I was totally shocked to learn when I looked up the route map of this years Tour, a few weeks ago. I'm surrounded by mountains and big rolling hills, I have made for myself a challenging mix of climbs to keep me in shape. There is a long steep 18% hill climb that cuts through some hill side farm villages. I often would think, while climbing, that this would be a nice hill for the pros. I could not believe it when the Tour was going right through my little hidden training grounds today. I just climbed it last night, and plan to ride tomorrow again after I take the kids to school.


This part is between the villages of Wickacker and Salvisberb



This is the break away. The steep road off in the distance behind the school house is also the road I ride. All the hills around this area, I have been riding for years.



The peloton! Funny, we were the only ones at that spot, most of the riders smiled and looked at my kids.