General Cycling Discussion - A week in the French Alpes (some pictures)

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Erik
08-18-04, 10:09 AM
I just got back a few days ago. Me and my brother stayed in Rochetaillee, near Bourg d'Oisans. O Man, the Alpes are a great region for riding, if you ever get the chance.. We did some cols of TdF fame and enjoyed the cycling atmosphere that's present everywhere. I also participated in a timetrial up the Alp, finished somewhere in the middle of the pack.

A few pics for your enjoyment:

http://www.student.kun.nl/e.l.verheggen/PICT0023.JPG
Riding up the wide and somewhat busy road to Col du Lautaret, beautiful scenery

http://www.student.kun.nl/e.l.verheggen/PICT0035.JPG
From Lautaret it's another 10km to Col du Galibier. Also a beautiful road but getting very steep near the end (13%).

http://www.student.kun.nl/e.l.verheggen/PICT0042.JPG
A quick picture under the sign and hurry down again because the weather was getting ugly!

http://www.student.kun.nl/e.l.verheggen/PICT0050.JPG
Alpe d'Huez: busy road, not a lot of scenery but a classic climb. Ate some delicious pasta at the top.

http://www.student.kun.nl/e.l.verheggen/PICT0075.JPG
The climb to Col du Glandon. I felt this was the hardest climb I did. Km after km of 10% grades that gets more and more beautiful towards the top.

http://www.student.kun.nl/e.l.verheggen/PICT0098.JPG
Catching my breath on Col du Glandon

http://www.student.kun.nl/e.l.verheggen/PICT0105.JPG
From the Glandon it's only 3km to Col de la Croix de fer. Amazing views in every direction from there. It was our last climb before going home again.

bikeatheart32
08-18-04, 11:16 AM
It looks so awesome, you must've had an amazing time!!!
timmhaan
08-18-04, 12:32 PM
I also participated in a timetrial up the Alp, finished somewhere in the middle of the pack.

tell us a little more about this. is this part of a program, or a club?

J-McKech
08-18-04, 12:37 PM
Thats AWESOME! You can still see what they wrote on the road up Alpe d'Huez!
Erik
08-18-04, 01:07 PM
tell us a little more about this. is this part of a program, or a club?
Timmhaan, the tt was organised by the Bourg d'Oisans tourist information office. If I remember correctly it is a weekly event, at least in this time of the year. No licence or anything is needed, you just register a few hours before the start to receive a start number and instructions. The winner did it in 48mins, I myself finished just over one hour at 1:00:17.
Bruco
08-19-04, 03:47 AM
Excellent documentary! You covered some sacred cycling ground.
Chris L
08-19-04, 04:26 AM
That is just awesome.
ChezJfrey
08-19-04, 05:44 PM
Nice photos...thanks!
pauly
08-19-04, 06:26 PM
Great pictures, thanks for sharing!
Zin
08-19-04, 06:52 PM
shhwweeett!
bikingman459
08-20-04, 01:45 AM
WOW!, i cant wait to get out there some day....those pics made me want to ride soooooo bad.....awesome pics man!