Monter le Galibier sans monter le bourrichon, voila la recette!
Climb the Galibier without putting the idea in your head, that's the recipe!
Gustave Garrigon, 8 Tours de France from 1907 to 1914, winner in 1911.
Today I managed to do the last ride from my absolutely must-do list, but only just. We set off early as planned and the support crew drove me up to the top of the Galibier to start the ride. On the way I became alarmed when I discovered there were numerous long mountain tunnels as I did not have any bike lights. These tunnels would be unpleasant enough on a bike, without chancing not being seen as well. A quick Plan B was devised that the support crew would meet me at a town close to the base of the Galibier just before the tunnels started. In hindsight this change which shortened the ride proved to be a brilliant idea as my legs were so stuffed after the climb up the Col du Galibier that the originally intended 38km ride home through the valley would likely have had me weeping and crying for my mummy.
The drive up the Galibier was magnificent. I had been very impressed with the Pyrenees but the Alps are something else.
I have run out of superlatives to describe how (insert your own favourite superlative here) they are. I started the 35km descent down to St-Michel-de-Maurienne trying my best to concentrate on the road as I gawped open-mouthed at the scenery. In my ride planning I had forgotten there was a 5km climb between Valloire and the Col du Telegraphe during the 'descent'. At the bottom I turned around quickly and started the 12km back up the Col du Telegraphe. At an average gradient of 7% it was a good climb that got the legs working. The views down the valley were very scenic, spoiled only by the dirty great autoroute cutting its way along the valley floor. At the top of the Telegraphe I stopped for the compulsory photograph of the Col sign then kept going on up to the Col du Galibier. It was quite steep going through the pretty ski town of Valloire with it's many chalets, before the climb eased off a little, going through a wide alpine valley surrounded by immense mountains on either side. At 8km to go the road kicked up and never went below 8% gradient again. This was okay to begin with but after a while there was simply no point looking up as you could see where the road was heading and it was simply best to ignore this rather alarming scenario and just focus on keeping the pedals moving. At the 3km to go point my legs were screaming and for the first time during all my climbs I seriously considered stopping to give the legs a break. Ignoring this urge, I slogged onwards and reached the top. I was completely shattered and every leg muscle burned. At the same time however I was elevated. With an energy bar and some water in me, I persuaded the body back on to the bike for the descent down to meet the support crew. I actually met them driving up the main valley road not long after I turned off the Galibier. They had decided to come up to see me on the mountain, but unfortunately I had over-estimated how long it would take. I slowly eased myself into the car and we headed home.
I felt privileged to have been able to ride of the longest and highest climbs of the Tour. Once again I was awed by the Tour riders who race up these mammoth climbs, whereas I had simply been able to survive. I can't say that I have been so happy and so sore at the same time, and it has to have been one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling days I have had. Lots of big smiles.
With a sunny day forecast tomorrow, and me in need of a rest day, Nicola and Heather will be off on a gondola ride up to a glacier (Heather is dying to see snow). Due to the high altitude Callum is too young to go so he and I will stay at home while I recuperate. The next ride is the HC climb of the Col de la Madeleine on Wednesday. To get there I need to drive over the Col du Glandon which will be good reconnaissance for Saturday's ride up to this col and the Col de la Croix de Fer, both high altitude climbs with stunning views.
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