Tara Joseph's French Alps Trip

Clients and friends of KONA Human Performance recently visited the French Alps in Haute-Savoie, France, to enjoy a vigorous 10-day cycling vacation. Many of the daily rides, based out of Vanilla Ski Chalet in Bourg-Saint Maurice, included the most difficult 1st Category and Hors Category climbs of the Tour de France, including La Plagne, Cormet De Roselend, Col Du Petite St. Bernard, Col Du Telegraphe and the famed Col Du Galibier, with side trips to La Thuille and Courmayeur, Italy. Our hosts, Sam and Andy Maiklem, (www.vanillaski.com/alpine_etape/) were most gracious. Andy an avid cyclist would ride with us daily giving us the history and translating the french language throughout our day. We would certainly look forward to our evenings, as that's when Andy's wife, Sam would present us with her daily "Extraordinary Culinary Creation". Sam prepares only organic foods; duck, lamb, chicken, lovely green salads and vegetables, to name a few. Local wine and cheese from nearby villages were also enjoyed with our evening meal. I must say, dream of her creations even to this day.

Participants were Leslie Smith, Atlantic Beach; Charlie Fry, Ponte Vedra Beach; Rick Ricart, Palm Bay; Florida; Ben Moore, Jacksonville; and Tara and John Josephs, Jacksonville.
If you are interested in a future trip, please contact Tara Josephs - tarajosephs@mac.com


Chamonix, France

Ice climbers at the top of Aiguille du Midi - Mont Blanc (Charlie Fry in Photo)

Ski Training to the Rosiere (5 to 6% Grade)

La Plagne (Tara and John Josephs, Rick Ricart, Charlie Fry)

The Grand Galibier 2645 meters (that equals 8677 feet)

View from the top of Galibier

Vanilla Ski Chalet
(Rick Ricart, Charlie Fry, John and Tara Josephs, Leslie Smith and Ben Moore)

Andy Mailkem, Leslie Smith, Tara Josephs, Rick Ricart, Ben Moore, Charlie Fry