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Welcome to the Bike Bulletin. Helping you keep your chain clean and your inbox interesting.
—Sam Westby @samcwestby
This is a weekly newsletter about bike trips, urban cycling, and a love for two-wheeled transit. The more time you spend on a bike, the better. I share new editions every Thursday (sometimes Friday), gearing you up for the ride ahead.
It’s a short email today. Next week, we’ll be back on track with the regular sections.
I underestimated how hard it is to crush miles, make a video each night, socialize, and take care of myself. Thanks for bearing with the Bike Bulletin during “trip mode”.
RIDE REPORT
I’m sitting at a pizza restaurant somewhere in the Dolomites eating capricciosa pizza and typing this. When in Italy I guess.
It’s my final week on the road. I’ll arrive in Ljubljana, Slovenia on June 22nd and fly back to Boston on June 24th. The Alps have been incredible. I need to go back to the Pyrenees to compare, but I haven’t closed my eyes in days. It’s too beautiful. My only regret is that my dad had to get home and couldn’t join me for the Alps.
I smashed my longest climb record this week. Previously it was 3700 feet (1120 meters) of elevation gain, a climb from last year’s Tour Divide. Now it’s 6000 feet (1800 meters). Almost double.
The funny thing is that Tour Divide climb took me 7 hours because it was steep and off-road, but the pass the other day only took 3 hours. Climbing on pavement is so much more fun.
It’s a strange feeling ascending for hours and hours. Strangely addiction. Even more addictive are the descents. Effortless, epic views, and smooth roads.
I think I need to come back.
I don’t feel that way about anywhere, but I am going to miss the Alps.
My legs are feeling it, so I gotta be smart. Go slow. Keep the heart rate low. Say hi to everyone. There’s a massive cycling culture in the Alps, but unlike a month ago in Spain, not everyone says hi back. There are so many cultures represented here, that I don’t expect it.
I do get a lot of thumbs ups going up the climbs. Everyone is suffering together, but once they see all the weight I’m packing people get impressed. Jokes on them, I’m probably having an easier time because I’m not trying to go fast. “Just chillin” is a great way to ride.
My Dad and I did that best in France. Hit a bakery every morning. Roll out at 10 or 11. Only ride 4-6 hours. That was real bike touring, and a solid vacation.
My content is mostly PG, but I saw this today and had a good laugh.
See you next week for a regularly scheduled Bike Bulletin. I have to remember how to use a real computer!