Tour de France Ettape 16

 

This is Vladamir Karpets, the russian cyborg. I was doing intervals up the Cura climb in Mallorca. As was he =) Looks like they did him well

 

Armstrong, Contador, Kloden with Popovich doing the work on the front

 

 

Fabian!

A Train Ride in Switzerland

What happens when the train leaves with you in the bike carriage =)

Back to Deutschland

Heading back to Deutschland. Presently, I’m somewhere in the middle of Die Schweiz. Next stop for me is Basel then it’s on to Karlsruhe, Stuttgart, and finally into Backnang. I had a nice stay with Stefen, a new friend from Couchsurfing. The weather was quite nice for me while in Switzerland which is French speaking in this particular area. It has been somewhat of a curveball for me. My mind has been in German for so long, and I don’t speak any French so it was a little strange. I didn’t know whether to speak German or English with people. I guess a country that can’t decide which language to officially adopt as the prima language then it leaves people like me guessing. It was easier when I came from Belgium to France in 2007 because I didn’t know any Flemish so French was just another period of misunderstanding at that point. I did try better to speak French such as Bonjour and Merci, but this time every time I had too, I was speaking German. I guess I have become assimilated somewhat…

On the first train out of Martigny, the bike carriage car was literally an open-air box car. If you need some visual stimulation please see below. It was the first car in the train behind the engine. I had to run to get to it because I was on the other end of the platform. Before I even had the bike hanging from a sketchy hook without a secure holding the train was off. So I did the best I could as the train is ripping out of Martigny. I thought I could just walk through the connector doors to get to the passenger compartment. Well that was no bueno since the door would not open. So I was relegated to the stowaway seats of the box car. It was pretty cool. Maybe me feel a little bit like an outlaw. Probably 100% illegal and against all CFF SBB FFS protocol(Swiss train system) but I didn’t get caught, and I’m writing from a proper seat right now. After finally getting into the passenger compartment I wished to get back to the open-air car because the train lacked any form of ventilation. I guess you can take the outlaw to jail but you can’t take the outlaw out of the man.

I’m currently watching the drama of a relationship unfold. The Swiss guy has been putting his R-rated hands and lips all over his girlfriend. She is a bit frustrated at the situation. It’s definitely a different understanding of public displays of affection than my own. The Swiss trains must be for lovers. I know a little bit about it =)

This morning I scored some local apricots, which have been a delicious treat during my travels today. The valley east of Martigny is known as the “Little California” for its Mediterranean climate surrounded by mountains. Not since I left California have I seen so many apricot trees or vineyards. The entire valley is just a giant goodness producer.

Chow,
Bearclaw

Le Ettape de Tour du France!

Saw the Grand Boucle yesterday and today. Sure the viewing might be better on TV. But the energy and the emotions of the race just can't be understood until you have seen it in person. Yesterday was a rest day here in Martingy, Switzerland. Rest days are pretty cool for the spectator on the bike b/c it allowed me to scout out many teams and get up close to the riders and all the support crew. Cervelo just started there training ride when i arrived. Very cool stuff. The small town of 10,000, Martigny, CH was insane yesterday and this morning. The Tour brings that energy to every town it stops or starts at. There was dancing, live music, and of course criterium racing in the city center. I didn't realize what the Swiss Guard was doing earlier in the day. If i wasn't still kind of trashed from Sunday's race, I would have given it a go. Today, I set out around 10am to ride to the summit of the HC Col de Grand Saint Behrnard(same one as the dog). The 40km trip was about 30km of climbing. 400m to 2400, so some pretty good vertical. The guards wouldn't let me cross under the banner at that point b/c the race caravan was not too far. So I didn't get to cross into Italy as I had intended. But I did pick up lots of schwag from the sponsor caravan that rolled through. The best way to describe it is a moving circus with loud music. It was crazy! I parked myself about 1-1.5km from the summit. I had prime real estate as it allowed me to view many of the switchbacks coming up. And surprisngly, I parked right next to 3 Americans. We chatted quite a bit while I scarfed down my lunch of a 250g loaf of bread, 2.5 Wurst sticks, and a 150g package of mozzerella. It was tasty. Got lots of pictures to prove I was there =) For the majority of the climb, people were parked on the side of the road and cheering you on. As the road got steeper, the crowds got bigger and the chanting and encouragement followed. It was very cool to have such energy around you. One lady even handed me a small glass of wine which I took like a pro feed zone. I think it surprised her that I took it but they all cheered when i raised my empty glass after drinking it =)

Head back to Germany tomorrow morning. It has provided me with memories for a lifetime.

Pictures will follow...

Chow,
Bearclaw

ps. this was written from the free wifi network at McDonald's...go figure...it's switzerland

Große Reblandtour 2009

http://www.reblandtour.de/

this is the race from yesterday. Guy who won, Eric Hoffman, road for Giant-Asia last year and was in the Olympics. I was 61st. You can see all the results on the side tab that says, Ergebnisse

Now off to Martigny on the Bahn...
chow,
Matthew

In Turkish Hooka Bar in Freiburg im Breisgau

Tried to find wi-fi so I can make last minute stuff as I board a DBahn ride in the morning to Switzerland for Le Tour. You can watch for me near the summit on the first climb.

Just finished a great race in Wittnau which is just outside Freiburg. Finished 3rd on the team and in the 2nd group. Wicked hard race. Course was cool though a 19km with 3km climb each lap(6laps). The climb was over 8.5%. Easy in training but in a KT/A/B/C rennen the human cyborgs at the front threw the hammer down. Felt really good. Last lap some cramping but can't complain. Very happy as the race completely blew apart on the first time up. Made the 2nd group and rode smartly. The course took us through all these different villages. Roads were closed as the race came through then we went up through a wine vineyard before the climb. Lots of narrow roads and sketchiness but it was good.

Now, I was trying to find a place to get some wifi as I had some last minute internet stuff. Didn't want to go to Starbuck's here. So I found myself in a Turkish Hooka lounge. Fortunately i'm outside. The latte macchiato was tasty. Trying my best to avoid the hooka toxins but the couple next to me are going at it pretty hard. Normally I would leave but I'm bending my rules b/c of the opportunity and the humor that is my current situation at a hooka bar using the wifi outside. The backroom looks pretty serious. The turkish guys have been going at it for an hour now. No sign of letting down. =)

Tonight, I'm staying in a private pension near the bahnhof. Early ride on the train in the morning 7:34am. Then it's tour de france and Martigny, Switzerland for me! Should be cool. I'll of course be taking many photos. Going to ride the first climb so you can watch for me near the summit on Tuesday. It borders Italy so I hope I can find some nice Italian food. If not, I'll just take my photo next to the border sign =)

Chow,
Bearclaw

Language School Bootcamp

It's raining again this morning...ugghhh...planned on making a little pause today because the parcours and the field will need everything on Sunday. Legs are feeling good. Looking back at the first 2/3 of my time here, I think I was in deep fatigue. The 1800km of training I did in Mallorca, getting sick multiple times, and just the change in environments took a much deeper toll on me than I thought. But how times have changed.

Today is the last day of my language school "ferien course" (holiday course). I said to Kristi, "I will probably understand most of what I learned in a few weeks." I remember my AP Physics class in high school. It was pretty fast paced with a test every 1.5weeks. The speed in this class supercedes any previous intensive-fast paced learning I have done. If you could take the way and speed a toddler learns, you would understand the speed of the course. But I guess they must keep on schedule because we all must receive a certificate (as long as we don't miss more than 2 days). I've never been one to need a monument of paper, plaque or trophy to certify I have accomplished something. For me it is much more about the journey and taking it all in. I'll probably receive a certificate. I guess it will be something I can post in my house or tell my kids that "yeah, your old man worked his tail off for this prized beauty." Of course I will probably be made fun of but whatever...

The class has been quite a change from my Volkschule experiment. Again, we have two teachers, one is a little more relaxed and one is...well you could say strict. She is to be referred to as the "Iron Fist." Because she rules as an iron fist...never letting the class go off on tangents. In the beginning it was a nice welcome because I prefer order in the class and efficiency. I think we were all a little scared at times. It was quite weird because if you answered correctly she did a great job at boosting your self-esteem, however if you messed up or asked the same question two times, well you might feel like this guy....


Seya, the Japanese student, broke the standard conflict rules of Japanese culture by criticizing the process of learning in the classroom. He wanted more time to figure it out on his own. The Iron Fist wouldn't have it. Enrico, the young 14yr old took a good amount of sarcasm because he wasn't the most attentive or polite person in her eyes. The Iron Fist's version of politeness conflicted directly with the view held by the class. One can't help but just laugh inside because of it all. I think I learned a lot though. When I got it right, it was good, when you messed up, well you got thrown into the pit of low self-esteem. The material for this past week was very difficult as well as we spent the majority of the week going over German grammar, which in my opinion is just simply difficult and without pattern.

Last night Gretel whipped up some delicious Pflädlesuppe und Kirschen süßspeisen of sorts(forget the exact name). The soup is a chicken broth with schwäbisch pfannkuchen(thin pancakes, like crêpes). The pfannkuchen is sliced into long, thin strips. They are with herbs an salt, so a savory crêpe you could say. The Kirschen "cake" was a süßspeisen(sweet dish) with a vanilla soße(sauce). Pretty awesome that you can say you have a sweet, cake like dish for the main meal. It definitely hit the spot last night. Tonight, we are mixing it up and rolling over to La Casa de Gretel for another meal. I will get to meet Sandra's brother and see where all the goodness is made in Schwäikheim, Gretel's stadt.

Chow,
Matthew

Großer Preis der Gemeinde Rheinzabern

Good sensations are back. After some mishaps two weeks ago in the Pfalz, today was a good day. 7th overall out of 160starters. I was pretty happy after so many less than stellar performances. It was a good confidence boost after feeling so good during training the last few weeks. I really think the 10day of no-bike was the perfect training for me in TN along with seeing my family and Kristi. I can't believe it but today marks less than 7 weeks before I return to the US. Karin, Heinz and I spoke this evening about how fast time flys, and how it seemed that just yesterday was February and I was arriving in Backnang to snow and complete confusion. The snow is gone and has been lately replaced by lots of rain but the confusion remains, just on a much smaller level.

Last night, Sandra, Marc and I went to Ludwigsburg for the Ludwigsburg CityLaufen, ie 10km running race. The current German 10k and h-m champion was there along with over 4400 other starters. Very cool course winding through the city with thousands cheering on with brats, brezels, and biers in hand. I cheered with my Weizen in hand. Lots of music playing and the host from Eurosport.de was announcing. The kids run which probably had 500kids was pretty awesome. Definitely the better race to watch =)

Last week of my intensive German class this week and an A/B/C race in the Schwarzwald (Black Forest) just outside Freiburg a.B. The same Freiburg with the Freiburg Clinic. 6 rounds on a 19km course. Should be good. Goal for the week is to remain healthy, become perfect in Deutsch so I can get my diploma for my parent's kuhlshrank(refrigerator) and train hard.

Chow,
Matthew

Just Pluggin' Along

The last week has been a busy one for me. I started back in language school which has forced me to train early in the morning since school is all afternoon. The class is run by an iron-fist'd woman for two days a week and less than strict one the other 3 days. The class is very professional except for the 15yr old, Enrico. He is being a 15yr old but he would be better suited to a class with people his own age and attention span haha. The iron-fisted teacher, Sonya, is what I have been wanting in a teacher for a while now. No bs. It helps that she speaks like a native English speaker. I think she has taken favor with me more than the others b/c I am an American and she loves America, go figure. Her teaching style is rigorous but I gain a lot out of it b/c she is able to explain things in English at times which the entire class understands. Trying to learn Deutsch in Deutsch is sometimes very difficult when you have grammar questions which was the topic for most of this week. You can ask the Sanwalds that I have used several perfect tense sentences in coversation this week without error. So I no longer have to speak only in the present I can talk about what happened last week or even last year. It's a huge moment for yours truly. Vocabulary continues to increase as well. This upcoming week is the last of the two week class. Surprisingly, 4.5hrs of class per day goes by very quickly. That is the most shocking from my viewpoint.

Training has been going well this week. Fortunately, no signs of illness so I hope to keep it that way. The form is definitely in terms of power numbers is some of the best I have had ever so I hope this translates in too some results. Tomorrow we have a criterium in the Rheinland-Pfalz. Next week another Ba-Wu-Liga KT/A/B/C race. The week after is the Württenburg Team Tour, ie 3 crits over 4 days. Then another crit in the Pfalz. Should be action packed. I'm still figuring out logistics to try to get to the July 20 Tour stage in the Alps. This is going to take all my logistical research prowess. B/c the stage goes through three countries, Deutsche Bahn doesn't give prices on tickets.

My culinary tour of Schwäbian culture continued this week when Gretel rolled out the carpet with Saurbraten und Semmelknödel. The knödel was pretty awesome and will be repeated when I return =)

Former x-c teammate, Beamer, was in Stuttgart this past week. Good to catch up and I shared some traditional Ba-Wu eats with him at a Gästhaus in Stuttgart. He went with the Linsen und Würst which is lentils and sausage with a side of spätzle. I stayed true to my style and love and went right for the käsespätzle.

Summer appears to be showing itself again here in Deutschland. After a week of a lot of rain and spring-like temps, the sun is out today and I was able to ride w/ short sleeves.

Chow,
Matthew

Die Schweiz Part Zwei

Euroland Exploration

The Gigathlon camp...

Herr Heinz on the radweg
Landscape of Bodensee

Returned yesterday from a great weekend in die Schweiz with Mr. Heinz. Weather was really good and we took in some great rides and good eats. The Bodensee or Lake Constance for the rest of the world is an amazing region surrounded by the Bad-Wu Allgüa to the North, the Swiss Alps to the South, and the Austrian Alps to the East. The region is very popular for cyclo tourists as numerous pensions(B&Bs) surround the radweg(bike path) that circumnavigates the lake. If you venture off the radweg like we did you are greeted by a pleathora of great options. The region is scattered with shields(bike route signs) and in typical Euro fashion you are really never more than 10km from a village. Friday we took in the radweg along Bodensee to the west of our pension in Steinach. The route was very chill. Later that night we drove down to the start of the Gigathlon in St. Gallen. St. Gallen is an amazingly beautiful city. Beautiful Swiss architecture throughout the Stadt. The race headquarters were at the Universität in St. Gallen. Here is what the base looked like on Friday...all 5500 registered starters. Insane, chaotic, cool, yet highly organized. It made TransGermany look small time and that is saying a lot. Heinz and I took in some recon work. We met Sandra and her team after weaving our way through the minefield that was the living area for the weekend. Not to mess with the craziness of the race, we headed over to a Pizzeria across the street and got some delicious pies. Delicious crispy thin-crust...the way to eat pizza =) I scored some Anti-Doping.CH ink pens from the sponsor area which was pretty much a circus complete with magnetic resonance therapy zone, beanbags, a sponsor sport food shopping bonanza and many fit people.

Saturday was an early start because we wanted to catch the swim stage start which was in in nearby Rorschach. Pretty wild! Glad I was only riding my bike because 3km swimming seemed pretty far...I'm good for body surfing or boogie boarding in the water. After some früstuck at the pension we loaded the bikes and drove to Oberreit. Oberreit is south of St. Gallen along the River Rhein. To the east borders Austria and Lichtenstein. The river winds through the Alps and creates an amazing valley of visual pleasure. And you can rest assured that I took advantage of the opportunity and visited all countries on the 2.5hr ride. First it was Switzerland, then we crossed the Rhein into Lichtenstein. A brief layover and hefty bank deposit later we continued our return journey north along the Rhein radweg in Lichtenstein finally crossing back into Switzerland. In Oberreit, I crossed the bridge to complete the trifecta and landed myself in Austria. Border patrol is rather light you could say. Nonetheless, my list of countries visited continues to rise. In Oberreit, we were able to see Sandra start and former Activity Team rider, Roland, finish up the bike leg. A proper TdF viewing in the pension before a great lakeside dinner with fresh fish from the Bodensee topped off the day.

Another pre-breakfast ride for Heinz and I. Early morning rides are nice because everything is quiet and cool. Mix of the local countryside and the radweg. Sehr schön! We rolled back to Backnang later that morning but stopped outside Murrhardt for some delicious Schwäbian fare at a roadside restaurant. I was thinking Maultaschan but Heinz convinced me the Schnitzel with Kartoffeln Salat, Grün Salat, Spätzle mit Soße, and Halle Löwenbrau was the ticket. He was right.

Leaving shortly to head back to language school. Two weeks of intensive German learning on the way. 4.5hrs a day for two weeks. Should help me or break me. I will probably learn that I have a lot more to learn.

chow,
Matthew
Here is a blender attached to a bike...genius!

Heading to Die Schweiz

Heinz and I are rolling down to Die Schweiz (Switzerland) today. The plan is to watch Sandra compete in the Gigathlon and take in some riding this weekend along the Bodensee (Lake Constance). Should be muy exciting! The Bodensee is bordered by Germany, Switzerland, and Austria so you could ride through 3 countries in less than 45min by bike. So you could say it's going to be a real international affair. Our accommodation situation remains unsettled. We could be sleeping on a bench along the lake or in a pension. So let the adventure begin...

Follow the race
It's quite interesting and totally euro with the amount of organization and difficulty involved for all racers.

Until Sunday...
chow,
Claw