Still at the bar.

Col du Sabot et les Alps DHuez +

After an early night an even earlier start for Toby. He set off at 7:30 for a solo assent of Alp DHuez and Col de Sarene taking in part of the tour route. We told hime to take care and text mum (Iain) or dad (me) when he got to the top and bottom of each...

We on the other hand decided a slightly more leisurely approach to our final day was required, yes the 2100m Col du Sabot was in out sights for the last peak of our tour.

Iain set of first, some problem with his gearing meant he chocked down a few gears trying to go up hill. He managed to stay up right and carried on. Iain was quickly followed be me (Jason) as I could not wait any longer for Neil to stop wandering around aimlessly. Yes it seemed we had finnanly broken him and just in time for me to make a quick get away.

We climbed through Vaujany in relative cooler temperatures well warned about the dodgy road which lay before us...

The road turned up and up through the town climbs getting tougher and tougher as we went, I remembered something about watch out for the cows in the road. We joked last night that if Neil went through one he'd have to eat it to hide the evidence. Dave came up with his usually awful joke, if you go one way I'll take the udder!! Yes these are the highlights chaps!

Finally we made it to what can only be described as cow pat lane. A huge wall of a road twisting off up and up toward a simmit I could not see. Luckily I cold not see the others either, could this be the day I take the KOM?

My favourite sort of road is one full of switch backs and shear cliffs, luckil I was not disappointed. Then about 400 meters (climbing not road) to go I saw it, the distant white of Dave. He was alone nd working hard so I pushed on, there was no way I'd let him take this one off me.

After a gruelling climb I thought I'd been cheated out of the summit, what's this white stuff covering he road. Still harder I pushed until finally I could no further, the col was mine and the snow very surreal.

A walk over the snow brought views of yesterday's col, Col Croix De Fer. We were way above it and in the snow line. Sme great snaps some ready for Torq who got me to the top with their top energy drinks, gels and bars.

Dave, Neil and Iain arrived in good time and afte few more photos we descended. It's as hard descending as is assendng. Break fingers full on, dodging gravel, pot holes, switch back cliffs, cow pats and wandering dogs. Happily Steifs bar arrived soon and we refuelled and hydrated for the journey "home".

Another day another Col and another over 2000m! Happy days 😴

Will they never learn.

Today was the penultimate day in the alps, and having not learnt our lesson over the past four days of hard climbing, more punishment was not only planned, but welcomed by all.

The route was to take us to the summit of the Col de la croix de fer, a summit of over 2000 metres. This was a convenient route for us to take, joining the road up the col at the t-junction after our descent from Pourchery. Iain planned to drive up to the reservoir along the route to shorten the 25km climb by a few km's, and ride to the summit to meet Toby, Jason, Neil and Dave. Some pre-tdf road resurfacing was negotiated by the four riders by walking through back streets, there was however no way around for Iain in the car and so he was delayed by an hour or so.

Toby, Jason, Neil and Dave rode on, Neil demonstrating incredible recovery as the steep hairpins eased into the ideal gradient for Neil to push on with Dave following. The performance was all the more impressive considering he had been falling asleep into his dinner only 12 hours before. Toby and Jason decided to hang back and wait for Iain at the reservoir, a wise move considering Iain was cooking that evening!!

Neil and Dave reached the summit of the croix de fer in good time and waited for the others, unaware that Jason and Toby had waited for Iain. After some discussions Neil and Dave descended to the junction of the col du Glandon, at which point they met Toby, Jason and Iain. With all of the riders now together the Glandon was conquered and then all riders rode up to the summit of the croix de fer for lunch.

After feeding the descent down to the reservoir and car was safely negotiated, at which point Iain decided he would ride back up to the col du Glandon, whilst the other riders finished the descent towards Allemond. With just the final killer climb up to the chalet to complete Toby, Neil, Jason and Dave arrived home hot, sweaty but buzzing from the days ride. Iain arrived home only 30 minutes later before all riders jumped into the car for a trip up to alps D'Huez for beers and Tour de France on TV.

The rest day?

After the efforts of yesterday climbing the telegraph and Galibier the consensus was that we should take it a bit easier today. 

Iain helpfully found a route (oulles) within cycling distance of our chalet that on the map looked like it would fit the bill, a bit of climbing, scenic, and not too many miles.

First up in the morning was Iain who decided he would get a head start today by leaving 30 mins ahead of the rest of us. After some faffing with bikes the rest of us set off. 

The road down was fast rolling and we even picked up a french cyclist who stuck on the back of our train. Immediately on turning off the main road the climb started. The roadside market suggested it was 1km up over about 6km, Jason, Toby, Dave, myself and our new wheel sucking friend started the ascent, Dave quickly pulled away taking the French bloke with him while the rest of us plodded up slowly.

While the views were amazing as always the gradient seemed to get steeper. We dodged lizards, fircones and even a dead snake as we climbed. After about an hour(give or take) I summited to find Iain and Dave already chilling out at the top. A quick descent and we headed back to the chalet. All feeling good but not quite the rest day we thought! 

Suns now shining, and we are sat outside a restaurant having some beer - got to get some carbs in - might be going for two cols tomorrow.

Going beyond endurance

Following the Col de Telegraphe, Toby, Neil and Dave headed down the valley to the start of the climb of the Col de Galibier with the faint rubbing of thunder in the distance. 

Within minutes of departing, the rain started as the Alpine weather quickly closed in. Whilst this was a welcome cooling relief from the 25-30 degrees experienced earlier, it was to become their ultimate challenge.

Toby, Neil and Dave rode together for most of the Galibier, with Neil successfully achieving the Col first amidst the snow covered terrain, rain and a temperature reduced to approx 8 degrees.

The ride back towards the valley brought extreme challenges as the temperature, rain soaked kit, combined with wind chill, took all three riders to their limits.

Thankfully, Jason and Iain had agreed to catch them in the "support car" though hadn't expected them to have progressed so far. We met them at the base of the main descent, with the shouts of "Volvo Volvo" coming from Toby with signs of relief! All three riders were soaked through and chilled to the bone.

After warming through at the local cafe, Toby, Iain and Jason returned back to the Chalet by car, whilst Dave and Neil continued to cycle back to the Col de Telegraphe and down to the town to Dave's car.

An absolutely heroic effort from Toby and especially from Dave and Neil - well done chaps!!

Day Three - Telegraphe and Galibier

Third Day and the five of us have cycled up Col de Telegraphe. The journey there was spectacular as well as adventurous with cliff hanging roads just to test out vertigo! 

On completion of the Col, Jason and Iain decided to make this their limit for the day and returned to the village below for a coffee. The others have decided to tackle the Col de Galibier (well why not..? - Jason and Iain can think of a few good reasons!!)

Time to stock up for lunch and act as a broom wagon for the three intrepid cyclists... Well after another coffee perhaps! ;)

Toby rides through the summit part 2

Iain rides to the summit

Photos of us at the top!

Toby, grumpy xx

Great day ride down the valley up Alpe D'Huez and down again. Worst section was the ride back up to the chalet. Team Geen Train working hard, needs a little tweak but we will get there.
Now it's time for Murray!

Inspiration

The view this morning was far more inspiring and will hopefully give us the encouragement needed to get up this little hill 

Hotel California

All I can say is that the Sunset Price is a rather interesting motel, and even more difficult to find with directions taking us up the toll road twice, but we eventually got there. Thankfully it was not so difficult to leave, so after a good nights sleep, the bikes are back on the roof and we are on our way to Vaujany! Sat Nav says 8 hours - sun is shining and the roads are clear - here we go! (Need a coffee!)

Nous arrive en France!

Four of five arrive in France, Toby now behind the wheel as we head to Sunset Hotel for beer and sleep.
16 hours and we will be in the Alps!

Pre holiday b̶e̶e̶r̶s̶ logistics meeting 01/07/13

Concerns were raised by Jason about washing machine availability within the chalet. Toby confirmed that a washing machine is supplied, and Jason's plan to bring only one change of underwear can be accommodated.

Toby informed the group that he will not be drinking until he has made it to the summit finish of Alpe d'huez. He did not however stipulate that this had to be done by bike so a drive to Alpe d'huez may be required on Saturday evening.

Dave inadvertently suggested that the group should take "bags for life" for the supermarket shopping, totally destroying any limited street cred he had. He vowed to only discuss "manly" subjects such as fire, rock music and beer for the rest of the holiday.

Hair removal?

To remove the hair or not remove the hair?
Epilator vs wax vs shave ? Discuss...

Car ready

Volvo packed with tools, and spares including; tyres, tubes, break pads, chain links, shoes, shoe covers, gloves (wet and cold) tool bag for bike, snack bag for bike...

Getting ready is half the fun!

Great ride today with Fraser and the LBRCC G2 gang, met by G3 and G1 at the Winslow coffee shop.

Torq sorted, snacks sorted just need bikes to be serviced and we are go.

Let the count down begin

Just 7 days and 7 hrs  to go now until we arrive at the alps ready for our week of climbing up and freewheeling down mountains.
Torq order in, bag nearly packed, bikes booked in for servicing so just the riders to be ready now!