Couple of cycling race locations in Europe...

This past week I was able to check out a few locations on some legendary (and one soon to be) cycling routes.  Two of the spots I visited are each part of one-day races in the "Monuments" of European cycling.  Below are some pics I took...

Paris-Roubaix (Hell of the North)

A relatively well maintained section of cobbles located in Gruson, France. (Carrefor de l'Abre)

Marker located on the route.

Cool view of the cobbles.  

Velodrome finish in Roubaix.

 Final turn into the finish line in front of grandstand.

Liege-Bastonge-Liege

Race passes through Houffalize, Belgium. 

Great vantage point of the town (Houffalize, Belgium)

The legendary climb Cote de Saint-Roche. (Link to Graham Watson race shot)

Looking back to the town from Cote de Saint-Roche.

A couple of Schlecks from down the road ride here...

The 3rd cycling location I visited will serve as the site of this year's Grand Start to the Tour De France.


2012 TDF Prologue - Liege, Belgium

The 6 km prologue will start at the Parc d'Avroy 

Blvd de la Sauveniere

A few cobblestone sections on the course.  (Rue de l'Universite)

Course runs alongside the River Meuse 

From the Quai Roosevelt Blvd looking up the River Muese

 Race advertisements are up!

 Course passes by the Palace in the Place Saint-Lambert

More advertisement of the TDF.

One and a quarter centuries

This past Sunday Mark and I cycled from central CT to central MA, around scenic Quabbin Resevoir and back. Here are some stats:

Miles: 125.7
Time: 8:36
Elevation: 3,840'
Calories burned: 6,452
Crashes: 1
Conversations with the law: 1
Encounters with assholes yellin from their trucks: 2
Views of the resevoir: 0

A little foggy and wet early on

Here comes the sun

Newly painted white line + Water = Crash
50 miles into our ride and cruising along at 20 mph, Mark was crossing a shoulder line to move out of the way of a runner and his bike slid out from under him. He fell into my bike, knocking me to the pavement and slamming himself into the road. We assessed the damage and decided to press on.

Mark's road rash

Enjoying the foliage

Where's the resevior?

Some more of Mark's road rash and tire burn from hitting my bike

Our route

Elevation profile

Speed vs. Time Chart

Elevation

2,500 feet of climbing in today's ride... Hatch Hill, Rte 195, Old Post Rd., Mile Hill, Dockerel Rd...

Sunday Ride

Mark and I snapped some pics on our bike ride this past Sunday:

Everyone but the moon is sleeping at the start of the ride

Me

Mark

Last Few Days

Sunday I took advantage of the 40 + degree temp and sunshine and hit the roads for 35 miles of cycling. Although I enjoy running, I must say I love cycling. I hope to put in some more miles on the bike this year!

Tuesday I saw the Doc and x-rays of my hip were negative. Looks like my hip muscles just need some strengthening. I'll be starting physical therapy next week. (I've been scheduled for 3 X a week for 4 weeks.)

This morning I hit the pool again. I might try some running tomorrow...