Am laying up in Lausanne for a few days while I recover from biking the Alps.
Without the magic 'juice' my mortal legs get pretty tired. Stayed a few days at Bourg d'Oisans, at the foot of Le Tour's most famous climb, L'Alpe d'Huez. It consists of 21 switchbacks climbing 1000 metres in 14 km. A parade of Tour wannabes rides each day in summer, me included. Increasing frequent stops to catch my breath saw me drag my arse up there. No drug test for this grimpeur.
Heavy overnight rain flooded my tent so I sougt refuge in the eaves of the laundry. Ah the pleasures of camping.
Recovered to ride the Lauteret, another Tour perennial.
Shame about the Tour - they had years to sort it out. Hopefuly this scandal will trigger new and better testing.
With the Time Trial tomorrow the Australian Cadel Evans could still win.
Well, am relaxing in the Swiss lakeside town of Lausanne (thanks Melissa for the stylish accommodation), where the Swiss do not permit unseasonal rain. 26 degrees this evening.
Melissa's friend Marion found me a ticket to Paleo (www.paleo.com), an outdoor festival, where Bjork performed an excellent show. Also saw Clap your hands say Yeah, and tried fondue.
I wonder about the Swiss - how long can their affluence protect them from global changes? There is an air of business as usual. People are well-groomed and polite.
Some highlights: French pastries, stinky cheese, great weather, trying out my French, bike lanes.
Lowlights: overcooking it on the Alp, wet tent.
Sorry no pics today, more to come. Each one just like a postcard.
A bientot.
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