On Saturday I hesitated for hours on whether to go for a group run, or a challenging group run. The Baudichonne is a short, but hard climb. It’s at an average of 10 percent, but don’t let that fool you. It’s not just the gradient. It’s persistent for almost the entire climb.
The challenge isn’t to climb. It’s to put out a lot of power for 45 minutes to an hour without being able to take a rest. in theory you can rest at the P’tit Bar, but don’t let the name fool you. It’s a table and benches with a great view of the Alps and the Léman but there are no drinks or service, unless you brought your own drinks.
Last year I did the climb and thought “I’ll head to this table, and decide whether to continue or not. I did, and I made it to the top.
Usually my progression is 3 minutes faster per climb. Last time I did it in 43 minutes so I expected to hit 40 minutes of effort. I did it in 39 minutes. That’s a big step increase.
The other advantage, to speeding up, is that as I get faster, so the climb is less of a time commitment. If you manage in 45 minutes, then you’re suffering for 45 minutes. If you manage in 39 minutes then you’re suffering for six minutes less. That’s when the climb gets to be less daunting.
My pacing was good enough to reach the top and have that tiny sprint, and not to collapse at the top. I felt it for the rest of the ride back to Nyon
I am happy with the progression. I also noticed fresh snow on the Jura so I expect it to be blocked by snow, again.
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