols then put the hammer down and joined Dave in front – I tryed to go with him but couldnt hold his wheel. Then Christophe the mechanic also flew past trying to join Troels and Dave. I held my own just infront of Klaus who again proved very quick despite his lack of bike experience. I think marathon running and hill climbing are pretty similar !!. So great ride up and an even better ride down. Maximum confidence on the windy descent back down to the main road, and some pace on the final 10km into Arabba

Garmin riding data

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/5800587

Despite the 4:15 am start tomorrow we manage quite a few beers in the bar as we say farewell to many new freinds

Then a farewell dinner complete with prizes and a very funny Troels

Day 6 – Rest Picnic Day

Oficially a rest day but we felt like a ride anyhow. So after a bit of a sleep in we got out and a group of us went up Passo Pordoi. Wanted to take it all pretty easy but competitive juices started to flow. US guy Dave was very strong but half way up he changed gears and suddenly slowed – so I kept the pace and took the lead – over the next few km he slowly clawed his way back to my wheel, passing me with about 1 km to go. I still felt pretty good and thought I’d have another go as he clearly thought he had be beat. So I dropped a gear an lifted the pace from 12-13kms to 16-18kms and started to close the gap. I took the lead with about 200 meters to go and then Dave came again. So in a sprint finish I held on to win. that was a bit of fun – we even had applause from the tourists up the top. I guess they saw 15 odd Team CSC guys and thought we were the team. Beautiful sunshine, awsome mountains, good coffee, lots of photo opportunities on the way down – getting more & more confident with the down the hills

Then later today mountain picnic – walk of about 4 km up the hills, actually quite hard on the legs. Nice rolls, wine and a great pear – very pretty, sunny a little like “The Hills are Alive”. Walk back, great Gelato for 1 euro, dinner later on after we discover the hotel, pool, & sauna’s – niiiiice

Day 5 – Fresh Marmolada

So with freshish legs we set off on the laxy 20-25 kms down to the base of Marmolada. I was in the front group with Trols and a few others, but I couldnt keep up, found my spot behind the dutch marathon runner guy Klaus and felt pretty strong up the climb. Managed to complete it in 1 hr 8mins – thats a little better than race day !! A whole 55mins better.

Back to hotel at top pace. 50kms ridden and shattered. Lunch pasta, pizza and coke from our fav resturant. Then back to hotel to watch the mountain Time Trail on tv. Jens again did well – finishing 11th I think on a climb that looked very steep toward the end. So in the buss and off to the town where Team CSC were staying. Great dinner in their hotel, chat to mechanics in the Team van and walk through their bus and ect.

Sat down to dinner and the riders come down 1 by 1. Each time we cheer them. None quite as loud as for Jens. Great dinner and then Q&A session with Kim Anderson and the riders. I asked the riders how hard stage 15 was and they all agreed it was one of the hardest days racing they had done – That made me feel a little better about my 10 hour epic. Photo and autograph with Jens and back in the buss to Arabba

Day 4 – Giro Stage

This morning was the real Giro Race day and we spent most of the morning just watching things take shape and eventually watching the start at about 12:30. We then had to run to the busses as everyone else ran to their cars and busses. We then set-off to our Marquee, which was about 5kms from the finish – right near Marmolade, great big TV, food, coffee, champagne, wine – almost forgot about the pain from yesterday ! Amost !

It was truely unbelievable to see the speed at which the pro-riders came past us. Most of us lined the path, leaning inwards and outwards as the never ending stream of Police and motorbikes and helicopters cruised by. Some of the fans were a little too eager and when the 3rd group went past us – including Jens Voight Some fan waved a flag right in front the riders, so the lead rider came to a stop. Which meant everyone slowed and Jens actually fell off – well i think he just got his foot out – anyhow one of our CSC dutch guys helped him back on and gave him a push for good measure

 So back in the buss and dinner back in Arabba – very tired tonight

Weather looking like its going to warm up so Trols decides tomorrow we go and climb Marmalade before it gets too hot. So I mentally prepare myself for that last hill again. 

Day 3 – Fondo Race Day

An early breakfast at 5:30am – a great buffet selection of cheese, meats, croissants, yogurt.

Beautiful sunny morning, but pretty cold –  lots of layers, 2 sets of gloves and ready steady

Ready at 6:30 for the 7:00 start

 

Then away we go.

Even at top top pace I’d be on the bike for 8 hours, so I decided to start out very slowly. We had great starting positions right in the front – which is great bacause some of the back riders have to walk for some time before they are able to ride. I got pushed into the fence at the start – some eager Italian rider, he might have said sorry – else might have told me off hard to say. I’ll divide this post into each of the 5 peaks because thats how my mind took on the race. I say race – but this was a survival task for me.

Hill 1 passo pordoi – 30 meters into the race it starts, about 7km, about 700 meters, steep and winding – just like any big Alp on TV tour de france, big switchbacks upon switchback, layer upon layer. Feeling pretty good, taking it nice and easy, HR well under 150 and being passed by aprrox 400 Italians.

Bike was making a little noise in the most frequently used gear, which brought about lots of comments from other riders – none of which I could understand.

So made it to the top in pretty good condition 48mins and took a little break to catch my breathe and thoughts before the decent. Also put on winter gloves and vest – It was really cold on the way down.

Next was 30km of downhill – conciderable speed, even some drafting as well, completely warmed down. Beautiful small villages – storming through with pace.

Hill 2 San Pelligrino – about 10km, about 800 meters up. Felt prety good up this one – even pushed the HR up above 150 in patches – clicking sound from gears is a little annoying.  Really felt like this is going to be a long day in the saddle, riders thinning out. Being passed by MTB bikers due to their gearing …. and perhaps fitness as well 😉

Hill 3 San Tomaso – really more of a pimple than a hill, quite enjoyable really. I remember passing a few riders – looked like a husband and wife in blue club gear. Then 5 mins later they pass me back – husband with his hand behind her back pushing her up the hill. Victors knee starts to hurt here.  From here we dropped down for a lovely cruise down by a lake Alleghe – then up to the food stop and Mavic mechanico truck. I eat everything in sight then get my bike looked at by the Mavic guys – he looks at my bike and says ooooooo Fabian …. this is Fabian’s bike …. u fabian ? I say I wish – I think he was a little afraid of the bike actually – so he tinkered then said all ok – I had some more food then rode off with Victor – now the bike was slipping gears – so I went back to Mavic and the other guy tinkered – seemed ok this time worked alright. With Vic’s knee hurting and the decision turnoff for Medium or Grand comming up – he went the short and I went the long at 3:45 riding time and 85kms done and dusted. I was actually feeling ok but was now in unfamiliar territory. My mantra at this point was three moutains to go – “killer, hard & killer”

Hill 4 – Killer Passo Giau 1250 meters, over 16km- I started this one out by myself. I really was alone for about 5 kms before I caught another rider and then some other riders passed me.  I remember getting about 5 kms into this one and thinking I still had over 1000meters to climb – what the heck am I doing here. This mountain was hard steep and unrelenting. This mountain almost broke me – but somehow I managed to stay on the bike grinding my lowest gear at about 40 RPM. As my will gets beaten, so then does my body. My left foot under the ball of my foot doesnt want to put pressure on the pedal, without enormous pain. So I limp along at 5kms an hour in constant pain- but I dont give in. I slowly weave my way to the top to the now familiar snow covered lunar lanscape above 2000 meters. At the top I again eat everything in sight and massage my foot to ease the pain. I’m really not sure if I can continue to climb but I figure I’ll roll down the next hill and see how I feel. This monstor took me 2 hours and put me in serious danger of not meeting the time cutt-off – 100kms done.

Hill 5 Passo Falzarego – 500 meters, 6 km. In comaparison this one was nice and gentle and easy. It had its steep bits but overall felt pretty good up this one. I even managed to chase some dude and pass him, which made me feel better about the other guys passing me 😉 Still took me over an hour for the climb. With fresh legs this would be about 30-40mins tops !

Hill 6 Passo Fedaia – 1000 meters, 13 km, riddiciously steep at some points, riddiciously beautiful as well. Known as Marmolada this climb was very pretty. Passed through several cobblestoned villages and eventually up a narrown gorge, complete with waterfall. At the top of the gorge my left foot decided it could not push anymore so I hopped off the bike and started to walk. Conciderably less effort walking at 4kms compared to riding at 5kms, but embarressing none-the-less. Lots of people setting up their tents ect and quite a few comments of encouragement. I even offered the fake excuse mechanico to one Italian guy. I simply couldnt turn the pedals due to my foot. Then with 3-4kms to go and the road getting steeper. Pete from CSC came up behind me and simply said – “get on the bike” so I did – and whilst I couldn’t put enough pressure on the padals to hold his wheel, and the 10 hour time limit came and went, and the sweeper vans came and went, I slowly rode on – like a slow motion turtle in a foreign land !

So I came to the finish at about 5:45pm, 9:39 riding time, a little over 5000 meters elevation, Garmin telling me I used 9566 cals. In true Italian efficiency race time was finished at 5:00 – therefore when I got to the top, no timing matt, no tent, no bags, no busses. So Pete and I rode down to where we thought the busses might be and there was nothing – so we sat down and concidered our options – in complete and utter fatigue. I remember Pete saying I’m know as a bit of a mountain climber at home and I can’t beleive I didnt even finish !!. Anyhow we had to get back somehow so I called Vic for a lift. Thank goodness he answered the phone and thanks for getting them out so fast to pick us up. We sat and waited for over an hour, slowly getting colder and colder – I was shivering and I reakon another 30 mins and I would have been in trouble. Blue van came with Jo, Svend & John … mmmm heater on full. Thanks very much for the pickup Gents – drive back to Arabba, completely exhausted – quick shower – just made it to dinner – shared a few war stories about the day

– cant remember going to sleep that night – wonder why

Video

Garmin riding data for the day

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/5800640

Day 2 – On the bike again

Selection and fitting of bikes.  Fabian !!. Decided to go in medium group for the first ride. Torn between not having ridden for past 2 weeks and wanting to save my legs for tomorrow .

Weather quite coolish

Had a 50km ride. 25km down and 25 km up but really only 9 km of climbing. I Led the group back followed by Klaus with he back is pink booties and young Jack both riding well. Felt great to back on the bike finally. Felt pretty strong.

You do 50 kms in this place and it’s equivalent to about double the kms normal riding. Arabba is at about 1600 meters and you’ve pretty much gotta do climbing as soon as you leave town

No Garmin today – didnt get time to mount it on the new bike

Lunch in fav restaurant – Penne arraba spicy flavour and nice

Talk on Nutrition from Katherine and Troels – excellent – perhaps I should have had more potassium to prevent cramping !  ohh well too late now

Race briefing in the bar – wow they are pretty organised – all the gear distributed including race pack numbers and lots of goodies in the Skoda bag. Troels took us through each of the climbs, each time holding his chin, pausing and starting with “This one could ruin your day”. Decided to take his advice and keep HR below 150 all day

Day 1 – Travel Travel Travel

A relaxed sleep-in in our Milan Hotel – check out at 11:00

Bags stored in the presentation room

Short walk and coffee in very authentic Italian Cafe

Phone call from Giada – where are you ?

So we hop in a taxi to Malpensa for 70 euro and a driver who has been to austalia and tells us his travels

Bus pickup by Giada at 2:00 sharp – then off to pickup some others from Linate airport but when we got there they had missed their flight and were not there !!

So we go to pickup another Norwegian couple from another airport on the way.

Cucumber salesladies on the side streets, slow going on autostrade, plenty of tickets and a fast driver

Arrive at hotel at 9:15pm after about 7-8 hours in the bus – Check in quickly and then dinner.

Sleep

Predictions

My Giro 2008 – Grand Fondo – Predictions

On May 24^th I will be riding/racing in the Giro I’talia Grand Fondo – Dolomite Stars, 153km in distance and over 4800 meters climbing.

I can hardly wait.

This will be my first ride international ride, and the first time I’ve climbed anything over about 2000 meters. Also the first time I’ve ridden anything above 1300 meters.

I predict that I will suffer. But that’s not my only prediction. Nosirree. The fact is, I have been riding enough and looked at the inclines enough that I already have a good idea of how the day’s going to turn out, to the extent that I can confidently make the following predictions about the ride:

I predict the language barrier will be a problem. It’s clear so far that all the information is in Italian – there are no English versions on the event web site, all rider comms are in Italian. Whilst I have translated enough to know the important details – once I hit the ground in Italy my access to both Google Bablefish and my Italian friend will be severely limited. There is also the high probability that 98% of riders will be Italian and therefore unable, unlikely or unwilling to speak English – therefore I might miss out on important information like “broken glass ahead” – or inane encouragement like “Come on only 3000 metres vertical climbing to go”

I predict that riding on the wrong side of the road will be fun at first. I’ve never done it before, but the concept is pretty simple. Ride on the right hand side, people will pass you on the left. Whilst this will be fine at the start when there should be plenty of wheels to follow, later on in the ride, when tired and alone – I’m guessing I’ll make a few mistakes

I predict that it will be colder, wetter or hotter than I expect. Despite significant web research on Dolomites weather patterns, reviews of other Giro tours and their suggested riding gear, careful analysis of the Giro riders last year in terms of gloves and clothing. You see I get quite hot normally, I sweat more than the average man and this means I normally don’t wear layers – particularly in a race environment where I’m guessing I’ll be applying significant effort with limited stops. But on the other side of the equation we have snow covered Dolomites. I’ve been warned of the dangers of getting cold feet and hands on such a ride, therefore I have absolutely no idea what to wear and or take and will most likely either regret not buying that marino base layer vest – else curse the thick ski like gloves that I carry up 4800 meters without ever using.

I predict that I will be kind of jumpy, giddy, chatty and goofy for the first Passo Pordio climb. It never fails. I get a massive adrenaline surge at the beginning of long rides and I get this big grin and am just so darned enthusiastic that people who haven’t had their morning caffeine tend to find me irritating.

I predict I will take it out too hot. I always know I shouldn’t go out at top speed, but then I can’t help myself and I just fly, entirely convinced that my legs are going to feel this good the whole day. Oddly, they never do. This is described as a race NOT a ride and therefore the sheep that I am will no doubt take it out too hard.

I predict that I will be entirely non-jumpy, non-giddy, non-chatty, but still goofy (but in a different way) for the final climb. Once the initial rush has worn off, I settle down and am actually a pretty good riding companion for a few hours or so. I’m talkative, but don’t demand (nor require) conversation. I’m just happy to be there, and feeling good about the ride. Then, for the final climb (maybe 2 climbs), I become a sullen, hateful being, full of spite and bile. Do not talk to me, because I will not have pleasant things to say. I have said 99% of the swear words I have ever uttered during the final parts of big rides.

I predict that each time I get passed I will have a suitable excuse. There is a wide range of justifications for people being able to pass me on the ride. I’m sure a popular one will be – “small guy” – obviously a genetic advantage with respect to power/weight ratio means these guys should be able to pass me (what took them so long!). I think I’ll also be using “young guy” – clearly peoples younger than myself should be younger and fresher and stronger. (Ideally they should respect their elders and slow down to my pace and offer some wind break as a courtesy). When someone similar or greater in age and weight passes me, I’ll resort to more indirect excuses. I’ll closely evaluate their bike and gear and mutter “gee nice light bike” under my breathe.  When people who are older, weight more and have a lower spec bike pass me – I’ll imagine their life as being that of a single, childless, but independently wealthy person – who can therefore spend most of their daylight hours riding and training.

I predict that I will ride alone for at least part of the day. I’ve trained with Victor and resolving to at least do the first climb together and try to stick together after that. I’d love to think that this will actually be the case, but I have a hard time imagining it. At some point I’m going to bonk and will actually get angry if people try to stay with me at my bonked-out pace. And I’m not the only guy who prefers to suffer alone. At various moments, others in the group are going to suffer, and will want to suffer alone. I’ve learned that when someone wants to suffer alone, it’s best to let them. Because that way if they die, you get their stuff.

I predict that I will wish I had brought an iPod. I understand that many women are able to talk continuously for ten hours. I don’t know any guys who can (not saying they’re not out there, just that I haven’t met them…and also, that I don’t want to meet them). At that point, I’m going to wish I had brought an iPod.

I predict that I will be angry at my past-self for having such poor self-discipline. During the big climbs (and they are truly big!), I am going to mentally — and possibly literally — flog myself for not having dieted properly before this ride. “If you would have exercised some self-control,” I will say, accusingly, to my past-self, “You would be smoothly spinning your bike up this Dolomite, instead of grinding away.” Sadly, my past-self was too busy drinking beer and wine to hear what his future-self was saying. Too bad, because my future-self has a good point. (Ditto replace Diet concept with Training concept)

I predict I will wish I had my own bike. There is nothing like your own bike. Since investing in a Cervelo there is a good chance I’ll be riding on the exact same bike, but there will be differences. These differences will only become apparent after about 5 hours of riding. A small difference in seat height zapping my power, handlebar angle too low causing sore hands & shoulders. I can say with confidence that I wish I had my own mis-adjusted bike, but only after about 5 hours.

I predict I will resent people who pass me. Even though I will not be treating this as a race, but instead more of a survival challenge, I still tend to take it personally when someone passes me. I especially hate it when they say something friendly as they go by. (Thankfully it might be in Italian so therefore might not register fully). On the other hand, I hate it just as much when they don’t say anything at all. (I’m guessing Italians are good at this) My recommendation to my fellow riders? Don’t pass me. Wait your turn, and we’ll all get around the back together. Oh, and don’t crowd me, either. Stay 10 meters back at all times.

I predict I will resent people who are pulling me but going too fast. Especially during the the flat part of the ride, I intend to tuck in behind people, and never take a turn pulling. I’m not sure right now how I’ll rationalize that as an OK thing to do, but I figure I’ll come up with something. When these people start pulling away, I presume I will come up with a sarcastic remark, which I would utter…if only I had the wind or spoke fluent Italian.

I predict I will take a lot of pictures at the beginning of the ride. At the beginning of the ride, everything looks like a photo-op.

I predict I will take no photos whatsoever during the final 4 hours of the ride. By the end of the ride, everything looks like just another snow capped Dolomite, just another bike, just another vally. Whatever. Let’s just get this over with, OK?

I predict I will get sunburned. I’m pretty good about getting sunscreen on me. But I always miss a spot. Usually the tip of one of my ears. That will look awesome.

I predict I will vow to never do this kind of ride ever again. I am willing to go out on a limb for this prediction. As I climb Dolomite after Dolomite, the giant switchbacks, it will become astonishingly clear what a stupid idea bicycles in general are, and what an even stupider idea this ride in particular was. This certainty will come with the clarity of an epiphany that cannot be denied. This is an OK prediction to come true because I’m unlikely to ever get a leave pass to cycle in Europe again anyhow.

I predict that even when things get really bad, a small part of me will be happy, because good stories need conflict. Even as I’m bonked out of my brain, I’ll be composing the paragraph that makes it sound like I’m suffering nobly, somehow. However, if it’s someone else who bonks, it will be the occasion for great comedy.

I predict I will be grateful it’s over. It’s amazing how quickly the pain subsides when you finish a ride. There have been times when I actually have started giggling with relief as I realize I have finished. I know, middle-aged men shouldn’t giggle. I’m not saying I’m proud of the giggling, just that it happens.

I predict I will annoyed I can’t instantly analyse the data from my Garmin. Might be tricky to get the data online and loaded whilst O/S – most likely have to wait till I return home.

I predict that by the time 3 days (72 hours, for those of you who use the metric system) has elapsed, I will be excited and planning my next road bike challenge. Which just goes to prove that I’m stupid.