Tour of the Alps

Some of you may be aware that there is a bike race going on in Europe. It is called the Tour de France. I wrote about it (and how it compares to life) last year in Lessons from the Peloton and More Lessons from the Peloton. We are NOT on our way to France, but Les IS getting ready for one of the most challenging rides of his life!

The Tour of the California Alps is also known as The Death Ride. It is 129 miles, 15,000 feet of climbing, over 5 mountain passes. Riders will ascend Monitor Pass with an elevation of 8,314 feet and go down the back side. They will then turn around and go back up Monitor Pass and down. Following Monitor, they will go up and over and back up and over Ebbetts Pass with an elevation of 8,730 feet. The grand finale is Carson pass with an elevation of 8,580 feet. Riders only have to go to the top and back of Carson! Here is the route:



In 2008 Les did 4 of the 5 passes. He was determined, but got hailed on coming down Ebbetts pass and watched the same storm clouds head to Carson. We are on our way to South Lake Tahoe now. We'll probably do some kayaking tomorrow. I'm looking forward to relaxing, doing a little trail running, and reading on Saturday. Les has a little unfinished business in the California Alps...