We may not be fast, but we are determined. The biggest ride of our lives by far! Wow! Yesterday, Martin and I rode La Marmotte. 175 kilometres (108 miles) and 5,000 metres vertical ascent (16,400 feet).

La Marmotte (along with l'Etape du Tour) are probably the most famous and two of the most challenging Cyclosportives in France. Saturday's course: 174 kilometres and +5,000 metres of ascent (+17,000 feet). Three epic, beautiful, and legendary climbs with the easiest being Alpe d'Huez (seriously...

My fourth cyclosportive this June (versus only three the previous 42 years). I don't think I am getting faster. But at least the pain is less of a surprise.

In May, Doreen and I spent three days cycling around Gstaad, Switzerland . Someone saw one of the photos and invited me to enter the PBS Nature - Television "Prince of the Alps" photo contest. And the photo placed in the top 10 - sort of cool.

Today I climbed the "Classic" Col du Joly.

Over 140 kilometres with about 3,400 metres climb (+11,000 feet) in a heat wave. This is the first time I have ever done a ride with a real expectation beforehand of not finishing.

Woohooo! I cross the finish line at today's Tour of Switzerland well before the pros - my first stage victory! :)

My legs needed a day off, but the sirens of the Dauphiné were calling my name. On a last second whim, I jumped in the car to the base of Col du Granier - the first climb in today's race.

How's that for a trip profile? My left boob is a little smaller - but pointier (steeper!). Another great day watching the Dauphinée Libéré.

Today the Dauphinée climbed the Salève, the super steep climb behind my house. Six of us - me, my wife and four great friends from Geneva met at our place pre-ride for lunch and Belgium beers.