The Big Climbs, Pt I: Aple d'Huez > Allemond [7/15 - 27mi, +4000ft]

At the campground last night, I ended up next to a couple of friendly British tourers who'd just completed a short 5 day circuit up and down some of the highest Cols ("passes" in English) in the area. They invited me over to share their dinner (chicken curry w/ fresh veggies... far better than I typically cook for myself!) and we had a great chat all evening. I decided to essentially copy most of their itinerary and instead of leaving my bags behind in town, tackle the climbs fully loaded and make a multi-day journey up and down the high terrain.

For those who don't follow the Tour at all, the Alpe d'Huez is probably the most legendary climb of the race's entire history. Although the Tour did not tackle it this year, most years it does and is always the biggest crowd favorite. The road snakes around 21 numbered switchbacks up the face of a seemingly vertical mountain to reach the base of the (similarly named) ski resort at the top.

The fastest pro climbers can do these 14.4km in just over a half an hour.... I wasn't too far off their pace, eventually clocking in at two and a half! Bear in mind that just one (of four) of my panniers weighs more than their entire bike  :)

looking down at the Alpe d'Huez road and the valley where the fun begins

And finally, to the official finish line that the Tour observes... little fanfare but a tremendous sense of accomplishment:

After a celebratory beer (at a place aptly named Indiana Bar) I briefly descended and caught a traverse across the face and down to the little town of Allemond for the night, back on the valley floor and gearing up for some bigger yet climbs to come.