So from April through to July my training mainly consists of spinning classes at the 1610 gym at King Alfred’s school. Generally at least 2 classes a week, normally led by the ever enthusiastic and fabulous Penny.  I have also completed some long rides and most importantly I completed my first ever Alpine Col, up the Col De Joux Plane.

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So this is part way down the first little mountain, I found going down hills worse than going up. My hands hurt from holding the breaks but I also think that I my hands are far too small for the bike as they struggle to pull back, hand work outs next!!

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Here we are, enjoying a tea break.  Me blissfully unaware of what lies ahead, Oh how I wish I had savoured the moment a little more.

So this is about 6 km up from the start and let’s say I’m under the illusion that the climb must be almost over, that’s when I start seeing snow on the mountains!

At the top, I made it, just about. The hardest thing I have ever done, the scary thing is that was only one mountain, I’ve got 18 to climb in September. I have to say it was a pig of mountain, Mark didn’t give me any info on it, he saved it all till we got back and then let me read what professional cyclists wrote about the Col Joux Plane.  Let’s say it did make me feel a little better.

Check out the views, breath taking!

Here I am a happy little bunny.  I’m currently processing how tired I am, how big the mountain was and how it’s gone a tad cold. I’m smiling inside, honest.

A final glance back at the beautiful snow capped mountains before the scary descent down the mountain and yes my hands they were sore J

So not only did I ride my first mountain in July, I also completed my longest distance of 75km. I realise I aimed to be at 100km by July, however I am looking on the bright side, I’ve still got over a month before we go and I hope to be doing a 100km in a day  by next week J Ever the optimist.