I've cycled around the lake of Orta before, in both directions. In my opinion the climb out of Omegna is the easiest even if it is sun exposed as the gradient is never severe.

Very hard today, ok once I got onto the Coiromonte hairpins although 5 min of my PB - 19m49s instead of 14m33 - 25% ! Although I blame 28mm rather than 25mm tires.

I'd intended to climb to Alpe Loccia but it was too hot and I'm not on form at the moment so cut my climb short by taking the Loreglia loop back to Omegna.

Bought a tri suit so I can cycle and swim. Seems like a good plan in the dog days of a Lyon summer. Tri suit takes a long time to dry mind you but is comfortable to ride in.

Because of a tendinitis I wanted a route that was flat. Also my road bike has a bent gear hangar and will have to wait for me to get my straightening tool to fix it.

Short tour of the Manival to please the tot. Very humid weather in the valley but fresh as soon as you climbed a bit.

I wanted to do a Grand Col but have tendonitis so this is the nearest thing within easy reach of the house.

A little lunch ride to turn the legs, about 1h10 for the loop and 28 mins for the climb, a bit off my PB but I haven't ridden much this year and it felt sufficiently quick.

First time out on my rebuilt Spitfire where I didn't get a puncture but at the same time I didn't ride on any gravel.

The ski resort of Chamrousse had decided to open the main gondola lift for the May bank holidays.