We woke to a foggy morning although we're that bloody high here that I think some of it was actually cloud. It cleared quickly and we took off in sunny skies down the 7km road leading away from chalet Morville which averages about 7%! This was a nice way to start but did come back to bite us at the end of the ride.
Le Alpe D'Huez was everything that we all expected and more. It starts with a demanding 2km of 10% then averages out at about 7% for the remainder. Dan and Hammo took off before the first of the famous 21 hair-pin turns and the rest of didn't see them again until coffee was on the meeting table at the top. No-matter though, each of us tackled the French cycling giant counting down the switch-backs our own pace.
We lunched at a Classic French restaurant that bordered the descent from Le Alpe D'Huez which included some tunnels, more gradient of 7% and escarpments that hugged the roadway making all very nervous on some sections.
The afternoon has consisted of a visit to the local pub (where Dydey's backside was sprayed with air freshener by the barman) , a stroll through the village of Venosc and Hammo and Lionel commandeering a couple of mountain bikes to show off their prowess on the last few metres of a massive downhill mountain bike course. Tomorrow we actually do a ride that involves riding DOWN to Alpe D'Huez so there will no doubt be some stories to tell about that. Until then, au revoir.
Composed Dr Carl
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Awesome photos. Wondering if the pastry a day challenge set by Andy will continue through this tour or if it will turn into a wine a day challenge?
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