It’s only been a week since my last update, but I’ve been to the Alps and have some photos, so it’s a good chance to share. I’m also nearly at the impenetrable barrier of 70kg, which is giving me hope.
The woman above also gives me hope; maybe not for the Tour du Mont Blanc on July 13th, but for the next 25 years or so of my cycling career. Meet Trina Hosmer, a former Olympic Cross Country Skier (1972 Sapporo) and Masters Champion (30+ times over!) in the same discipline.
This 79 year old passed us with her friend on the Col du Lautaret. I did eventually catch her a few kilometers from the pass and started a conversation with her. I noted that she was saving a couple of gears on her (quite tiny) cassette. She said ‘always’, and just kept grinding away.
Once I found out where she was from (Stowe, Vermont) we quickly established that she knew at least 3 of my clients and played tennis with one of them regularly. We saw each other a few more times, including right at the top of the Galibier (2642m).
What impressed me so much about Trina was what you always seem to find in lifelong athletes; a certain nonchalantness of how impressive they are. She did however seem to have an excuse as to why she was breathing so deeply on the Galibier – “it’s not my sport”. She even said that she knew her bike was old and that she probably needed to upgrade some stuff. At 79, Trina’s got her eye on the future.
This week I’ve been on the bike a little over 12 hours so far and my Ventoux plans for tomorrow have been dashed by a Mistral, so I’ll stay local and make that up on Monday. The legs are feeling okay, but nothing like the spring in my pedal stroke I had in previous years – perhaps because in those previous years I was in my 40s, or maybe it’s the Zone Two training. You don’t get a lot of ‘spring’ in Z2.
I’ll know better next week when I travel to the Alps again for the Defi des Fondus, an event that could see me climbing 6400m (but probably less) in one day.
If I channel my inner Trina, I might be able to slog it out.
The Vicious Cycle 
You’re training looks great Gerry, and well on course – I’m sure you’ll succeed. And thank you for introducing us to Trina- a great inspiration to this 66 year old!
66 seems younger and younger these days, Julian! As for training, I’m really not sure about it like in years before, but we’ll see.
Good luck!
I’ll need it, thanks!
Age is of no importance unless you’re cheese (or wine)
Or a bike 😉
I’ll have to up my game a bit having seen what Trina can do. Mind you, I never was an athlete.
There are some people who are just on a different level. It must take a lot of work to get there!
And fairly robust joints too I would imagine.
Gerry, this is a great report. I love the local color of Trina and her ride! Thanks and keep up the great work. You’re getting so close.
Too close, Eric! And yeah, meeting Trina was a great reminder that you can still do great things at any age.
…….and if we all play our cards right, we’ll be riding for decades to come. My father is riding his bicycle (well, recumbent “trike”) at 90! Trina is an inspiration!