{"id":76,"date":"2015-05-16T16:55:20","date_gmt":"2015-05-16T16:55:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ridelikeaturtle.com\/sport\/?p=76"},"modified":"2017-11-22T22:53:55","modified_gmt":"2017-11-22T22:53:55","slug":"31-beziers-and-windy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.ridelikeaturtle.com\/sport\/31-beziers-and-windy\/","title":{"rendered":"31 Beziers And Windy"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"4-2015-05-16<\/a><\/p>\n

FAUG\u00c8RES, FRANCE — Having been on the Bianchi only one time since arriving – and that one time getting walloped by the new-to-me heat of southern France on a “gentle” 42km spin (as described by Simon “Crusher” Coulshaw of Domaine des Trinites<\/a>) – I decided to inflict just a small amount of pain upon myself on a very windy day.<\/p>\n

Choosing my route carefully based on the direction of the wind, I headed off into the hills. Climbing, especially when I’m going to be slow anyway and it’s\u00a0a long-ish grinder, is psychologically more pleasing to me if there’s a headwind. But the real planning here is the return climb, where a tailwind will do wonders over the last 10km or so back to the house.<\/p>\n

\"1-2015-05-16<\/a>

The beloved Bianchi, soaking up the French hills.<\/p><\/div>\n

This was a cooler day, only about 20C. That sort of temperature in Dublin would feel\u00a0practically\u00a0oppressive; not just\u00a0because of the humidity, but also because of the shock to the Irish system. But here, it is a cool breeze in mid-May, and a welcome transition in my attempt to acclimate.<\/p>\n

Also part of my planning was making this a shorter spin. 42kms for my first spin was actually quite nice, but being out of shape meant I was struggling to keep up, and I need to build some strength in both my legs and lungs. The increase in temperature means I need to carry & consume more water than I’m used to, and there are really no local shops to pop into for a bottle of water if you find yours are empty.<\/p>\n

So shorter this was, by a good margin: only 26kms. What it did give me was a couple of quick climbs, good for the ridiculous gusting winds, and not too much time away from Millie who is left at home while I fulfill my selfish biking needs.<\/p>\n

\"3-2015-05-16<\/a>

Cute, but probably not so fun to drive.<\/p><\/div>\n

Along the way there was this cute little mid-60s Renault 4. As iconic, adorable and oh-so-French, I cannot imagine driving one would be anything but a frustration. Loud, unable to go, stop, or turn, and probably not very waterproof in a downpour, I would probably prefer just about anything else. But they make for great photos and are a constant reminder of where you are and puts a smile on your face – which is priceless.<\/p>\n

I’m making progress: only one water bottle required, and I didn’t feel like I exploded at any point. My heartrate monitor didn’t work the entire time (looks like it needs a new battery), but I can feel myself getting a little stronger. Once I have a better overall mental understanding of my chosen route, I will\u00a0be able to attack climbs, push my limits and have a bit of fun.<\/p>\n

I might even be able to keep up with Simon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

FAUG\u00c8RES, FRANCE — Having been on the Bianchi only one time since arriving – and that one time getting walloped by the new-to-me heat of southern France on a “gentle” 42km spin (as described by Simon “Crusher” Coulshaw of Domaine des Trinites) – I decided to inflict just a small amount of pain upon myself<\/p>\n

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