We started our journey back north and arrived last night in Alpe d’Huez. With its 21 numbered hairpins, one of the most famous cycling climbs in the world. Dutch riders have won Tour de France stages here more than any other country and the Alpe d’Huez (France) is jokingly called the highest place in Holland. Dutch cyclists are everywhere. As usualy the Tour de France had a stage finish up top this year. This place is a cycling mecca and a nice ski resort as well.
But after 6 huge cycling days and my crazy second ride yesterday afternoon our legs are too sore and tired to do any cycling. Finally a day off. So we browsed the market, took a cable car, ate a lot, napped, and contemplated tomorrow’s ride up this monster.
Click here for five ways to cycle Alpe d’Huez
3 Comments
Will and Doreen, Muskoka will be very tame after this!! What a super trip, wonderful photos.We are in awe of your achievements ( both of you. We’ll organize an outdoorslide show at the cottage.
Love Mum
will,
i am planning a 7 day trip to southern france to ride some mountains from may 20 to may 27 2008. looking for some advise on which routes to take and which climbs are best. obviously alpe d huez and col de galibier are big on my to do list. what pointers can you give someone.
is it best to stay in one hotel and travel to the climbs or to change hotels?
how will i know which roads are open or closed due to snow?
any help is greatly apprectiated.
Hello John
Late May will almost certainly find some of the highest Cols closed.
These links should give up-to-date status of pretty much all Cols (passes).
Etat des Cols
Etat des Cols
Your other question is pretty open ended. There are endless greats climbs. I sometimes stay in an area and sometimes change hotels.
This year I have a trip with friends riding the Route des Grandes Alpes which hits lots of famous cycling climbs. (English link top right of page)
In the Galibier/Alpe d’Huez area some other great climbs include Col de la Croix de fer, Col du Glandon, down the road from Bourg d’Oisans in Briancon: Col du Granon, Col d’Ioard.
Down the road from start of Galiber : Col d’Iseran South, Col de la Madeleine, Col du Glandon, and lots of lessor climbs.
In the South Alps, Barcelonnette is a great base and has 7 very impressive climbs from town including Bonette – highest road in France, and Allos my wife’s favorite.
I’m Sure that doesn’t help too much but as I said it’s a pretty open ended question.
It really depends what you want to do.