I won't make this mistake again... 😓 Ride Across the Alps Day 2

[@andygoldensixties4201]

After such a horrible night, climbing those mountains under a cool rain, and a smile in your face... this shows how strong is your body and how resilient is your spirit: good news. I'm impressed.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Ahhh thanks Andy!!!!

[@tarajones-legros3661]

Bed bugs = game over. That would have completely wrecked my trip. Seriously. I’m phantom itching right now just thinking about it! You brave girl!!

[@KatieKookaburra]

I'm also itching thinking about it haha

[@matthewthompson6402]

The lady in the snack shack at the top of the Glandon is fab isn't she. I was there a couple of weeks ago and she didn't have any change for my note so just gave me my hob-nob and coffee for free. I cycled back up the Croix de Fer a few days later just to give her the cash.

[@babyshiori]

awww❤ bless her

[@dorianblue4229]

Katie you're absolute legend, newbie cyclist from the Italian side of those Alps, today bad weather missing out on my first ever Colle dell'Agnello (2757 m pass it-fr border). But watching this makes me forget that! But BED BUGS: i got them just once after a one-day walk in Milan (took the tube and sat down,probably there,i didnt know), one month later (first bites one doesnt ache) i woke up with THREE itching red bites. I was CRAZY ITCHING, and believe me am no cry baby - had a tough mountain childhood and all. I genuinely don't know how you could resist here with all those bites. Respect. I was at a loss, even my family doctor got it wrong - new thing in my little town, Cuneo - it ruined my 2022 summer. I just changed room and got to air-tight seal my mattress and bed (where i'd seen the blood drops trail when they go back inn their bed dens...), with one of those huge plastic wraps for transporting mattresses - found out, they sell them in warehouses. Before sealing it with gorilla tape, i sprayes it in with half a can of natural pest-killer (it's Puressentiel spray...) I look back in horror and only got three aching bites. Ended up leaving it all sealed (wouldnt spend 400-500 euros on a busting squad lol), for a year and a half (they can survive that long...!!) And learned the hard way, to sleep on the floor like the Japanese do. Found out it's good and i do sleep better! (Once you learn the positions not to press your bones etc.) Only caution i have now, i'd be supercareful so i won't have to buy a new bed and while i'm still enjoying the Japanese way, it'd be worse if i should get bed bugs in again, as they would nest directly on the floor (wooden cracks etc.) I do wish you the best with all that! Keep riding on!! 😌🙏❤💪💪💪🤟🤟🤟

[@JoeCincotta307]

Ouch, even while telling that story you’re still cheerful. Love your adventures, keep it up!

[@IevgeniiIegorushkov]

Katie, please 🙏 ensure that those bugs are not traveled with you. It is really hard to get rid of them if they settle in the house.

[@ridingflats]

Unfortunately they probably have. Absolute nightmare to deal with.

[@tonydean2541]

Thats a really good point... i wouldnt have even thought of that.🪳Yuk.

[@babyshiori]

bed bugs are the worse bugs ever… them and roaches

[@ForKnFifties]

Yep a lady I used to take care of couldn't get rid of them until she through everything out and sprayed

[@russelldore6625]

Hi Katie how much. Does trip like this cost hope you don’t mind asking thanks

[@bobfisher8016]

You are one tough and happy rider!

[@PatrickDelorenzi]

Puffer Jackets really are a must for mountains, they've saved me so many times!

[@vanomadcyclist3474]

Love the garmin tip series, keep them coming and thank you!!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yassss thanks so much glad you like them. Any tips / hacks you use and think would help others??

[@daniele_go]

Such a bad weather, filthy hotel, cold and rainy day and still.....always with your big SMILE! Unbelievable, you are fantastic !

[@jonathancooper4047]

Great video Katie ! Chapeau inspiring for anyone deterred about riding in the rain! Hate bed bugs - had them in Munich when staying for an exhibition! You remain +very positive considering they were so prolific! Thanks for the Garmin tips too ! JC

[@peterlindsay8235]

It great that Garmin works for you. My experience with Garmin is anything but positive! Difficult to upload rides, not easily accessible, maps do not present cleanly, uploaded rides wiped from the Garmin mid trip, no voice navigation, no zoom in/out function, no online tutorials. My best Garmin day was tossing it out and moving to an online platform.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Peter sorry that you feel like that but I LOVE them and would love to help you if you wanted it. Which did you have? Was it an older model? I think they are the best! So clean, straightforward and easy to use. Any questions I would be happy to help!!!

[@PennyWiersema]

Inspiring, what a trip and you keep moitvated. Good job🎉🎉🎉

[@francoisdupont3943]

Love the adventures, your courage and strength. Well done.

[@evilrslade]

A huge effort especially considering the weather. As others here have said, do not take bedbugs lightly. It's bad enough getting mauled by them in a random hotel, but they do like to travel and once they have come home with you they really don't like to leave....

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thank you!! I’m actually quite glad of the downpour and cold as I think if any had taken a trip it would have killed them off in that weather and wet!! Everything was DRENCHED

[@claudej8805]

@@KatieKookaburra Well, if your rain wasn't above 48°C for 4 hours or under -18° for 4 days then the bed bugs and eggs, you might have had with you, didn't die.

[@Trancefreakeh]

Hey Katie, I've been watching your vids on and off ( I think I came from Cade Media, originally? ). This video gave me something I really wanted and can't find much: riding in adverse conditions. Love it! Not enough content of riders in rain/fog/sleet or even snow in mountains or forrests. It makes me feel alive, but then again, I am a pluviophile! Thank you for your content, it looks amazing ( apart from the bugs, that is )

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

If you've been exposed to bed bugs you need to completely sanitize anything that made contact with the bed and the floors. They will, literally, jump into bags and your clothes and travel with you. Also, they are extremely hard to get rid of once you are "infected". Make absolutely sure there are none in your gear.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thanks so much James!!! I do think with all my kit getting drenched for hours that day, that should have killed anything off. Everything has been washed and dried now phew!!!

[@neil27pearson]

​@@KatieKookaburra no chance that will kill them.. I'd Google if I were you. If you take them home tou will 100% regret it 😂😊

[@georgeskinner2474]

@@KatieKookaburra I hope you report this place to public health. I would have stayed elsewhere.

[@SustainabilitywithVishwaje-r1k]

@@KatieKookaburra That would not kill the bed bugs. You literally need to check for those bed bugs in your luggage. BDW I am an entomologist. Love from India ❤

[@diq5386]

Piece of advice, always check the mattress when you stay anywhere for those little beggars. Tiny spots of blood and black bits on the mattress means they are present.

[@Leckerli33]

Hi Katie! If you’re travelling through Geneva airport, stop at the pharmacy in the train station and buy yourself a tube of “Fenistil Gel” (not the roller) - it’s an amazing topical anti-histamine that’s only sold in Switzerland. Your swollen bugbites will be gone in no time 😊 Safe travels in Haute-savoie!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thank you!!!

[@chrishayward9615]

Also sold in Greece. Top up each visit.

[@Uwe666]

Hi Katie, we're so sorry for the awful weather. And we admire you for cycling up to the Col de Glandon nonetheless. We've just come back from Col du Glandon and Col de la Croix de Fer (just 100 hm away from the Col du Glandon) in the most beautiful sunshine. Thanks very much for all your encouraging videos! Best regards

[@marketingteammarmottours9887]

Eat and drink plenty! Well said Katie. Whatever floats your boat: gels, jelly sweets, nuts, bananas, snack bars ... and if you're on tour with us, you'll get fresh fruit, brownies or cake, salty tomatoes and more whenever you want a snack from the support vans 😁

[@odetocycling]

Your videos always bring a smile to my face. Did some climbs in the Alps in 2015. It's been too long. Hopefully get there again soon

[@robjones7556]

Excellent effort Katie!! Especially in that awful weather. I climbed Croix de Fer few weeks ago, on the route you descended and stayed in the campsite in Allemond you rode past. It was a tough, long climb but not sure I’d have left the camper in that weather 😂

[@tomsitzman3952]

Nice vlog. Beautiful country. I hope you did not bring any bed bugs back home. They like to nest and hatch in your hair. Little tip. Keep the down hoodie from getting wet. When on the bike put on a merino or alpaca hoodie., or a fleece hooded jacket under your rain jacket. Save the down hoodie for an emergency. Wet down is worthless. The rain must have been warm. In my part of the world a summer rain on a hot day can turn into an ice bath.

[@timfielke8345]

Thanks for the memories I rode up the Col De Madeleine back in 2010...my first or second ride in France....

[@M-demo]

Thank you for sharing your cycling adventure. The scenery is stunning. I enjoy Orangina, but I'm not fond of bedbugs. I believe they feed on blood.

[@JB-np4lp]

Have done Glandon a few times on La Marmotte in July. A different experience in the summer heat! Glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@jennimartin1897]

Great video. I live very close to Col de la Madeleine. I rode it got the first time about a three weeks ago in preparation for a my first cycle challenge. Currently recovering from that - I did it. No idea how but climbing in the alps is so rewarding once you’ve made it up there.

[@heidijarvis777]

Following on from your inspiration on your last ride series I have now signed up for my first cycling trip a four day tour next May for my 51st birthday cycling through France, Belgium and the Netherlands 258 miles fully supported. I’m super excited. Those bed bug bites look itchy.

[@zbigniewnykiel]

Katie, this time I must thanks to Garmin!!! For supporting you that you can show world from saddle!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Awwww well thank you!! That is really kind. I will continue to travel and ride and share this beautiful planet x

[@danchesters8757]

Good to meet you at the top of Glandon and again on ADH ( The Warrington boys 😂)

[@ALEX73BY]

I also did: Col de la Madeleine 2x, Col du Glandon, Col de Télegraphe, Col du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Mollard and Alpe D'Huez. Everything is so close there. Fortunately I had a better weather.

[@KatieKookaburra]

There are som corkers aren't there!! Such a great little spot for some big epic climbs

[@KatieKookaburra]

Not jealous at ALL you had better weather.....

[@denlsgoulden2307]

Really enjoyable, sensible advice regarding the puff jacket, amazing how quickly the temp. drops off with altitude, bet the rain made you feel right at home, I must remember to check hotel beds on future!! 😆

[@Bandyrobs1]

Loved the Madeleine. Start and finish pretty brutal but beautiful road.

[@CuriousG007]

Epic climbs, nasty conditions....and always that smile! You are so inspiring and your vids are always so great and informative. At least take solace in the fact that those bed bugs have exquisite taste 😂

[@KatieKookaburra]

Haha awww thank you 😋😋

[@robertkearley3900]

Climbed Madeline in 2022 incredible warm at the top and sat in that cafe eating weird shape chips. Fantastic day x

[@werneckpaiva]

I've done a very similar route in 2020. Amazing landscape and tough climbs.

[@andygolborne5747]

Been on hols myself for a week (not cycling) so having a catch up. Great effort in those conditions. And name and shame that bed bug hotel.

[@L333ENG]

The garmin screen colour has come on loads since the 1030 I’ve got. I struggle with the colours on my screen. Unlucky with those bites! The climbs look amazing.

[@markrushton1516]

Madeleine fantastic. Iseran out of Bourg St Maurice is 50km. Aprox 40km uphill. Also at the end of the Isere valley you can go left to Courchevel or a bit further is Valmorel both 30km climbs. Above Courchevel (I think) is Col de Love. Basically the whole of that area Isere, Beaufortaine and the Tarentaise is packed with climbs, many of them quiet.. Coming off the Roselend and you turn left to La Rosiere and you are in Italy and the Aosta valley, also a climb fest.

[@thepupsdontlie9930]

‘Get out the garmin…Katie has a few tips’ How on earth do you climb day after day..what a woman ❤

[@KatieKookaburra]

Awww thanks so much - I think it's years of Audax long distance riding haha. I just love riding everyday. Love having a point to point mission. It's my absolute favourite :) Especially when I get to take you all along with me :)

[@thepupsdontlie9930]

@@KatieKookaburra The love and enthusiasm oozes out for sure 😊 you make it look so simple. Look after yourself and remember to take rests along the way…a pause is as important as a climb ❤️

[@thankyoujesus2836]

It’s carbs baby

[@yeticlimber2768]

Katie,you Rock the Mountains🤗🚵‍♀️🤗💪💪👍❤️

[@andrewsando7355]

Whilst I am familiar with those climbs , hats off for your fortitude. It’s a great shame To go over those Cols in poor weather as your deprived of some of the magnificent views. It can feel pretty exposed when cold and wet on the tops. The decent from the Glandon was deceptively tiring ( steep down and up “pot “ 2/3 way ) Good luck with your adventures in the coming days. Ps……. Those bed bugs are Nasty but don’t “ over worry “ about them.

[@cervione20]

Un petit bonjour de la corse , j'adore vos vidéos , bravo ...

[@KatieKookaburra]

Oooh you live in Corsica! I want to come visit, what’s it like there? How is the weather this time of year?

[@cervione20]

@@KatieKookaburra Hello, Yes I am in Corsica and cyclists, we have a magnificent cycling and hiking area in the mountains. I am exactly in Corsica Haute Corse, in Bastia .... If you discover Corsica you can no longer go anywhere else, I have many Irish cyclist friends, who have discovered Corsica and who can no longer go anywhere else. The weather is mild even in winter, the cool periods February March and again, we can do our sport all year round. So to discover Corsica the months of May and JUNE and late season September, October and even November despite the shorter days. There are also superb mountain walks, the GR20, known worldwide, with breathtaking landscapes (I'm not kidding) I'm a big FAN of the videos you post, and bravo for the outings in the rain and the cold. Watch or find out with Google, about the Aiguilles de Bavella and the calanques of Piana, Bonifacio, Les CAP Corse belle Balade Sincerely

[@cervione20]

Not a very correct translation, I think, excuse me.

[@Milquetoast702]

I love that you are adding these tips really helpful

[@KatieKookaburra]

Woohoooo thanks so much I'm glad you like it. Just there's SO much on Garmins and some of us can miss a lot of useful features. So hope it will help. Is there one tip you would give? Maybe it's something I haven't used before....

[@Milquetoast702]

@@KatieKookaburra i wish! I am saving up for a garmin though. So at least i will have head start! Btw i still look at your e book for tips. You are such a badass i really appreciate everything you do for us especially for us women getting into cycling. It can be intimidating!

[@simonreynolds8950]

Cant believe you stayed in that room or even hotel. I would gave been straight out. Check all you stuff as they travel abd as someone said do nit bring them home.😊

[@billstowe2]

Thanks for your vids Katie. I'm an old man on retirement but you inspire me to ride. Although I watched all your Pyrenees vids too, I missed the type/brand of warm jacket you carry. It seems a lifesaver. Thx. Keep up the good work.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thanks Bill - seems like you have the perfect time for some bike rides :) The jacket is a Patagonia Micro Puff hoody. Worth the money for sure!! Enjoy

[@richeyhughes]

So familiar with that part of the Alps. First time up the Madeleine way back in 1998 watching Ullrich and Pantani in the tour. Didn’t think it was that difficult in my 20s riding up on 42x23. Went back in 2019 and how wrong I was….it’s a long climb and very hot when we rode it. Only done the Glandon from the side you descended. Very long climb and depending which way you turn at the top. Go right and climb up to the Croix de fer. Very nice Dutch cafe hotel near the lake dam you rode over in Allemond…….probably no bugs there

[@biodegreaser4009]

That’s bad 😫 never leave your bags on the floors in hotels in case they get in there and then you taken home 😫😫😫😫

[@roberthotter7008]

You love the mountains like I do. Keep pushing

[@KatieKookaburra]

I LOVEEEEEE THEM!!

[@adamgreener3887]

Yep done that side of Madeleine a few times. It’s killer! Seems to go on forever!

[@grahammarkham9398]

Great climb fantastic well done we had the same problem in Spain in a apartment had to get the place fumigated 😢

[@majosrnik8111]

Did ya know when you connect 1050 to indoor trainer ( tacx ) and you ride indoors you can pick and course saved on your unit… it will show your location on your garmin unit same as riding outdoors and readjust resistance based on reality outside… it’s Dope ! Nice way to actually train for specific climbs outside or anything really you rode in past you can rerun to it in the future 😂 , love edge 1050 !

[@chrisdelaplante5515]

Hello, french here, you said it well the first time, Col de la Madeleine.

[@antonioCsilveira]

I climbed the Col du Glandon a few years ago and it was quite hard, especially in the last few kms, super steep

[@brucewilliams259]

Lovely video. At least summer in the Alpes, the rain is warm in the valleys. I've done Madeleine three times (L'Etape, 2 road trips) and your video of the stream is the iconic image of the climb. Always seems to be in cloud. Also, Glandon (L'Etape &touring) from each side but had to walk near the top from Madeleine side, it's so hard!

[@edt6488]

Did Madeleine from both sides, on the same day. Quite pleasant! 😊

[@KatieKookaburra]

BEAST MODE!!

[@Francesco_M.]

Oh, no.. ! that is sad, scary and most definitely upsetting and it shouldn't have happend. Those bites looked nasty, makes me heavy-hearted to see this; how did you pull that off anyway? Heavy rain and all, it is impressive to me that you made it until the end, memorable even. Still, it mustn't happen again, worse thing that could happen to a cyclist that is touring your area is to make them have a night like that, fighting the bugs to gather a few hours of sleep. Hope you are feeling better now, that is all that matters. Try and stack up a few extra hours of sleep Katie and be safe out there, you are one _strong girl_ and a _fenomenal cyclist_ that we all passionately admire! 😃😁 🤗 😊 🍀🙏 👋 = )

[@vsabljic]

How do you make sure you do not spread bed bugs to other places you are staying? They get everywhere, clothes, luggage, hair and they are very hard to detect.

[@IevgeniiIegorushkov]

Yep! Those bugs are genius to travel with their victims.

[@LareesieAlice]

right? Trip over type of disgusting. Strike a match to her clothes and call it a day.

[@Everlak89]

I doubt she can do much, since the only effective thing to do is to seal everything up and don’t open it.

[@HereThereBackAgain]

Bed bugs can it survive in temps above about 100 degrees F. Any way you can heat up your items, dryer on high heat. Leaving items in the car with the windows up. Anything you can do to get that heat for more than 30 minutes, and you're good.

[@vsabljic]

@@HereThereBackAgainwell I can see Katie staying at a new place and she just dries cold wet clothes in the bathroom. Now this hotel room probably also has bed bugs.

[@kevinpower5880]

I use the smart alerts on my 530. It claims to base alerts on my heart rate and ambient temperature. They seem to work well and i eat more frequently and feel better for it.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yassss Kevin, they are such a simple but really useful feature! Glad you're enjoying it and it's helping your rides

[@kimb8348]

Love your videos! I'm always yelling "who can eat that many bananas!" 😅

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

Damn those bed bugs! Bites, cold and rain … all the while climbing but still you carry on cheerful as ever … must be the outsize tins of Orangina … ha! Ta very much for this inspirational video … I’m really enjoying your adventure series … keep ‘em coming! 🚴‍♂️⛰️🍊🙂

[@thewattlife]

Some of that weather looks horrible. Well done x

[@nv400adventurer13]

For your tips, what about - "Clued up with Katie" ? I'm itching just from you talking about the bed bugs, like when people talk about midgies.

[@andyblades8946]

Katie K’s Garmin Geekery. 😊

[@briannicholson2971]

Hi Katie, that takes me back to 2012 when I cycled up the Col de Madeleine from the side you came down and the Gladon ....my conditions were a bit better...well done you 😊👍

[@KatieKookaburra]

Well done you too!!

[@briannicholson2971]

​@@KatieKookaburraI have a story about descending off the Galiber that's too long to tell but suffice to say after a day of 30 Deg near the summit and after the tour passed we were all being hit with golf ball sized hailstones as we descend.

[@juancarlossala-s4j]

Qué estés bien, abrazos 🤗💖

[@chwasmus]

Good tips! Just switched from Wahoo to Garmin and I'm loving it. I just wish these power meter pedals would not be so crazy expensive.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Woop woop glad you are liking it :) which one did you go for? Also, you know you can get the single sided power Rally pedals... just in case that helps :)

[@chwasmus]

@@KatieKookaburra I got the Garmin Edge 540. ClimbPro is awesome! I know, but they are still pricy. Have to safe up for it. First I need an indoor bike trainer. Cycling is so expensive. 😅 Enjoy the rest of your trip. It looks so amazing there!!! 😍

[@richardatkinson4015]

Fantastic scenery !!!

[@thomasvournazos7577]

Noooo. Bourge Saint Maurice area is by far my favorite. If only Id seen this earlier, i would 1000% recommend a place in Landry for you to stay...the best place to be for a biker. next time I guess.

[@stevegatland5544]

Another great video 🙂 But a question I wanted to aks was after seeing you ride in dry and wet conditions, are you riding summer or winter tyres? Or all-round weather tyres and which ones do you recommend? I'm just thinking weather I need seperate summer and winter tyres or whether you recommend an all-rounder? Im currently running "Continental GP5000 S TR Tubeless 700x32"

[@nicholascowen]

I’ve just added calorie burn alerts to my garmin so I don’t end up bonking. I had a problem where I was eating to much and it was giving me stomach issues. So tracking the calorie burn rather than eat alerts (over a time period) is better for me.

[@KatieKookaburra]

That is a good idea - I also have the calories burned on a data field on a different page just as a reminder to tell me to refuel! A lot on longer rides as they do stack up.

[@danielhunt2510]

Hi Katie. I did these climbs in 2015 but the opposite way setting off from the top of Alp d’huez in the morning with an AlpCycles company. I remember starting that decent from the top of the Glandon down into La Chambre thinking it was steep. Such a memorable day. Really big Chapeau to you doing that climb especially in that weather wazzing it down. Dan - East Yorkshire

[@KatieKookaburra]

Hahaha wazzing - love that word. Really sums up the feeling of that type of rain eh? ha. Well done on riding it, it's not an easy ride at all.

[@MatWag]

Thanks for the nice video again! And sorry for your bed bug experience - horrible! I hope you don't find any in your bags coming home 👀 Isn't that the way those bugs spread?

[@wilsistermans1118]

I was in the France Alps early this summer, but enjoyed the mountains by car and a couple of hikes. I have done most of the famous alps by bike many years ago. That was when shifters where on the down tube, only 14 gears in total, cotton clothing no helmets and a raw steak in the pants to prevent saddle pain. With that gear it was impossible to cycle op those mountains for women. Bikes and clothing are so much better now.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Was the raw steak a thing???? What years did you ride these? I think you had it much much tougher than we do now

[@wilsistermans1118]

@@KatieKookaburra That was 41 years ago. I trained with the profs and shammies where not invented yet. Raw steaks where quite common for longer rides.

[@Joelseph42]

Love the videos. What kind of rain jacket it that? What brand.

[@ScottBaker1]

I have a Karoo 2 and Im leaning heavy towards getting a 1040 or 1050. The hazard reporting seems like such a great feature

[@CarnivoreDMD]

Toothbrush & floss! 😊 Awesome pack!

[@dave136]

Great to see your adventure Katie…could I ask what is that waterproof jacket you have..I’m looking for a waterproof jacket that is breathable..at a sensible price..but I’m struggling…thanks in advance…keep up the good work…luv your cycling vids🙏🏻

[@keithmorel2964]

New section should be called 'Katie's tech talk'

[@zarakahler4950]

Yes, I have done the Madeleine, (along with Colombiere, Aravis , Saisses, Telegraphe, Galibier and Alpe d’Huez, over four days), it’s a nice climb but does seem to go on forever, great descent though. Mind you, I was a lot younger, fitter and lighter back then.

[@KatieKookaburra]

It's like we did the same route... where did you start and stop?

[@zarakahler4950]

@@KatieKookaburra it was an organised tour starting in Geneva/Annemasse. First day was an easy day along the lake to Thonon-Les-Bains, then day two was some foothills inc Col de Jambaz before starting the mountains proper with La Colombiere. Cycling finish was on top of Alpe d’Huez from which we whisked off by coach the next morning back to Geneva airport (so we never got to do the descent - boo!). My bike was a steel-framed Audax model (used to do those too, but only up to 300k) and was probably the heaviest bike in the group.

[@kenizzard]

Last col that I climbed was Madeleine, but from the other side. I do admit the descent was pretty hard going especially at the end of a long week. It doesn’t help that I had just hauled my 100kg body over that mountain!

[@alanbenham4139]

Col de la Madeleine was my first climb in the Alps. Felt like it went on forever! Then a couple of days later I did Telegraph, Galibier & Alpe d'Huez in one hit. That was a hard day on the bike in 35C+ heat!

[@MannBazza]

At least your Garmin doesn’t have any bugs 😘

[@KatieKookaburra]

Good one! haha

[@benwootton]

Awesome video

[@_Mountain_Dave]

Yikes i thought it was being hyped up on the news about bed bugs - suddenly reaches for tarp, sleeping bag and bivi....! Any local sheep dips ;-) 🤣

[@tonystaples9136]

katie you should tell that hotel about them bites , its not good , or acceptable , when you said it I assumed you were over egging the story but thats bad... Enjoy the rides , no need for that pain ..

[@KatieKookaburra]

They were bad and still really bad now. Arrghhh nothing I can do about it and so many worse things that people are going through. just a few nibbles but at the time they were sore!

[@davidp7414]

A garmin gem

[@kevinlyon9501]

Ow those bites look horrible hope they've cleared up. Yes I do get the same sense sometimes of why am I doing this usually it's wet I'm soaked through and I've just passed a cafe as I don't want to stop I just want it to end.

[@johnmcnulty1129]

Awesome vlog, well done for conquering those two Alpine "beasts" off the back of Little sleep. How dare those little "bar stewards" bite our Queen of the mountains ! :( Shame about the weather on the Glandon, but hey, nothing you can't cope with. Long as you're safe, especially on those descents. Keep the fantastic vlogs coming amazing Katie ☀️ 🦙

[@rug212]

Oh! I would’ve been so gone at the first sight of a bed bug! I’d rather sleep on a park bench!😵‍💫

[@chrismorgan4619]

Name and shame that hotel! great grit Katie!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thanks - well I think they are sorting it.

[@robowen66]

Connect iQ has that power gauge for older models.

[@timcollins340]

It’s native (no IQ required) in the 1030/1040 and presumably the 530/830 and 540/840 as well.

[@userremoved]

grand effort👍. how about calling the tips segment “Get the Edge with Garmin” ….😉

[@KatieKookaburra]

Ooooh I like this!!!!

[@leightondavies8884]

Gladon - type 2 fun 😢 but the descent the other side ❤❤

[@shaunbyrne9553]

How do you decide between your tailfin and the saddle bag for these touring trips? Appreciate bug bite carnage pictures at the end. Ouch.

[@KatieKookaburra]

I basically put all the stuff I wanted to take in a pile and whichever it fit best in :) The Tailfin is amazing if you have a lot of stuff but I defo prefer a light bag like the Alpkit for less items.

[@janekorducki-ih4ij]

Great work!!! What was the name of the rear bag? Do you know the size?

[@KatieKookaburra]

Apidura race pack 7L

[@CoachCoreyQueen]

For me, (and I use the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar Watch), having the Storm alert so I’m not getting caught in the middle of a ride or run and a storm pops up!

[@andrearicci4707]

Perhaps in Garmin you can visualize your residual anaerobic capacity, that's helpful to know how much juice is left in your battery

[@kayasper6081]

They should have closed the entire hotel and make it bed bug free before opening again.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Agree!