Biking up Alpe d'Huez

(posted by John)

On September 26-29 I traveled to France with four of my friends to bike in the French Alps.  I have never biked up significant hills much less mountains so this was going to be quite a new experience….

Our Hotel - They cater to Dutch Cyclists

We arrived in Allemont, France on the Afternoon of the 27^th.  We checked into the hotel and went for a “warm-up ride” to prepare for the next two days.  That warm-up ride was about 35km including a 10km climb to Col d’Orson http://www.tourdoisans.com/col%20d'ornon.asp .

On top of Col d'Ornon

  It was on this climb that I realized two things:

1.       I needed a smaller gear if I was going to survive for the next two days

2.       I wished I had done more training for biking in the mountains!

I potentially could solve #1, but I would have to deal with #2.  Luckily there was a bike shop open in town and so I was better setup for the serious mountain rides.

We left the hotel at 10:00 on the 28^th, starting with a light ride until we reached the base of Alpe d’Huez http://www.bikes-oisans.com/cycling-oisans-158.html .  Alpe d’Huez is one of the legendary climbs of the Tour de France.  And it did not disappoint.  Beautiful views and plenty of pain!  But I made it!  What a great experience.



Vouder, John, Marcel, Jaap and Zander at the top of Alpe d'Huez



We didn’t stop there.  We went on to bike up the Col d’Sarenne as well http://www.steephill.tv/2006/col-de-sarenne/ The total tally for the day…8 hours on the bike, 96 km traveled.  I was spent…

The next day was a bit easier but considering how my legs felt (not good) it was hard as well.  Another 30km or so including a 10km climb and I was back at the hotel after about 2:15 hrs.  For the rest of the evening we celebrated our accomplishment!

Take care,

John