We thought it would be rude not to attempt the french Alpes,
so in August 2010, we booked a room in a town called
les Gauchoirs near Bourg d'Oisons and attempted 3 good rides,
On day 1, we went up part of Alpes d'huez, back down
into the valley and then up to les deux Alpes. It was a good
exercise to see how the legs would cope.
On day 2,
we went up les Alpes d'huez, it was tough but it felt good.
When we got to the summit, the weather turned to misery
and it did not stop raining.
After a long brake at the summit, we downed a good shot of
whiskey each and attempted the descent. It was cold and wet.
Nonetheless, it was incredible, and we knew a hot shower was
awaiting us not too far away.
On day 3, we attempted le Galibier, at 2600m altitude. We got as
far as le col du Lautaret (2000m) before the rain struck. The descent was
possibly the best I've ever done. We went through heavy rain to the
point where we could not even open our eyes, raced through a long tunnel
to get through the other side hit with clear and warm sunlight. The weather
up there turns so quickly.
up there turns so quickly.
Overall, the Alpes were incredible, and a different experience all together with anything
we've attempted in the past. This year, we plan to doe la Marmotte, which is 3 cols in one
day, finishing on the Alpes d'huez. We'll keep you posted.
Links to the routes below:
Heading towards le col du Lautaret
View from one of the Huez corners (stopped counting)
looking into the valley
Lac du Chambon and its damn
It's not a race, but if it was, that's what would have happened.
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