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Popular posts from this blog

Introducing the #5MaratonasChallenge

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The Maratona dles Dolomites is quite probably the oldest cyclosportive in the world.

The first edition, in 1987, was a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the Societá Ciclistica Alta Badia-Raiffeisen. The route snaked over seven Dolomite passes: Gardena, Selle, Fedaia, Duran, Forcella Staulanza, Falzarego and Valparola. It took even the fastest rider over ten hours to complete the 175 kilometre course.

From the first edition, the route morphed and developed. By 1990, it looked significantly different: it was 184 kilometres long, and included the Valparola Pass, the Tre Croci Pass, Misurina Lake, the Cimabanche watershed, Cortina, the Giau Pass, Colle Santa Lucia, Caprile, the Fedaia Pass, Canazei, the Pordoi Pass, Arabba and the Campolongo Pass. Featuring over 5,000 metres, it was an incredible challenge to competitors.

As the years moved forward further, the number of Maratona participants grew and grew. The routes developed as well, but remained challenging ascents of multipl…
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#5MaratonasChallenge Day 5 1998+ - A Final Climb

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"The final climb is either an elated zen-like sprint, or a long dark tunnel with a distant light at the end". I am pleased and thankful to say that today I finished the #5MaratonasChallenge, in a euphoric state.

Today's route was the current Maratona dles Dolomites course: 143 kilometres, with 4,300 metres of climbing. That is a big day out by any standards, but thankfully it is less excessive than some of the preceding days that I have ridden this week - my legs were thankful for that, at least.




The Finale RideThe sun rose on another beautiful day in the Dolomites, as I headed to the start in Varda.

From Corvara, the route heads on a lap of the Sellaronda: Campolongo, Pordio, Sella and Gardena.

Then, back in Corvara, you ascend Campolongo a second time; before descending, to the base of the Passo Giau.







Café refuel before GiauI have developed a love-hate relationship with the Passo Giau over the last five days, so in the hope of starting this final ascent on good terms, I …
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The St. Boniface Down Everesting

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To complete an 'Everesting' you must ascend the height of Everest (8,848 metres); in one ride; on one climb.

The challenge takes the concept of #insearchofup to new heights.

On June 24th 2017, I took on an 'Everesting' of St. Boniface Down, Ventnor (Isle of Wight).

From the seafront, to the radar station at the top of the climb. 38 repetitions would be required, to meet the magic number.

It was one hell of a hill climbing session...



Preparation The preparation for the big ride starts weeks before the pedals make their first rotation.

Gearing is chosen. Bikes are fettled. Nutrition is prepared. Bags are packed.






It begins... dawn depart Up before the sun, even this close to the summer solstice.
Porridge and coffee, at 4am.
Empty roads and dark skies at the start-line.




Mountain in the mist Fog, wind, and rain.

My own mountain, shrouded in cloud.





Brothers in Arms The first few hours are a solo affair.

Then, comrades join to provide company for a handful of rain soaked rep…
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#5MaratonasChallenge Day 3 - 1990-91 - A Beautiful Ride

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It always takes a few days for me to feel at home in the mountains. Yesterday, I saw the dark side; the unpredictable and untamed alter-ego. Today, thankfully, things were different.

After a few days, I begin to descend better; climb better; and even gain small learnings that make the ride that much easier: things like when to put on a rain cape, and even when to eat and drink on the climbs.

Day 3 of the #5MaratonasChallenge was clearly my day of coming to an understanding with the mountains.

With 175 kilometres to ride, and 5,800 metres of climbing to complete, the 1990-1991 Maratona course was going to be another long day in the saddle.



Valparola and new ground The day began with the same ascent of the Valparola pass as yesterday; before a long descent to Cortina, and a new loop up and over the Passo Tre Croci - an incredible little series of switchbacks.







Passo Giau From the top of the Passo Tre Croci, it was a long fast descent back to Cortina.

Then, starting the Passo Giau from i…
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Stay Hydrated This Summer - With Erdinger Beer!

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Summer months mean (hopefully) hotter weather, longer rides, and post ride BBQ beers. The issue with all three of those, is that they will likely leave you dehydrated.

Dehydration negatively affects performance and recovery, so to get the most from your cycling, you really need to avoid it. Luckily, Erdinger have a solution...

Erdinger Alkoholfrei is an alcohol free weissbrau beer, which actually has isotonic properties. That means it officially classifies as a recovery drink.

Here's the technical side...


What are isotonic drinks? Isotonic drinks are those that have a similar osmotic pressure to blood; that means a similar number of dissolved particles per litre. This characteristic means they can be absorbed into the blood stream faster than other liquids.

Dissolved particles include polyphenols, vitamins, electrolytes, carbohydrates, sugar, and protein particles. If the concentration of these particles is correct, then isotonic drinks can be absorbed up to four times faster tha…
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