Day 4 Valloires to La Grave
137.5km
The Three Musketeers -Tess, Claire and I climbed the 5km of Telegraphe to descend in the sunshine over to Col de Glandon. This was a big mountain and a new climb. We all felt strong but Tess had terrible back pain and problems caused by riding which was staining her leg and back. We rode steadily and continued towards the top on a slight gradient to be greeted with the last 7km steepening up from 6% to 12%. We all found it tough and seperated, grinding away at our own pace. I managed to find a good mental place to stay in and realised that it is achievable and that self-doubts infecting the mind don't have a place here in the mountains. I'd found my inner strength and began to believe in it which meant that I could start to enjoy the expereince. It is quite an achievement particularly on a mountain that you can see the ascent and profile as you climb. The last 2km where on a sheer front so we climbed 12% of short switch backs.
Glandon was tough and long and steep and looming. I wrapped up warm and started the 30km descent with PJ. We saw flies resting up for a pasta lunch at a cafe and I stopped and caught up with the girls. Food was running low so we all shared as more flies descended onto this little lonely eatery on Glandon. We headed off and towards the infamous L’Alpe d’Huez with Ben and Claire. We cycled into a cafe full of flies to refuel in the town at the bottom of l'Alpe D'Huez and Ben majestically and comedically clipped the curb landing upside down on his back still clipped into his bike, wheels spinning in the air. A brief visit to the local bike shop, some sweeties and food in our bellies and we headed onto l'Alpe D'Huez. We were routed over the first 5 switchbacks at +10% gradient and then took a side road that led to a beautiful and exhilarating Balcony Road across the side of the mountain with sheer drops overlooking the valley floor. It was hot and steep. I rode with Alan and met Simon and Richard at a fresh water trough. We doused our heads in the cold water and filled our water bottles. The refreshing water brought us a new lease of life ad we continued in a group as Claire and Tess joined us. The climb is quite incredible and the trees cleared to reveal the valley below surrounded by the impressive Alps. We came upon Olivia sitting, looking out over the view. We stop and take it in.
Both Alan and I get overwhelmed and our eyes begin to water. In that moment we are pretty impressed that we have cycled ourselves to here. We continue on a winding Balcony road with sheer drops. The road is only wide enough for one car and its a bit frightening passing them on a cliff edge. We descend back to the main road and have an uphill slog to La Grave - our home for the rest day. We’ve been in the saddle for 10-11 hours and we’re all very low on energy as we start a long 12 km ascent to the hotel on a main road. We fill up on crisps and sweets but the high from that doesn’t last long and we are hard pushed to keep the legs turning. Once we get close, I recognised that glacier and surrounding area. The excitement of making it home soon takes over and lifts our spirits but we don't seem to get any closer. We are so small on these mountains and it has been a long few days. Knackered and with little left we make a last push into La Grave and into the hotel. We have completed four days in the saddle and we have reached our halfway point. Tomorrow we rest!
No comments:
Post a Comment