The last day of vacation. Climbing Alpe d’Huez is a great way to end a great trip. I woke up early and descended to the bottom of mountain. I tried to ride a few flat kilometres to warm up before the ride but it is the biggest travel day of the year and so I soon lost patience.
The first two kilometres of this legendary climb are the hardest and it is a real jolt to the system. I was almost hyper ventilating. But I soon settled down and was grateful that I had given my legs a rest yesterday. This climb is hard! Once I found my rhythm I made good progress. But as a sign of how scared I was, I planted a spare water bottle about half was up behind a rock, so I didn’t have to carry the extra pound and a half up the first part of the climb.
While I rode from the bottom, Doreen up above rode to the remote Col de la Sarenne and also up to the Alpine Lake Besson … so we both had big mornings. THen on the highway home – passing a huge traffic jams in the other direction.Phew.
The map below shows the various ways up Alpe d’Huez.
- The Dark Blue Line is the Classic Route
- The Green Line includes the beautiful remote Col de la Sarenne
- The Purple line is an alternate way up starting in Rochetaille and joining the classic
- The Red line show a great extension up to Col de Poutran and Lac Besson
Clicking the link at the bottom will give a bigger zoomable map with an index
The satellite photo below highlights the 21 hairpins – each signposted and named for a rider that has one a stage in the Tour de France here.
11 Comments
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What a wonderful life! Any ideas on where to stay?
Steve – there aren’t that many hotels in Bourg d’Oisans or the area – especially above 2 stars – here’s a link to hotels in area
http://www.tourism-oisans.com/accomodations-oisans.html
But personally, I have always stayed up top in the ski resort. More scenic and interesting than down low.
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Hi Will
Just a quick one.
Does Alpe D’Huez have a sign at the top with it’s elevation?
Last year I went I couldn’t find it.
Hi John,
Last I looked there is this at the official finish. As we as a “podium” off to the right. But I think there is no altitude sign.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/willj/2932248960/
I may be wrong …. and all 21 hairpins do have altitude signs.
Hi Will
Nice picture!! Im guessing that was taken straight away to capture the moment of just how difficult a climb it is.
I remember two years ago when I ascended and I couldn’t find the finishing line, so I assumed it was where the big square was. And just stopped?!
But now I know from your picture it is that sign, I will most definitely look out for it.
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