The Wobbling Sprocket

We had a 90k ride back to Grenoble today.  We went up Col d’Orsons to 1371 meters and then over a lot of rollers to Grenoble.  The weather began great but it started to cloud over towards noon.  It spat a few drops of rain.

We found lunch in La Mure.   After lunch,  I had 3 flats in quick order.  I left my spare tire in Grenoble…oh well.

The French Alps is a VERY spectacular place to ride.  We had some challenging weather, but not so much that it put any big dent in the experience.  I will definitely come back.

Some folks are headed back to the US right away.  Some are going to hang in Annecy, France for a few days and some are going to Paris.  Chantal, I and Laurent F. are headed to Chamonix to check out Mt. Blanc, the highest peak in Europe.

A big thanks to the group for being good sports.

Group at the start of the final day.

Ruth was climbing so fast I could barely get her in a shot.

Dennis B. making his way.

Barb M. closing in on Col d'Orsons

Bob B passing vehicles while coming down from Col d'Orsons

It was blustery enough that some of us took to hiding behind our jumbo van when we stopped.

Today was a rest day ….ha ha.

Decisions, decisions.  Some did Alpe d’Huez (Ruth did it 3 times!!!!) , others took a route that broke off from Alpe d’Huez at about turn 6, Chantal and I did Col d’Ornan, which is our route tomorrow and then we rode up to Villard-Reymond which faces Alpe d’Huez from across the valley before descending down to Bourg’dOisans on the cliff face.

The weather held all day, which was pretty remarkable considering the forecast was for a 60% chance of rain.

Chantal near Col d'Ornan

Me, at about the same place.

There was nobody on the road to Villard Raymond. I mean nobody. Why? the road turns to dirt after the town. It's a look in the guidebook, but you have to walk some of it.

we had great views of d'huez from across the valley.

The road was an adventure.

This is Sheriff....he lives here.

There were 4 of these on the way down. The longest was over 400 meters. You could not ride in the dark. You had to walk. Youcould no see anything. Bring a light. Plus it was raining inside.

CIMG1322

Well, today was a real exercise in group decision making.  Our planned route over Col du Glandon was closed.  That left two options.  A ride over Croix de la Fer which is an add’l 10k or so or we hire another vehicle and just get a lift to Bourg d’Oisans through the valley.  The group split right down the middle…half and half.  Then we placed a call to the tourist office not far from the top of the Croix de Fer.  Snowing with the snow piling up on the road.  Snow would be ok, but snow on the road would not.  We all took the van option.

It really wasn’t a bad decision though because we arrived in Bourg d’Oisans around noon and had time for a nice lunch in town AND climb up Alpe d’Huez.  The weather looked threatening, but the skies never opened and all was well.

The climbs is spectacular.  I certainly enjoyed it.

There was even a restaurant at the top that was open.

Even Graeme, who has been piloting our van, borrowed a bike and rode up.

On top of that Jim washed the clothes of mine that he had borrowed yesterday,  Feel free to borrow them any time Jim.

Tomorrow is a free day to do whatever.  I imagine some will ride and some will hike and some will do neither.  The weather looks kind of dicey. …but what else is new?

We are staying at the bicycle themed Oberland hotel.  Perfect for us.

The big van we hired to get us to Bourg d'O was certainly comfy.

Alpe d'Huez is up there

Bourg d'O is a great little town

It is a great climb.

Chantal admiring the view

Post climb relaxing

Dinner at the Oberland