Col d’Ornon, Alpe d’Huez, and Above
By Will • Oct 11th, 2008 • Category: Climbs, Cycling, Favorites, Juras, Snow, Touring
Earlier in the year, Doreen gave me for my birthday a certificate entitling me to car support for the ride of my choice in 2008. I chose today.
It was a stunningly beautiful fall day. The plan: Starting from Bourg d’Oisans, warm-up on Col d’Ornon and then attack (attack?) Alpe d’Huez – there is a map of route below.
I’d never ridden Col d’Ornon, and was pleasantly surprised. A beautiful little climb – never too steep – on a quiet road surrounded by high mountains – it’s a perfect warm up/practice for anyone a little worried about Alpe d’Huez.
After descending back to Bourg d’Oisans, it was time for Alpe d’Huez.
It’s tough to say much about this great climb that hasn’t been said a hundred times before. But I will say that October is a fantastic time.
Very quiet – far less traffic (cars or cyclists) than usual – as the entire resort above is closed in anticipation of the ski season. And the autumn colours were perfect.
Car support from Doreen is always too much fun. Bum pushes, water refills, chocolate cookies, and I could dump the jacket. Most importantly she acted as a cheerleader and photographer. Thanks for such a great day!
After reaching the official Tour de France finish line just above the town we continued on for four more kilometres over the Col de Poutran and to the beautiful alpine Lac Besson and Lac Noir. Highly recommended.
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Will is Happiest while cycling uphill. More enthusiastic than talented, his 2013 Challenge is to cycle a 150 Cols (mountain passes), slowly -- and to just enjoy.
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C’est vraiment la période de l’année pour monter là haut, bravo !
Je crois qu’il y a un panneau pour le Col d’Ornon, pas de photos ?
Sinon je me souviens de ce cadeau d’anniversaire… franchement c’est une bonne idée !
tout cela m’a l’air de ressembler à la journée parfaite…
Voila le panneau :
Philippe: Oui, la journée parfaite. L’Alpe d’Huez completement vide!
Bum pushes? Doesn’t that go beyond the terms of the certificate for car support? Maybe I am just jealous. It must have been a great ride though, even without the entertaining Dutch fans.
When riding at the Coll the Ornon you also have two nice climbs to Oulles (http://youtu.be/PFwFaev1rUE) en Villard Reymond (http://youtu.be/8hXj_aEQfiw). At both the climbs it is quiet and you have some really nice views!
thanks Anne! Added those climbs to my list. I have seen a couple of great photos of the Oulles climb