In the summers of 2000 and 2001, I became a "Tour chaser": I rode along part of the race's route. Specifically, I rode the mountain stages, not far from the race itself. In 2000, I rode up and down some of the Pyrenees climbs en route to Spain and back. The following year, I ascended some of the most difficult Alpine climb, including a ride up the Alpe d'Huez in the morning, ahead of the Tour caravan.
I thought I was quite the rider. So did anyone who saw me or heard about what I did: I made all of those climbs and descents with a full set of panniers and handlebar bag. So, although my bike--a Voodoo Wazoo Cyclo-cross machine--was relatively light, especially considering that I rode with sturdy tires, I was hauling about ten kilograms more than any of the racers.
I don't know what it would be like to do those climbs now. After all, I was twenty years younger than I am now. Oh, and those two tours (the 2001 ride took me into a bit of Italy and another bit of Switzerland) were the last I did before my gender affirmation process. So I had a full dose of testosterone, if you will, powering those muscles in my legs.
But I must say that someone who followed Sunday's ninth stage of the Tour de France puts me to shame.
#TDF2022 It's hard to be a good mom #respect #sharingpassion pic.twitter.com/vKZwPRso6I
— ProCyclingStats.com (@ProCyclingStats) July 10, 2022
Dubbed "Supermum" and "Mum of the Year," she pedaled up--and down--the Col de Croix with her kid in tow. Some have suggested that since she was riding a Cannondale, and did something similar in the wake of the 2019 Giro d'Italia, the bike-maker should sponsor her.
If I'd been awarded the polka-dot jersey for my rides, I would gladly have given it to her.
