Sometimes, choosing a challenging goal can be one of the best things you can do for your health, motivation, and overall well-being.
Recently, Dr. Geron Cowherd returned from an incredible cycling adventure through the Pyrenees in France and Navarra Province of Spain with Thomson Bike Tours. This was his third trip with Thomson, and once again, it was an experience he won’t soon forget.
We’re sharing this story not simply to tell you what he did, but to share why he chose to do it.
As a lifelong athlete, Dr. Geron finds that having an athletic goal gives him something to work toward every day. It influences his training, food choices, recovery, and how he approaches each workout. Chiropractic, Active Release Techniques, acupuncture, and massage are all part of his recovery program.
You don’t have to ride across the Pyrenees to experience the benefits of having a goal. Your challenge might be walking around the block, getting back to an activity you enjoy, building strength, or simply moving a little more each day.
The important thing is to choose a goal and start.
Riding Through Cycling History
The Thomson Bike Tours Trans Pyrenees trip takes cyclists through some of the most famous road cycling climbs used in the Tour de France over the past century.
Each day, Thomson provides a guided route with ride leaders and van support. Depending on your goals and ability, there are different riding options, along with support on the road, snacks, and lunch along the way.
But the real highlight? The mountains. I mean… Look at them!
Pictured is Col d’Ispeguy.
In European cycling, mountain climbs are categorized according to their difficulty. Climbs range from Category 3, the easiest classification, through Category 1, with an even more demanding classification known as Hors Catégorie (HC).
An Epic Birthday Ride
On Day two, Dr. Geron tackled what is arguably one of the hardest climbs in the Pyrenees: Col de Portet. The climb gains approximately 1,383 metres of elevation over 16.2 kilometres, with an average gradient of about 8.5%. And that wasn’t the end of the day.
After Col de Portet came the Category 1 Col de Val Louron-Azet, which is approximately 9.2 kilometres at a 7.1% average gradient. The day finished with Col de Peyresourde, another 9.9-kilometre climb averaging approximately 7.1%.
In total, Dr. Geron climbed more than 3,000 metres over approximately 100 kilometres that day. And it happened to be his birthday! Dr. Geron shared, “It was easily one of the most epic days I’ve ever experienced on a bike.”
Pictured is Dr. Geron at Col de Val Louron-Azet.
The Col du Tourmalet
Day Three brought another pair of famous climbs. First was Col d’Aspin, approximately 11.9 kilometres at a 6.7% average gradient.
Then came one of the most famous climbs in cycling history: Col du Tourmalet. The climb is approximately 17 kilometres long, gaining about 1,272 metres of elevation, with an average gradient of around 7.5%. Tourmalet is classified as an HC climb, meaning Hors Catégorie — beyond the standard categories of difficulty.
Standing at the top of Col du Tourmalet with his bike was one of those moments that make all the training, preparation, and hard work worthwhile.
Six Days, 550 Kilometres and 11,211 Metres of Climbing
The scenery throughout the Pyrenees is incredible. Every day brought another mountain, another challenging climb, and another opportunity to experience something completely different from everyday life.
By the end of the six-day trip, Dr. Geron had cycled approximately:
- 550 kilometres
- 11,211 metres of elevation gain
- 6 days of riding
- Countless mountain climbs and unforgettable views
It was truly the trip of a lifetime. At least until the next cycling adventure!
Pictured here is Dr. Geron cycling at the top of Col du Tourmalet.
Challenge Yourself, Your Way
While riding thousands of metres up the Pyrenees might sound like a dream — or a nightmare — to some people, the bigger lesson from the experience isn’t about cycling. It’s about having a goal.
We are all at different places on our health and fitness journeys. For one person, an epic goal might be completing a cycling trip through France. For someone else, it might be walking for 20 minutes without stopping. It could be starting a strength-training program, returning to a favourite sport, improving mobility, or simply becoming more active.
You don’t necessarily have to join a gym or completely change your lifestyle overnight. Start where you are. Choose something that challenges you. Work toward it consistently. Then, when you’re ready, challenge yourself a little more. Your body is capable of adapting to the demands you place on it, and staying active is an important part of maintaining your overall health and well-being.
Supporting an Active Lifestyle
At Lake Street Chiropractic, we see people at many different stages of their health and wellness journey.
Some patients are dealing with a new injury. Others are trying to get back to a sport they love, manage recurring aches and pains, or simply wanting to more comfortably in their everyday lives.
Our approach can include traditional chiropractic care, Active Release Techniques® (ART), acupuncture, and active exercise rehabilitation, depending on the individual’s needs and goals.
Dr. Geron is someone who has spent a lifetime participating in sports and challenging himself physically, and truly understands how important it can be to keep moving and to find ways to stay active.
You don’t have to be an elite athlete. You just need to start somewhere.
What’s Your Epic Goal?
Maybe your goal isn’t a mountain in France.
Maybe it’s your first 5K, a bike ride you’ve always wanted to complete, getting stronger, improving your mobility, returning to your favourite sport, or simply being able to enjoy everyday activities with less discomfort.
Whatever your goal may be, pick something meaningful to you and take the first step.
Do something epic — whatever “epic” means for you.
And remember, every big accomplishment starts with a single step, pedal stroke, or decision to begin.
Enjoy the Gallery below, sharing some of the wonderful memories from Dr. Geron’s trip.
Lake Street Chiropractic
Serving St. Catharines and the Niagara Region for over 40 years.
Helping you move better, feel better, and stay active with chiropractic care and Active Release Techniques®.
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