After climbing Alpe d'Huez again yesterday (easier the second time around as I knew where to put in the effort, and more importantly where I could regain my breath) I did a short ride today to preserve some energy for tomorrow's big day out. Today I did what Nicola has been describing as the 'crazy road' since she looked up and saw it hanging from the top of the cliffs on the northern side of the valley that overlooks Le Bourg d'Oisans. The tourist office ride guide is more tempered and describes it as, "your wheels will be astounded at the wonderful view of the valley spread out before you! Not recommended for cyclists who are prone to vertigo!". My wheels were indeed astounded.
The ride started by going up the climb to Alpe d'Huez from virage 21 up to 17 (4km) before turning right on to the D211a at the village of La Garde-en-Oisans. No respite from climbing though as once through the village the climbing continued with a cheeky 14% kilometre or so before snaking along the cliff tops at a more steady gradient. For much of the climb it was a straight down view over the cliff edge down to the valley below and the views were indeed astounding. It was a fun ride and soon the descent began into the town of Le Freney d'Oisans and back on to the main road (through the much disliked mountain tunnels) back home for lunch.
Tomorrow I get to do a ride I have been looking forward to and had deliberately scheduled for the best weather day, however the weather forecast changed overnight so I may not get the super clear day I was hoping for. Not to worry. Tomorrow is the long climb up the Col d'Izoard in the morning, with it's higher altitude of 2,361m and it's unique rock desert at the summit. The views should be awesome, however could be different to those you see during the Tour if any of the recent snow has hung around. After the descent into Briancon, I'll catch up with the family for lunch and, if there is anything left in the legs, we will drive into Italy to allow me to climb up to the ski station of Sestriere, a location using by both the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia. I may be overambitious with trying to do these of the same day so we shall see. Whatever happens it promises to be lots of fun.
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