Day 15 - Briancon to Alpe du Huez

Friday, September 18


Briancon to Alpe du Huez (81 km)

In some ways, today was a strange day. We had to backtrack up to the Col du Latauret and then go down to Bourg d’ Oisans to begin the climb up to Alpe du Huez. There are four major tunnels on the way there, and we were advised not to ride through them. We only knew about three, and so we shuttled through those. The traffic stopped about 45 minutes just outside the third for reasons unknown, but a helicopter did come and do something. Then we started pedaling again, only to find another 700 meter curved tunnel - but we made it through.

The view back down the climb.

The climb starts abruptly, as many of you know, and is a 10-12 % grind for the first 2.5 km, then will ease to 8% sometimes, and rarely to 7%. It has 21 switchbacks; there are signs with the names of previous winners of the TDF stages over the years. Lance is up there for the years 2001 and 2004. There are still many cyclists climbing daily, and at the height of summer there are as many as 500-700 a day going up. There is no way to describe it. Check it out on Google earth or http://www.climbbybike.com/.

A pro was selling pics of us tourists climbing. I tried to look good for him.

I have to say, my only claim to fame is that I didn't stop. It took me an one hour and 05 minutes to do 14 km. I was really slow. I really needed a triple chain ring to be able to spin. I couldn't get over 65 rpm with my compact and had to stand quite a bit.

At the Top

We finally made it to the top. There was hardly anyone there. A false arrival sign below by a T shirt shop stopped most people. It was short of the offical route by 1.5 kilometers. At the arrival, there was a lot of room for spectators and equipment. They must expect crowds again soon.

Our Hotel

It was a treat to stay at this great little hotel. Everything inside was in pink. The flowers were wonderful, and she watered them in the evening and morning. The owner was a little old lady that was just delightful, and worked tirelessly the whole time we were there.