Haute Route Dolomites – Why?
Leah all smiles the day before sign in..
Well back again for more smiles, hills and pain, this time Leah and I are doing the Haute Route Dolomites. A 7 day stage bicycle stage race from Geneva to Nice. Now anyone who knows their geography will know that there a re a few mountains in between these two cities, and in the true spirit of the Haute Route (HR), they go up and over them, not around them like a normal sane person would.
Coming up this week we have 899km, most likely over 900km by the time you factor in getting to a from hotels, and 23,500m climbing. I have seen everything from 19,700 to 23,500m climbing and either way it is a long way. Along the way we climb mountains made famous by the Giro such as Furkapass, The STELVIO, Passio di Gavia, Passo Giau and the snakes and ladders pass, Passo San Boldo to name a few.
No trip to Geneva would be complete with out the fountain photo.
Now, how could I convince lovely Leah to do another HR after last year swearing black and blue that she would not. I, for once, can happily defer the blame to Roberto and Ramon, and 29 other Mexican friends we know who have made the trip from Mexico city to race here. We know Roberto from our time at business school, and I know Ramon through Roberto, and worked with him at one stage. Roberto, Ramon and 11 other Mexicans came across to do the HR Alps in 2013, my first HR, and it was great fun. This time around they convinced 39 of their mates to enter to make the total Guadalupanos cycling group of 41! They will be everywhere, as the total field is about 500. They are the reason Leah is here, contrary to what she may say.
The week starts Monday with the longest stage, a 176km and 4,300m climbing day, from Geneva to Crans-Montana. Before that we need to register and pick up our HR bag, day bag and HR Mavic kit. Then go for a gentle leg spin tomorrow and we may even try and find a restaurant to enjoy a Sunday brunch before heading back into Geneva for a lazy afternoon. In the evening we have to sit through the pre-race briefing, which takes for ever, and has some useful information in it. All that is on Sunday.
In the meantime it is time to put up my feet, and feel like we are on holiday for the day. More to come during the week.
Hamish and Leah
See below for what we have for the week....
