Nutrition Changes

Discussing with a friend about how is it that the average speed of the amateur cyclist that I see riding around has move from 30 km/h to around 38 km/h. 35 became the old 28 km/h cruising speed. And I say this taking away the big groups that were always faster but small groups of 2 or 3 guys or single riders. I ride 99% of my time alone. And I see this in the flats roads of central Netherlands, when the weight of the bike isn't a big factor.

We came up with 3 reasons (apart from structural training that deserves a complete post on itself and I won't cover here).

2026 Cycling Trip Part 2 - France

The second part of the big cycling trip of the year was on France and also divided in 2 areas. First in a place well known as I visited many times over the years: the foot on the highest mountain in Europe, the Mont Blanc. More precisely in the village of Passy, very close to the border with Switzerland. The second area was in the Alsace region, beside the little village of Munster (not to confuse with Munster, Germany, as I originally did when discussing the plans with the guys) which was a first for me. Both areas had great cycling rides and different types of mountains, types of roads and difficulties but also completely different culture, history, food and people. 

Stores and photos after the break.

2026 cycling trip part 1 - Italy

Colle Fauniera.

This year's second cycling trip abroad started with a very early waking up time to face the long drive to Cuneo, Italy, which is part of the Piedmont Region. 15 hours in a car with two guys, Peter and Arjan, that I just met but with one common friend and a cycling addiction. That followed by 4 days in the French Alps and 4 days in the Alsace region cycling the Vosges mountain range. Great days with a nice group of guys. See after the jump the first part with the Italian rides.