I wrote a couple of blogs whilst out in France but then to be honest events overtook me – first, being too tired after riding to be bothered, and then becoming ill on the evening before the last day and only really starting to recover now, a week later.
So I’m not going to try and write much about each day other than to show the routes and the elevations involved. Suffice it to say it was all very beautiful and I’d recommend that if you are a serious cyclist then it has to be on your list of things to attempt. It is quite hilly though, so you have been warned.
If you want to see my photos from the week they are in an album here – or directly in a slideshow here.
Day 1 – Alpe d’Huez plus balcony road
6008ft climb
Anyone tells you Alpe d’Huez is easy is a liar. Bit of video here.
Day 2 – La Brerarde followed by Villarde Notre Dame
3284ft climb
3258ft climb
La Brerarde is beautiful scenery and the road up to Villard Notre Dame is just plain nuts – and scary as hell back down!
Day 4 – Col du Lauteret and Galibier (part)
6958ft climb
Perhaps the most beautiful ride – incredible scenery and a nice relaxed climb, albeit one that lasts 25 miles! The snow at Galibier was amazing.
Day 5 – Col de la Croix de Fer
6277ft climb
Brutally difficult climb, especially in the heat. Hardest climb I’ve ever done on a bike. Just relentless.
Goes without saying really that the downhills were incredible!
Week stats : 261miles in 20hrs 9mins @ 13mph average speed. Total climb 28,698ft using 13,087 kcalories at an average HR of 129bpm
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