Here at Cycle and Style … we encourage you or  you and a friend,  or a group of friends to get outside on those bikes!!  You don’t have to be a hard core athlete to get the benefits of “Green Exercise.” Just mount that road bike and hit the pavement;  get that mountain bike out on the trails or hop on that cruiser bike and cruise the neighborhood.  It’s all good … “Green Exercise”!!

Research from England’s University of Essex finds that just 5 minutes of “Green Exercise”, i.e. outdoor exercise such as CYCLING, gardening and fishing can boost mood and self-esteem.  Being outside in nature and enjoying green spaces improves psychological health by reducing stress levels, enhancing mood and self-esteem … this enables people to relax, unwind and recharge their batteries.

Heaven knows we all need just 5 minutes away for our own mood boost.  Leave the gym or urban jungle behind, and take your bike on a ride to find a trail or a park.  Feel the wind on your face; find a quiet place to hear nature talking to you and look up to see trees and clouds overhead.  There … now don’t you feel better already?!

The well-named Nirve Minx

Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world. ~Grant Petersen

There is something about beautifully detailed cruisers that inspires one to ride to the market, to the park or to nowhere in particular at all. Beth loved photographing even the tiny details on these Nirve cruisers and we thought our readers might enjoy the results.

But even better is a good deal for Cycle & Style readers: Go to this link for Nirve and you can print the webpage and mail it along with the warranty card and receipt for a $20 rebate.  You can easily navigate away to a Nirve dealer locator, bike selection and other links.  

Detail of Nirve's Metallic Coffee

Detail of Nirve's Island Flower

Love the detail on the rear fender of Nirve's Minx---Rrr!

Nirve's Island Flower & Metallic Coffee

It was very difficult narrowing our entrants down to just a final few. So we have SEVEN finalists and they are all from different colleges in different states.

Vote for your favorite and help choose the final winner of the beautiful Nirve Starliner that one lucky college student can take with her to college!

The basic voting rule is this–you may vote once every 24 hours from your IP address. The voting period for those contestants will go until midnight, September 13, 2010. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, September 14^th.

Heather Garoufalis—University of Massachusetts Lowell

Three months ago, I found my passion. While out shopping one day, I fell in love with a red and white cruiser bike. I bought the bike on the spot and coasted out of the store. In the following weeks, what started as love at first sight bloomed into a solid relationship. I went to my bike with my problems, and we rode until I figured them out. Then last week, disaster struck. Outside of my apartment, someone cut the chain off my bike and stole it. It felt like I lost a friend. I have been looking to replace my bike, but as a college student, money is tight. I would like to win this contest and in turn, find peace in riding again. It’s been too long, and I miss riding a lot. Thanks!

Taylor Gardner –Evergreen State College

The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington will be my home for the next four years and I am in need of a bike. I currently live in Indiana and am leaving for Olympia on September 17th (perfect timing eh?). I won’t be bringing a car to campus because I want to be as eco-friendly as possible and my bicycle will be my only form of transportation. It would help me out tremendously if I didn’t have to worry about being able to afford a quality bike, and I would be using it for many years to come. In the great words of Queen “I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike.”

Elizabeth Laurent –Southern Virginia University

I am college student at Southern Virginia University and I am about to start my last year of college. I currently have an old 70s bike that has been turned into a fixed gear. I love my bike, but it will not be practical for me in the coming months. I am pregnant and due in December and cannot currently ride my bike, because not only is it a little unsafe, but forces me to be completely bent over, a difficult position while one is pregnant. If I win this bike I will also be able to tote my new baby around with it, as it is much safer than a fixed gear. My husband will hopefully be attending graduate school next fall, so we will be moving to another college town and I hope to be able to bike with my baby around campus and town there as well. Since, we are college students it is not within our budget to buy me a new bike for when the baby comes, so I would probably end up not biking around as much if a free bike like this one did not come my way.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity!

Janie Stringham –University of Utah

Salt Lake City connotes Mormons and rocky reds, but my little home of hills is also on the verge of a two wheeled explosion–and I want in. My commute to the University of Utah is an uphill battle through bipolar weather, so seven speeds will be my seven muses to wake up for classes! Also, a flowery bike will be the ideal vehicle for arrival in poetry workshops of equally flowery words. Winter looms, this bike will be my inspiration to fight the hibernation urge, and I know other Salt Lake ladies feel the same. When I get my feet on this bike I’ll join their Sundae shuffle crew and promote strong female biking in our city! Yes, please.

Natalie Gilliam –Texas State University

I’m not a bike enthusiast or hipster interested in looking cool. I don’t care about image. What I DO care about is not being overweight my freshman year. While the rest of my skinny friends were out tanning, working, or with their boyfriends, I spent my summer inside the four walls of the gym. It pretty much sucked, but I lost 20 pounds and am feeling really great. Still, I need y’alls help. I don’t have a car and Texas State University has huge hills on campus. I know it seems a stretch riding up and down hills all day, but I’m willing to try. I don’t want to be another short, “curvy” Mexican from San Antonio!

Hallie Magee –Louisiana State University (LSU)

My name is Hallie Magee. I live in Park City, Utah and attend LSU. I am the oldest of nine crazy children. I learned my lesson last year when I gained the freshman fifteen that I should probably have a more active lifestyle at school. Having this bike would prevent me from hopping on the bus, and instead pedal those calories away in hopes of not gaining the sophomore sixty! It’s hard not having a car at school because everywhere I need to go is just outside of walking distance. A bike would make life much easier getting to class and running errands. I live on a lake and can’t wait to finally be able to ride my bike around!

Jordin Jacobs –University of Idaho

My 1970s Schwinn Varsity was not only my means of transportation, but he was also my non-motorized grocery-getter. It turned into my sensory overload device when I wore my headphones and biked around the lake. I was extremely ecstatic about being able to cruise my friend around new scenery at the University of Idaho this semester, but I guess someone needed Schwinn more than I when whomever made the decision to capture him, shiny baskets and all. I hope they find him as enjoyable as I did, but it would be nice if I was back on wheels again, especially with a pair of headphones on.

Cycle & Style and Nirve have an expectation that the winner of this contest will actually use this bike. A few months after receiving the bike, the winner will be expected to send in a short article and photos to show how they are using the Nirve Starliner.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

BUT for the long rides of 2½ -3 hours and longer, cyclists need solid food. There are a lot of “energy bars” on the market that are convenient to buy and take along and they work very well. Yet one personal experience made me wish for more than just an energy bar. Last month after a long 4-hour strenuous ride with sprints and climbs and with another 40 minutes to go, I just couldn’t choke down my sugary energy bar; I craved “real” food.

Bananas, bagels and peanut butter sandwiches are often the go-to foods for endurance cyclists and I wondered if there were other great choices of quick energizing real food that is packable for cyclists. I asked sports dietician Kristi Spence for more ideas and these are her suggestions:

•  Baby new potatoes rolled in a salt and herb mixture
• Small white rolls filled with 100% fruit jam 
•  Fig Newtons
•  Pretzels
•  Homemade peanut butter cookies
• Zucchini or pumpkin bread (made with applesauce or extra fruit and less oil
• Squeezable applesauce pouches (they make little ones that are easy to eat for kids)

We have a few other homemade ideas as well. Check out the recipe for Pumpkin Energy Bars and Island Cruiser Mix—both are great take-along foods for the long ride.
 
For a long day in the saddle, you’ll need to pack enough food. In the years I trained for long-course triathlons, I learned to appreciate having a FuelBelt Fuelbox on my bike. For long rides they can conveniently carry food and even a cell phone.  It is often easier to access items in the fuel box than in a back jersey pocket. For a very long unsupported ride, I can cram food both in my jersey pockets and my Fuelbox and I’m set.

A Contest!

 
Fuelbelt has graciously provided 3 Fuelboxes (in black, pink & red) for a give-away for readers of Cycle & Style. We’d love your feedback on this article. What foods get you or your friends through a long ride? Tell us about your experiences (good or bad.) Your comment below (with a valid e-mail) will be your entry for the FUELBOX CONTEST.
Contest runs from today until September 17^th.  Three lucky winners will receive a large-size Fuelbelt FUELBOX (large enough to easily hold a sandwich) and Fuelbelt Water Bottle. (I can only mail within the US or Canada.)

(Photo courtesy of Lucas Gilman)

Kathryn Bertine was living her dream as a professional triathlete and a writer, yet also living the reality of working less-pleasant part-time jobs to survive. After she broke off her engagement and moved from Colorado to New York, with only $200 in her checking account, it seemed her athletic dreams would wither and die. Then she received an amazing offer from some editors at ESPN: she would be given two years to make the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing in any sport and by any means necessary and write about the process.

Kathryn discovered her VO2 max was in the high range--comparative to other female Olympic greats. (Photo courtesy of Lucas Gilman)

Kathryn, a former professional ice skater turned triathlete possesses the athleticism that would make the whole crazy endeavor possible. She made her list of sports in which she would have even a tiny chance of competing in and goes for it with pluck and a sense of humor. Adapting her athletic abilities which have been finessed for Ironman triathlons, Kathryn visits one “baptism-by-fire” elite athletic camp after another. She takes on modern penthathlon, team handball, track cycling, rowing, open water swimming, race walking, cycling, and just for the heck of it, luge in her quest to make the Olympics. When she finally decides to go for it in cycling, she moves from Category 4 (Beginner) to a Cat 2 qualifying for a chance to compete in the US national championships within a few short months.

Photo courtesy of Lucas Gilman

Kathryn’s book As Good As Gold: 1 Woman, 9 Sports, 10 Countries and a 2-Year Quest to Make The Summer Olympics documents the whole journey with Bertine’s witty style. While one can’t help but be impressed by her determination and drive as she faces one challenge after another in her quest, it is her sense of humor that makes the book such a delightful read. I have read many inspiring stories of athletes but this one stands out. While she may not have the stratospherically amazing talents that would make her dominate a sport like Lance Armstrong or one of the Williams sisters, Kathryn has just enough athletic abilities to make it “doable” and a never-give-up mental fortitude. You find yourself cheering her on as her story progresses and yet also feel inspired to push yourself even harder during your next workout. Her very-real story has plenty of laugh-out loud moments and it is interspersed with “water breaks” which are Bertine’s own take on how sports bras have regressed, the post-race ‘hydration game’ she plays, amusing fan mail and more.  I loved the book—and Indy Filmmakers, if you’re listening; this would make a great movie!! Heaven knows we could use a non-sappy movie about a female athlete—and bonus!—there are some great comedic moments here! (Plus, I asked and yup, she has a screenplay written and ready to go!)

An Interview with Kathryn Bertine

Did you discover that there really is no easy sport?

“Every sport is exceedingly difficult. Some of these sports that we might not think of as top notch can be incredibly difficult and they can have a following in various countries in which they are popular. If we are watching them and they seem easy, it’s because they are that skilled that they make them appear easy.”

Tell me about the title of your book.

“The title for my book is about the journey itself is really “as good as gold.” It’s the ability to try and to have the guts to go for it and never have to say when I look back on my life, “What if?” That is really the cord that I hope will strike with people. Whether you win or lose, you empty it out there on the field and you give it your best shot.”

There are many athletes trying to pursue their sport without a lot of support. The perception is that is a hard life, a tough existence.

“It’s hard, but it’s still a choice. If they truly love sports then it is worth it. Sure, it’s a tough life but we choose our path and our existence. This is the kind of tough lifestyle that I choose to live. I don’t believe it is a sacrifice to pursue a sport. You want to go for it; it’s your entire journey. Love it or leave it. I don’t buy into the sacrificial cliché of ‘They are toiling in obscurity.’ There is so much of a reward for actually doing something with your life. If they look at it from that perspective, they are going to be happy. But if they are only looking at with the view that the end result is all that will justify it, they might be disappointed.”

At the Tour of the Gila stage race, Kathryn is flanked by Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong (2nd from right) and U.S. Nat'l champion Alison Powers (left.) (Photo courtesy of Lucas Gilman)

The Tour de France, a men’s cycling race gets so much coverage and women’s cycling races get no TV coverage. You pointed out in your book that the New York Times has an average of just over 20 articles on men’s sports while having less than 2 articles per day on women’s sports and USA Today’s ratio is just slightly better. How can this lopsidedness change?

“We need more media coverage, more TV coverage.  With women’s sports—it’s not the athlete, it’s not the sport that needs to change, it’s the coverage. Women have been competing in cycling for years and they are terrific athletes competing just for the love of the sport. They are striving to do well, to compete well and just not getting the coverage. People can change this by writing to their media outlets or to their websites saying, ‘Hey, I want more coverage of this (women’s sports)!’ The squeaky wheel gets the grease, so to speak. I think the assessment that men will only follow men’s sports is a very antiquated view. After all, women follow football and basketball because it is in the media. It has everything to do with exposure and how that exposure is done.”

What’s the state of women’s professional cycling teams in the US? What are the major women’s road cycling teams now?

“The top women’s road cycling teams are: Colavita/Baci, Peanut Butter & Company, Webcor, Team Vera Bradley and  Tibco.  Those riders don’t make anywhere near what the male riders make. They participate in many of the same races, same everything, but cycling is one of those sports that is so far behind the 8-ball when it comes to equality. The more publicity we can get the better. Some of these women work so hard, often having to work multiple part-time jobs, whereas their male counterpart don’t have to because they are fully funded by their team. The positive part is that it is getting better.”

I hear that you are doing what you can to help the cycling federation of St. Kitts & Nevis. How is that going?

 ”I love being down there to help with the kids. We’ve got a few up and coming juniors which is so wonderful. To see that we are starting to get cycling going at the grassroots level is amzing. One of the things that St. Kitts and Nevis is doing right is starting kids at a young age. We don’t do that as often in sports in the U.S. Here it’s really a focus on team sports and the individual sports come much later. As they start to thrive, I want to help the St. Kitts & Nevis cyclists get all the publicity and coverage they deserve.”

Photo courtesy of Aaron Goodman

“I am racing on an elite team based out of Tucson called TriSports Cycling. I am trying to find sponsorship for 2011 season. Next month I will be racing for St. Kitts & Nevis at the World Championship next month in Australia. …And I am getting married in November!”

You can find As Good As Gold: 1 Woman, 9 Sports, 10 Countries and a 2-Year Quest to Make The Summer Olympics at your local bookstore, on Amazon or on Kathryn’s website.

Contest & Give-away!

Kathryn is offering a signed copy of her book As Good As Gold as a giveaway for Cycle & Style readers. Make a comment here and you will be entered in a random drawing to win the signed copy!

 (I promise–you’ll love the book!)  Contest limited to residents US & Canada. Contest open 8/20/10 through 9/17/10.

Arizona State University

The perfect going-to-college-gift might be a bicycle. After all, a bike’s transportations costs are just as easy on the starving student budget as they are on the planet.   More bikes and fewer cars on campus equal less noise and exhaust fumes. Colleges and universities are taking note of the advantages with bike-commuting rather than car-commuting students. Campuses are finding that it is cheaper to put in bicycle parking ($150) than new parking space for a car (price for just one car space: $3000-$30,000). Students and their schools are also becoming more sensitive to their sustainability practices. (See how your college or university rates in sustainability with their green report card here.) 

So many colleges and universities are welcoming and encouraging students to use their bikes as a means of transportation and designing their campuses to be ideal for cyclists that the League of American Bicyclists is going to expand their Bicycle Friendly America program to include colleges and universities. Next month they will launch their Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) program. The League has done a lot to promote Bike Friendly Communities with their programs and the BFU program will go a long way in pointing the way for campuses to encourage cycling.

There are many colleges across the country who are doing it right with bold approaches to get their students on the seat of a bicycle and away from the morning jostle to find the all too rare parking space. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities provides cycling maps for students to show the best routes through campus along the various bike lanes, and the locations of bike lockers and a place to hitch their ride (they have over 6,500 bicycle racks and hoops across campus.) Stanford University puts real effort into educating students with bike safety classes around campus and in the dorms. The School of Medicine’s Health Improvement Program (HIP) also offers classes on Bicycling, Commuting, How to get Started, How to Stay Motivated, etc. Students who take up cycling in college are likely to enjoy cycling in the decades that follow, so it’s great to see universities giving them the inspiration and encouragement now.

Win a Free Bicycle for your College Commute! 

Students at Westminster College can take a ride with a bike from the school's fleet of loaner bikes.

Seven ways that top Universities and Colleges are encouraging bicycling on campus:

1. Free Bikes for Freshmen: a handful of universities are offering incoming freshmen a free bicycle to use if they make a pledge not to drive a car to campus for the year. Examples: Ripon College (WI) and the University of New England pioneered this concept and Elmhurst College is going to be doing it this year.
2. Bike Shares: colleges are acquiring fleets of bikes that can be loaned out to students by the hour, day or week to allow them to bike as much as they need. Most colleges are discovering that a bike rental program works better than the free-to-anyone programs which sadly result in bike abuse. Colleges that have a fleet of loaner bikes include: University of Arizona, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Washington, University of New Hampshire, Castleton State College, Westminster College, Northland College and Pitzer College. St. Xavier College in Chicago has a very modern European-style bike loan program.
3. Bike Co-ops are often student-run groups where memberships entail working in the shop. It allows for maintenance, tools and parts to be affordable for students. At the University of Idaho, you can learn bike repair and borrow bikes as needed. Students can also find a great bike co-op at the University of California at Santa Cruz and Arizona State University.
4. Bike Events for Bike Month, Charity rides or fun annual traditions such as Indiana University’s Little 500 are great ways to give an added emphasis to the benefits of cycling to college. I loved hearing about the University of Geneva (yes, in Switzerland!) which had a program called “Bike to the University” to encourage students and faculty to bike to campus. Incentives such as a team competition and prize drawing for all participants. Their faculty of medicine added their own encouragement offering cycling as a great form of exercise for better health and as a way to reduce their environmental footprint.
5. A Healthy Dose of Encouragement —goes a long way to get students enthusiastic about cycling. Stanford’s Commute Club provides an $282 annual cash incentive not to drive which can be used for bike gear, bike locker fees and the like. As the students register their bikes they get free bike lights, reflective legbands and blinking strobe lights. Helmets were sold at 50% off at the campus bike shop and a bike buddy program is in place for first timers. Evergreen State College makes it easy for bike commuters with showers, commuter lockers, bike repair stations on campus and to keep students up to date, a bike shop blog.
6. Well-designed Green Campuses with elements of Bike Friendliness are essential for campuses and some universities are doing a great job. With a great office of sustainability to lead the way, colleges like the University of Maryland are encouraging green transportation with well-designed campus infrastructure. The University of California in Santa Barbara has the TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) which works to make cycling around campus a better experience. Michigan State University is one of those universities who have hired consultants to help design green campuses with elements for bike friendliness, which is truly the wave of a hopeful future. Even small colleges do what they can such as Bates College which converted a railroad bridge into a pedestrian and bicycle bridge so students can take a scenic route over the Androscoggin River instead of worrying about speeding cars
7. Keeping it Safe: Mount Holyoke College does what it can to prevent theft with a succesful free bicycle registration program which helps the school return misplaced bicycles to their rightful owners. Arizona State University increases its campus police survelliance and make catching bike thieves a priority, using “bait bikes” to catch thieves red-handed. They don’t dismiss the value students place on their bikes.

A student cycles through the Stanford campus on a weekend.

Like many of us, I came back to cycling as an adult. I had cycled as a child but somewhere into my teenage years it was no longer relevant or cool. However living in London aged 26, it suddenly seemed like a really good idea again. My reasons for cycling were very different though. As a child I’d race around through muddy fields not caring what I looked like but as an adult it was a means of transport. I not only wanted to look elegant and ladylike but I needed to get my day to day belongings from A to B with me. Whether it was my laptop and work files, a change of clothes or groceries, I always seemed to have some stuff to carry.

Despite my best efforts to find bike panniers and bags that fitted in with my wardrobe, I found there were very few stylish options. My frustration and disappointment with the lack of choice lead me to launch my online business cyclechic.co.uk, selling stylish cycling accessories for modern women. Two years later we are delighted to have launched our sister site for the USA and Canada The Bicycle Muse. Our mission is to promote cycling a desirable mode of transport and encourage more women to take to two wheels.

Here’s our Top Tips for carrying your stuff on your bike in style…

1. Panniers -These are bags made specifically to fit on the back of your bike. All you need is a rack on the back of your bike. You can buy and get these fitted at most good bike shops.  (Not all racks fit all bikes so I would advise taking your bike into a shop if you are not 100% sure which fitting you need) A double pannier will lay across the rack and a single pannier will have hooks that clip on to the side of the rack.

Panniers are great because your bike takes the weight not you!   Single panniers are super practical for commuting as they simply unclip off your bike’s rack and double up as a bag for the day.

My favorite for work or a weekend trip to the farmers market are the Deluxe shopper panniers. These come in Lemon and Cherry pine, are wonderfully spacious, have a great vintage look, an inside pocket for your valuables and are waterproofed in case of a shower.

2. Purses and shoulder bags - A lot of regular bags will work well for cycling. The key features to look out for is an adjustable shoulder strap so you can put the bag across your shoulders freeing your hands. I also find that soft leather or canvas bags work well as they sit comfortably on your back and don’t swing forward as you cycle. We like Fjallraven’s vintage shoulder bag, pictured and Kate Sheridan Barrel bag.

Another brand to look out for who specialize in fashionable Purses and bags  you can attach to the your bike are Chicago based Po Campo. They have a Rack bag, a Handlebar bag and Bungee bag all come in wonderful colors and patterns and are made of waterproof canvas.

If you don’t want a bike specific bag, another great option is a Purse rack. This is a metal bracket that easily attached to the front of your bike. You simply pop your purse in and go and its a great low cost solution at only $30.

3. Basket -If you want to add some vintage charm to your bike a wicker basket it the answer. My favorites are the Nantucket baskets.  They are beautifully made and are easy to attach with 2 leather straps that buckle to your handle bags. The perfect size for your purse or a spot of shopping. Metal baskets can also look cute especially if you customize it with a pretty liner from couture cruiser.  And if you are worried about your belonging getting damaged in the rain we rather like the Dorothy cover from Irish designer Georgia in Dublin which doubles up as a visibility aid for night cycling.

Nirve and Cycle & Style would like to encourage more college or students to use their bicycles to commute to and around their college campuses. What better way to do so than to offer a brand new Nirve Starliner bicycle to a deserving college student?

The Nirve Starliner will be a campus-standout in teal with hibiscus flower designs on the frame, handlebars and the seat. It comes in a 15-inch frame—perfect for most women and has a lightweight alloy frame and easy rolling 700c wheels. It will have you comfortably sitting upright as you ride to your classes or to the store for a few groceries. With fenders and a partial chain guard, you can easily wear any clothing to bike in and not worry about chain grease or road splatter. The Starliner has 7-Speed Shimano shifting with mega range low gearing to help you climb any hills in your way!

Here’s another Special Deal from Nirve for Cycle & Style Readers–get a $20 Rebate Offer on any new Nirve Bicycle!

The  Itty Bitty Details of Our Contest

*Just tell us why you’d like to have this bike for your campus transportation in 120 words or less. (Put in form below—or you can write it in the comment section.)

*If you are a student presently enrolled in a college or university for the 2010-2011 school year, you are eligible to win the Nirve Starliner for yourself.

*Please give us your name and the college or university you will be attending this school year as well.

The contest will remain open until midnight, September 2, 2010.

Nirve and Cycle & Style will choose 5 top entrants and then readers will get a chance to vote for their favorite starting September 3, 2010. The voting period for those contestants will go until midnight, September 13, 2010. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, September 14^th. We will also have some great prizes for the runners-up!

Contest is limited to delivery to locations within in the continental US.

Enter contest using this form below:

Take this great mix for a family bike ride to the beach or cruise to the park. It’s easy to make and with its mix of carbs for energy with a touch of salt and protein appropriate after a workout, it is a great après-ride snack. It’s a family-friendly snack that is packable for a sports snack or for school. It is just as nice for a long bike ride, a treat with a little salt, a little sweet with carbs, some protein and some whole grain.

Store in an air-tight container or zip-lock bag.

Mix equal parts:

• Animal crackers, (Stouffers has a nice crisp crackers which leave no mess on your fingers)
• Mini wheat crackers (e.g. Kashi brand)
• Almonds (raw or unsalted, roasted)
• Dried cranberries–Craisins (or other dried fruit)
• Mini pretzels

Thanks to Kristi Spence, MS., RD (Sports Dietician) for this mix idea!

The last day in Paris of the Tour

Triathlete Jenny Fletcher, who went pro this year, just got back from France where she competed in a triathlon on the famous Alpe D’ Huez. (How did this former model become a professional triathlete? See previous article) The Alpe d’Huez is one of the main mountains in the Tour de France (although not in the 2010 course) and when mountains are rated for steepness with 4 being the easiest and 1 as the hardest, there are still a few mountains which are considered exceptional—beyond classification ( hors catégorie)—one of these is Alpe d’Huez in the French Alps. This is the setting for Jenny’s triathlon last week. And as she was preparing for that, she spent a couple weeks training in France and watching the Tour. Her experience was an amazing one and here it is in her own words. (Thanks, Jenny!)

We rode every day, followed by watching the Tour, followed by great meals and a special thanks to Ink for introducing us to many great wines from the French region!!!  Everyday was jam packed! Day one is just a fun 2hr ride to prepare us for the next day…. Tourmalet and Obisque!! Seriously one of the best days of the trip was the second day! Being able to ride those climbs, seeing the writing all over the ground, crazy fans everywhere reaching the top, the views, the ride down the other side only to climb again!!! 5hrs 40mins all logged on the Suunto which I can’t wait to download!!!! I actually rode so much the memory was reading full on the last day in Paris when we were time trialing around the park! Too bad I don’t have the logging of the speeds we were hitting on that ride….. So fun!!!! Amazing amazing amazing!!

A shoot with my bike sponsor Milani at Alpe D' Huez. It was "Italian Style" ..... Makeup, hair, fashion, and oh let's throw in the bike for a prop!

The Alps are incredible! Very majestic and so beautiful to drive through! The drive up Alpe D’ Huez even more incredible!! The 15km drive is insane…. With 21 bends it is one of the most famous climbs to ride and by far once you reach the top one of the most scenic! I stood in awe at the top and just looked around feeling as if I had reached heaven itself! It was breathtaking!!!

The Top of the Climb at Alpe d'Huez

Race morning I wake up to rain pelting at my window. Aghhhhh a cold and rainy day…. Oh well… Glad I left all my warm clothes in Paris?!!! (somebody tell me why I wasn’t thinking and only brought flip-flops up to the top of a mountain….. Yeah not so smart) thankfully Milani had supplied me with a warm jacket the day before! It was a lifesaver!!

The race doesn’t start till 2pm so that gives us time to set up T2 and then bike down the mountain to the swim start! Wow what a gorgeous bike down! We took an alternative route down and I was biking through the clouds… It was insane! The lake was so pristine… and cold but somehow I am getting used to the cold swims. From Escape from Alcatraz to our early morning ocean swims and Siri’s freezing pool in the desert that somehow this water didn’t phase me… in fact I loved it! As we sat on the rocks waiting for the swim I watched fellow athletes shivering and thought boy am I glad coach prepares us for all this! I was so calm and enjoying the moment! As we neared 5mins I slid back into the water and awaited my first ever mass start!!! Loved it! The swim was great. Loving my new Xterra wetsuit that I haven’t been able to use due to warmer swims and soaking up how efficient and great I felt!
Onto T2…. Did I tell you I had no idea what the bike would be like… Next year I won’t make the same mistake… We start climbing right away and then we are on a section of flat and fast roads going through little villages and winding our way to the bottom of the climb…. I had no idea when we’d hit it…. But I knew when we did I would know! The first 4kms are very steep and hard! Going from a fast time trialing to an uphill climb state took me a while to work into it. I decided not to count the turns but just climb. All my focus was on just trying to relax my breathing and climb up the mountain. It took all my energy! My body and legs weren’t feeling it today but this is the race I had been dreaming of so I pressed on! I reach back to get my GU’s….. They aren’t there! I went into panic for a moment as I specifically chose to wear the 2 piece trisuit as it had pockets and they must have fallen out in T1…. Immediately I regain my focus… I’ve done hours of training with or without water and GUs to teach my body it can race and train under any condition…. I press on heavenward!!
Reaching T2 was so rewarding… I’m in and out of there as fast as possible and onto the run! What an amazing run! Climbing the side of the mountain…. It’s mostly trail running… My favorite!!!
Then there is that glorious moment… Reaching the finish line! I hurt in this race… Throughout the bike and run it hurt… But I crossed the line… And finished in 5th place overall! There’s extreme satisfaction in that!!

There’s this moment I have at the finish something only I can relive… But I’m standing there all alone at the end of this race…. Rain pouring down… And I look up to heaven in the stillness of that moment and smile…. For I have now raced Alpe D’ Huez!

For a girl who loves lake swims, to climb, & trail running this race was a tough one for me on that day… I somehow feel like I have unfinished business there… I have to go back and race it again. Next year I plan on podiuming! Not that that is everything to me but I know this is my race and next year I’m going to conquer it!

This is by far the most amazing race I have ever done! For the US Escape from Alcatraz is still number one but as far as racing Europe and my dream of climbing Alpe D’ Huez and experiencing it in Tri form, I was blown away!! I can’t wait to go back next year!!!