Preparing Pour La Charly Berard

So much for a clear day with only a 20% chance of rain. It’s coming down pretty hard with darker clouds moving in. The forecast said 16C in Nice and while it was sunny and warm when we left and I thought I'd have enough layers on I'm wet and downright cold. My toes are usually the first to go and as we climb I wish I had my foot warmers on. We are only half way up Chateauneuf Villevielle which sits at an elevation of 663 meters. It is one of the seemingly hundreds of small villages scattered in the hills to the north, east and west of Nice. They offer a great way for cyclists to avoid the heat in the summer and there is no better way to increase the intensity of the workouts and prepare for the upcoming race season.

Not having the benefit of riding hills back in Toronto, these hills were not kind to me back in the fall and I quite despised riding them.  But like anything in life, take it slowly or as the cyclists here like to say “doucement et tranquil”, keep at it long enough and it becomes more manageable; on some level even enjoyable. 

There are 8 of us today including Bruno a 30 something year old, super fit physed teacher who literally (no exaggeration) pushed me halfway up a 5km climb back in October all the while telling me to go tranquil and at my own pace. My own pace back then was barely moving unless Bruno was pushing. Then there are 2 guys in there mid 60s and it’s such a pleasure to watch these 'old' guys cycle so effortlessly. I've ridden with so many individuals in their 60s and 70s who have been cycling for decades a few times per week and they are like old diesel locomotive trains that just keep chugging along. One guy, Richard, I rode with back in February is 73 and insists this will be his last triathlon. I could barely keep pace with him up hills. Talk about inspiration!!  As well, Magdalie has decided to join us today since she's not training. Last year she finished the year ranked 4th in France among women and is an absolutely incredible rider who I can't keep pace with when she's humming along. 

Back in early February I decided that I wanted some cycling event or 'race' I could work towards. Christian and Herve at Velo Concept, the bike shop I go to, suggested 'La Charly Berard' an annual 'race' (for lack of a better term) which takes place in the hills behind Nice on April 10th.  Today is Wednesday, a mid-week ride and half of the ride will cover a portion of the 85km course we will be riding on April 10.  Bruno and some of the other 'power' riders are out for a 'relaxed, gentle' ride of 75km of mostly hills so I am happy they let me tag along so I can continue my training. I have no idea where they find the time to leave work mid-day to ride for 3 hours but they do a few times per week!  Vive la France!  Bruno and a few others that enter amateur races almost weekly throughout spring, summer and fall typically do one ride on the weekend of 130 - 160km and another ride 'pour la recuperation' of about 75-90km. Fortunately, I don't need Bruno to push me up hills anymore and at one point as we climb he jokes that soon he may need me pushing him up hills.  Sure smart-ass! 

The top of Col de Turini
with Eric and Antoine

Last Saturday I was out with 'Antoine' (not his real name) and Eric who I've been cycling with most of the past 5-6 weeks to prepare pour 'La Charly'. It was a beautiful sunny day and an even better day for cycling, not too hot and not too cold. In fact, apart for 4-5 rain-filled ugly days in March (which couldn’t have come at a worse time given we had our friends the Quarins from Toronto visit) it’s been a great time of year to be riding with mid-day temperatures of between 14-20C. Eric is 40, works for the family plumbing supplies business and is able to get away whenever he wants while 'Antoine' 33, has been on a leave of absence from the Nice police department for some unspecified leg injury which clearly restricts his ability as a cop but somehow has no impact on his ability to cycle 3-4 days per week. Vive la.... 

Like many outings I have no idea where we are headed and with so many options it's rare to do the exact same ride twice. We head west along the ocean, turn north at Cagnes sur Mer and within 15 minutes into our outing we begin our ascent towards St Jeanette en route to Le Col de Vence via Vence. We stop at Vence to peel away some clothing, hydrate and eat an energy bar. ‘Antoine’ also warns Eric and I to pace ourselves as the climb to Le Col de Vence 'c’est dur'. It's a 9 km climb from Vence to an elevation of 963 m with an average grade of 7%.  Being the strongest rider 'Antoine' pulls away within the first 5 minutes and after about 4 km I fall behind Eric who is hoping to get to the top under 45 minutes. I'm just hoping to get to the top! 

As difficult as it is, I enjoy the solitude of riding the last 5 km on my own.  Maintaining an even comfortable pace I literally feel like I could go forever (ok I'm exaggerating but just a bit). The mountainous landscape is breathtaking with views of the valley below. Picturesque villages are scattered as far as the eye can see. The vibrant colours, sounds and intoxicating smells of spring fill my senses and give me energy.  The fragrance of flowering rosemary bushes is in the air.  With violet flowers in full bloom, wild rosemary seems to emerge from every rocky crevice. The smell of smoldering, burning garden waste and brush as always fills the air. Oddly, I love that smell. 
  

The switch-backs up Col de Braus

As much as I keep pedaling, the road seems to extend in front of me, never ending. I'm convinced that the odometer and altitude reader on my bike is malfunctioning as the kilometers and altitude seem not to budge. Soon a sign posted on the side of the road indicates Le Col de Vence 1km and within minutes I spot Antoine and Eric waiting for me at the side of the road. I arrive not knowing whether to smile or grimace.   

Next week we will tackle Col de Braus which sits at 1002 meters with it's picturesque switch-backs before descending to Sospel followed by a 24 km climb to Col de Turini at 1607 meters. Col de Turini, a mountain pass in the Alps, is a famous stage of the Monte Carlo Rally (car race) and has featured in the Tour de France in 1948, 1950 and 1975. About a 6-7 hour round trip of between 115-125km I'm cautioned to get plenty of rest the day before and bring enough nourishment. Should be fun!  Not having my camera today I will be sure to bring it next week. 


Sal

Christian & Herve at Velo Concept

Now getting back to Nice