Is it really worth it …?
Oh god, is it worth it?
I wake up before my alarm. It must be something to do with knowing you need to get up earlier than normal that makes your body anticipate the alarm by a few minutes. At least it avoids waking up my wife at such an ungodly hour.
I unplug the phone, make sure I turn off the alarm, and creep out of the bedroom.
My clothes are lying on the floor by the front door as usual, and I always debate whether putting them on first before having breakfast is better, or vice versa. I typically tend to wait until after I’ve managed to cram some food into my mouth before cramming myself into my lycra.
The coffee machine always sounds too loud – but there’s no way I’m going out into the early morning gloom without at least one coffee. Thankfully the kids aren’t so noise sensitive any more, so I can grind the coffee beans without worrying too much about them waking up.
Food wise it is normally either some eggs if I have time, some overnight oats if I’ve been prepared, or a quick piece of toast or bowl of cereal if I’m short on time.
Ensuring all the clothes, shoes, bidons, and bars and gels have been prepared the night before can be a real timesaver. Often when I haven’t sorted myself the previous evening my shoes are in a strange place. Or I can’t find my heart rate monitor, or my garmin isn’t charged, so I find it always best to do as much as possible the night before.
When I’m finally dressed (far quicker in summer than winter) I creep out the door making sure I’ve got everything with me – there’s nothing worse than having to go back into the house and clip clop around in cycling shoes hunting for a forgotten something.
My bikes are down in the cellar, and the mirror in the lift gives me a chance to check whether I’ve managed to get dressed ok in the dark!
Just above Malval
Once outside, it is Invariably chilly first thing in the morning, but I find that if I’m a little cold at the start it turns out ok after around 15 mins.
Rolling out from my house in the quiet just before dawn is absolutely wonderful.
I live in the city centre and riding the roads around my house without the usual traffic is a joy. The sky slowly lightens and no matter whether I’m off out to the vineyards, for a blast along the lakefront towards Nyon, headed for the Salève, or towards the Jura, the atmosphere is always special.
The lack of traffic means all the other riding noises are heightened. I become more aware of the mechanical (and electrical) noises of my bike. The whirring of the freehub, the gentle occasional creaking of my pedals, and the buzzing of the gear changes.
Also the physical noises, the wind rushing past my ears, my breathing getting heavier as I climb, the rustling of my gilet against my chest.
There are also the natural sounds that come more easily to my ears. The birdsong, insects buzzing, water rushing by in the rivers I cross.
But it is the light that really leaves the lasting impression on my senses.
The way the colours change from black, to purple, to red, orange and blue is a pleasure to see and experience. And the way my surroundings come to life, moving from mere silhouettes to fully rounded objects.
On a still day, the way the early light catches the steam rising off the river and the smoke from the chimneys of the apartment buildings is breathtaking.
Everything takes on new life as the sun comes up.
And I also feeling more and more alive as my ride takes shape.
My body warms up, the first traces of sweat start to trickle down my forehead, the muscles start to fire and I know that yes …
It really is worth it …
Women’s Tour 2025
We’re organising a female only, female guided 4 day hilly loop of Lac Leman in summer 2025. This tour includes some spectacular riding in the Vallée Verte and climbing the mythical Col de Joux Plane. You’ll ride along the lake shore past Montreux and Vevey in Switzerland and head up into the deserted Jura and cycle beside the beautiful Lac de Joux.
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It is a perfect introduction to multi day riding in a supportive environment. If you’ve always fancied riding in the alps but didn’t know how to make it work, drop us a line to find out more.
What I’ve been listening to while typing
FKA Twigs – Perfect Stranger
I heard this on the radio recently and just had to find out who sang it (shazam is my friend). I’ve been aware of FKA twigs for a while, but have never really dived into her music. This tracks is such an instant classic for me. Brilliant lyrics and great delivery.