Category: Switzerland
-
Reading Time: 3 minutesOn Friday I cycled in to Geneva to drop off my bike for a quick check after I noticed that when I shifted gears in one direction it seemed to block. I could have hung around for three or four hours waiting for the bike to be ready but chose to leave…
-
The Advantage of a Sweeper/Coach
Reading Time: 3 minutesWhen I ride with some groups I have to ride hard. I have to keep the wheel and stay with the group because if I get dropped then I need to work hard to get back onto their wheels. In contrast when I ride with other groups, as a result of having…
-
A Reminder to Unclip and Anticipate Danger While Cycling
Reading Time: 2 minutesIn the last two days I have had dangerous situations in Geneva and Nyon when pedestrians, or cars, have failed to pay attention to the fact that they were crossing a cycling lane where cyclists have priority. The result is that in two cases I had to take emergency evasive action to…
-
Cycling in a Level Three Heat Wave
Reading Time: 3 minutesYesterday as I cycled from Nyon to Geneva I felt my mouth become dry so I drank, felt it get dry again, and drank again. The wind that is usually cooling, or cold was warm. I was having a hair dryer ride. This is a term I use when the air is…
-
One Weekend – Two Pinnacle Rides
Reading Time: 2 minutesThis weekend I know of two challenging rides that I could do. The first is a 140km ride with 2000m of climbing, eventually getting to the top of the Salève. The second is a 153km walk with 2500m of climbing to the Col Du Grand St Bernard. Col Du Grand St Bernard…
-
The Desire to Cancel an Event
Reading Time: 2 minutesPre-broken arm and pre-pandemic I was deeply passionate about via ferrata and I went up every single weekend in summer. Since my broken arm, and since the pandemic I have lost almost all desire to do via ferrata. It’s a sport that I loved because I loved finding new places. The issue,…
-
A Peak Ride to Baudichonne
Reading Time: 2 minutesThis morning I woke naturally at 05:30 before getting up and ready. By 07:00 I was on the road cycling towards Geneva and I arrived 20 minutes early. By my standards that is quite close to the expected time. Familiar Climb I chose this ride for a simple reason. It was a…
-
On Riding a Freshly Serviced Bike
Reading Time: 3 minutesOn Wednesday morning I rode my bike into Geneva to drop it off for a service. In the evening I went for a group ride that was heading in the direction I wanted, before leaving the group and riding for home. I didn’t ride much on Wednesday, but I was tired. I…
-
Quick Thoughts on Drafting while Cycling
Reading Time: 2 minutesWhen you ride alone you face the headwinds, and have to fight them. When you want to speed up you get to a certain speed, and if you want to ride faster you need to fight the wind. On a windy day you might feel sluggish and slow. You might then see…
-
The Cost of Cycling and Driving
Reading Time: 2 minutesHave you ever considered the difference in cost between cycling and driving a petrol car? Of course you have, and so have I. Yesterday I was reminded of how expensive cars are. I think that the last time I used the petrol car was to change to summer tyres. It has been…