Upon arrival in the cycling Mecca of Alpe D’Huez we realised that the nuts mountain bike race, the Megavalanche, which starts at the top of Pic Blanc (3330m) on snow and descends to the valley floor, was due to take place at the weekend so after our time trial we decided to rest our legs and bottoms from our saddles and do a bit of spectating. So on the Saturday we walked up the course from the finish into the forest and watched the races for the e-bikes, women’s and the riders outside of the top 400. The course was twisty and the ground very loose. There were also some mozzies to keep us company. We saw some great skills, some crashes, people riding with punctures, no saddle and two tandems!
On the sunday we took the chairlift up from Alpe D’Huez to watch the top guys through. They make it look so easy and the winner did it in just over 40 minutes. Many normal human beings took more like two or two and a half hours. Pete found a real tricky, rocky descent with a bunch of Dutch supporters, their music speakers and cow bells offering much encouragement to riders thinking of getting off and walking!
Next we watched some friends from the IOM up the first climb of the Grande Marmotte sportive.
With a 7am start and 13,000 participants, the course was 174km, included three Cols and ended with the climb up the Alpe D’Huez. We supported some guys up the last climb after 11 hours however the top guys did it in under 6 hours. Some heroes were still at it after 13 hours – fair play to them.
We also took the opportunity to get kitted up in our downhill gear and spent two afternoons of squeels in the mountain bike park. What great fun – more berms than on a roller coaster track and many whoops and table tops to practice our jumps.
We also did a great cross country route with some stunning scenery and techical climbs.
And in our last morning the Col d’Ornon was closed to cars for two hours allowing bicycles only. It was too good an opportunity to miss ……. so off we set.
After the Alpe D’Huez I think we almost enjoyed this climb and it was lovely to see everyone enjoying the ride on all types of bicycles (including a tandem) and also a pro team out training.
You’ll be pleased to know that we also did some normal sightseeing during our stay and saw some beautiful places.
Everyday sights in Bourg D’Oisans.
Lunch at Lac du Verney overlooking Allemont.
Sightseeing in La Grave.
A trip up to Pic Blanc (3330m).
And to finish off a great trip we took the scenic route back to Bourg Saint Maurice climbing some of the Col de la Croiz de Fer and then descending the Col du Glandon.
Lunch at Lac de Grand Maison.
And then the descent – wow – I’m glad we weren’t cycling up this one which had many 11% and 12% kms in it.
What a great 6 days ! Plus we camped next to a lovely Belgian family and their dog, Jack. They were so lovely and the kids so polite and friendly. Just fab!
