le grimpeur

René Vietto – Part 2: the fall and rise0
Guy WR posted in Classic Climbs on January 21st, 2009

The young French grimpeur René Vietto was riding high following his Tour de France exploits in 1934, which boosted his public profile as well as his earnings, even though he was the benefit of considered myth-making by Jacques Goddet. Over the next four years, however, his performances waxed and waned as he struggled to live up to expectations. (more…)

Race to train0
Guy WR posted in Local Climbs on January 14th, 2009

It’s mid August, a balmy late afternoon, when Mt. Seymour beckons. The purpose of his ride is not entirely clear. It could be end-of-season training outing, in advance of a last chance at racing glory. Or another opportunity to “knock the bastard off” by tackling the toughest of the local climbs. Or simply a chance to spin the wheels and mash the pedals in the peace and quiet of the uphill road, the final rays of the sun slanting through the trees.

Whatever its purpose, he quickly establishes a steady climbing rhythm; setting that exquisite pace where the pain and strain of climbing is just bearable, breathing forced but not laboured, heart rate metronomic but not racing; a pace where he can still lift his gaze from a few metres from the front wheel to actually enjoy the scenery; and any time the effort in its totality becomes too severe, a slight easing of the pace to prevent too much lactate acid washing through the legs.

The road is quiet: a few passing cars but no other riders. He feels himself easing off early, distracted as often seems to happen by the contemplation that cycling seems to engender. Plots and schemes, wild kinetic dreams of grand designs, the fermenting of new ideas, imagining epic rides in distant locales, a magnum opus on cycling writing itself in his head. (more…)