I’ve been enjoying the early off-season by taking time off the bike and putting on weight, but in my new-found job of cycling guide and old-time position as ‘cycling blogger’ I’m never really far from two wheels and the open road.
Case One: The Tootlepedals just began a Cycling Languedoc self-guided tour down here and, knowing the great influence TP has in the blogosphere, I drove out to see how they were getting along on the road. I was happy to see them, stopped along the road in the middle of the Camargue, enjoying the endless sun of Le Sud.
TP has been working on his bike posing as well, so pay special attention to his stance and positioning, then compare with Sean Yates from a couple of articles ago. I’d say it’s getting there, but he needs to improve the stoic look into the middle distance. He looks a little too happy.
Case 2: Along with me for the ride was Suze, taking her only day off the bike in the last 3 weeks. After checking in on the TPs we went to see the Abbey of St. Gilles, pretty immense and impressive as is…
But a dwarf of its former self, as evidenced by what’s missing behind it. We saw a fair few pilgrims near the Abbey, too, presumably on their way to Santiago de Compostela, 1300 km away, or around 50 days on foot.
The Vicious Cycle 
Gerry: tell me more about the gaining weight? I am hoping to keep the gain within 5lbs. Not easy given my drastic reduction in training (which I am much enjoying though!)
Am probably down to 8hrs/week, which may reduce further when cross racing starts: only 45min Sunday races and not much else then aside from some race openers on Saturday)
I have scales at the side of my bed, but they are being side-stepped judiciously, Jan! I have no idea how much I’ve gained. I’ll check after our trip to Venice, then starting the appropriate emergency contingencies.
You’re doing more riding than me right now, but I think mine will increase substantially once I get this out of my system. Cross racing sounds fun, but that would mean even more bikes…not going to happen!