After a spectacular start to the training (6 sessions of spinning in 9 days!) I crash and burn, spending the last few days working crazy hours. Energy left over for an early morning spinning class is pretty much zero. However, it’s now Easter weekend, so all is not lost.
With the snow almost gone, it’s finally time to dust off the bikes and take to the roads! It’s time to tackle the Camillien-Houde! This is the road to the top of Mont Royal, a particular steep, although short climb. I’ve cycled it before without stopping, but this is my first attempt of the year after quite a lazy winter
I’d like to say that I stopped purely to take this picture, but it was one of 4 breaks I needed on the way up the hill. I’ve just googled Camillien houde to get the stats of how difficult this climb is, and rather depressingly it’s the 9,657th most difficult climb in the world (at least it got a mention!). It’s 1.6km long, elevation 72m grade 4.4%. Four rest stops is a bit embarrassing really, but at least there is room to show improvement.
Stuart leaves me behind and decides he has enough time to drink tea, whilst waiting for me to catch up.
The Belvadere at the top of Mont Royal was our destination
It’s Good Friday, so we reward ourselves with a Hot Cross Bun, which in French is actually a Brioche du Careme. I guess that’s why I never managed to buy any last year, when I kept asking for un bun chaud, avec une croix!
We decided to head back home via the rather pleasant meandering Olmsted Road, but were in for a bit of a surprise. There was lots of melting snow, slush and mud on the path, so what should have been a gentle skoosh back down the hill, was more of a challenge in staying upright.
The answer to the question, is it too soon for shorts, was in fact – Yes!
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