deepakvrao

I think I created enough threads here for my new bike, so have to thank everyone now that I have got it. Got it shipped to my rental cottage outside Nice, and spent a week riding the Maritime Alps. Wife took her current bike, as she refused a new bike. Crazy huh?

The fit, which was my biggest worry, worked out just fine. The reach and stack compared well to my old bike, and the new bike fits exactly the same. Canyon had suggested a S, and I had gone with the M, based only on stack and reach. Again, I owe so many of you guys here for the advise on that too.

Had a blast. Been to the regular Alps often during summer proper, but in the shoulder season we go to Nice or Valencia. Both are more rideable in April/October. The riding in France is unbelievable, not to mention the food and wine. Also, contrary to what people think, it is really not very expensive. As a tourist destination, far cheaper than the US. Even eating on the French 'Riviera' was not at all that expensive.

So, some pics. The bike is with an old seat post that I took, as I mount a backpack on it for these rides.

So, finally, the Col de la Madone [de Gorbio].

The [in]famous climb, never used in a race, but made famous by that Texan who would time himself from the Intermarche to the col, and the result of the day would tell him whether his doping was adequate or not ;-)

Quote:

There’s a dark attraction to this sunlit climb. In the words of Froome and his autobiographical ghostwriter David Walsh, the Madone “is a fallen woman. Her name is tainted by the sins of her former lover”.

Some pics, including the Intermarche. Absolutely beautiful nonstop ride, till I got to the top. Winds were over 50kmph, and I could not even lean my bike without it getting blown away. Scary but speedy descent, and lunch in Menton to finish the morning.

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/l...BZggR-TlDnLkvQ

Edit: Winds touched 60kmph as per the weather report. Insane. Only time felt similar wind was on Ventoux.






60 kmph winds at the top. Could not even take a pic with the bike, as it was getting blown around.

deepakvrao

And, the bike with the LB carbon wheels, and the original seatpost.

berner

I'm too old to climb now but enjoy other's suffering. Thanks for the trip photos.