I am certain that there some confused french motorists out there wondering why there is a cyclist grinning inanely as he rides along dull flat stretches of french highway. Today I had another special day in the Alps which started on the flat valley floor road with me reminiscing and wondering about the number of times the Tour would have ridden en masse along this rather dull section of road, this being the only one that connects the two legendary climbs of the Col de la Croix de Fer and Alpe d'Huez. I can only begin to guess what the riders would be thinking after just conquering the Croix de Fer (or Glandon) and with burning legs knowing they still had to race up to the Alpe d'Huez. It was this daydreaming that had me grinning as I rode along, and am I sure had some motorists questioning my sanity. Who cares, I was having fun.
Despite the low clouds and the pessimistic weather forecast, there were enough moments of light sky this morning to suggest it was unlikely to rain or snow so it was on with the winter riding gear and off on the bike along the valley and up the Col de la Croix de Fer, with a sneaky visit to the top of the Col du Glandon as well. When I planned this ride I was looking forward to the expansive alpine views that I had seen of the Col de la Croix de Fer during the Tour, however with the clouds and snow line at col height, the views were very different. They were however equally magnificent.
I had driven over the road earlier this week to get to another ride so I knew what a roller coaster ride with tough climbs and fun sections this was going to be. The actual riding did not disappoint. It was simply excellent with lots of climbing, first riding up one valley through the forest to get to another, then descending into the new valley to get across it to then immediately climb its side before descending again to start climbing a new set of hairpins on its other side. This climb emerged from the trees to arrive at a dam/barrage that created a large reservoir that enhanced the views of the alpine section of the climb. The last 11km took me through an open alpine valley surrounded by snow covered mountains before reaching the snow itself at the two col summits of Glandon then Croix de Fer.
The only concerning part about today's ride was the number of fresh rock falls reminding me that these roads can be dangerous at times. I also overcooked a corner near the start of the descent and with wonky brakes (European style with the back brakes on the right, not what I am used to) it was not the tidiest of recoveries. Ironically I had just taken the corner that Soler completely missed and went down the side of the hill during his first Tour in 2007. He climbed back up to the road and continued on to win the King of the Mountains so no harm done, however this incident seems to have been an omen as due to injuries from crashes he had a very short professional cycling career and no longer competes.
Today's ride was challenging and great fun, and with each ride I am feeling fitter and the legs are in good form. That said, tomorrow is a long scheduled rest day to celebrate Australian Father's Day. With a festival in town as well we should have a fun family day.