Memories of Alpine Training - Alpe d'Huez and col du Saronne

Friday 3rd July 2009

The local guide book had outlined this as a stuning ride that took you away from tourist routes into a vast valley hidden from the road.

Statistics

Distance 54km

Ascent gain 5850ft

Max Gradient 12%

The plan had been to rise early and set off before the mid day sun baked usThe first plan went well however after 'enjoying' some technical difficulties with the laptop, we did not leave until 10.30am. This brought us to the foot of Alpe d'Huez at 11.00 as we commenced the 21 bends.

With a confidence from already having conquered the beast twice in the past week, I wanted 'to have a go'. The first 5 bends have the steepest gradient between them. I upped the pace and pushed past a few cyclists. It was surreal to go past a bloke on a form of scooter - large front wheel, size of 26 inch wheel and normal small rear scooter wheel pushing up a 10% gradient with alternate feet, weird.

As the 7000 participants for tomorrow's Marmottes 5000m climb, 174km road race had to register at Alpe d'Huez today, the road was very busy with cars. Not withstanding this , I pushed on. The temperature was in the high 80's, the clouds were having a day off, ad thewind was not present.

At bend 9, the plan all went pear shaped. Sweat oozing from parts of my body I did not know had sweat glands, creating a fine shine on the arms and legs. Salt stinging in the eyes as the sweat runs down the well polished forehead. All this distraction took my mind off the need to push the pedals and I felt like I had no gas in the tank.

I imagined what would Ironman do? re-focus. I survived between bends 10 and 9 and lost the shades making it easier to clear the sweat from my eyes. I reduced the cadence to a comfortable rate to re-establish a pedal pattern. No mistaking, I had bonked (the cycling term for no energy) having completely mis-read the most appropriate cadncefor the respective gradients.

Between 9 bends and 8 the bends eased temporarily enabling me to re-build confidence. Maybe it was the heat, maybe it was lack of water, maybe it was burning too much too soon - Whatever the cause I learnt a lesson.

I took the rest of the bends and the climb as my legs told me they could achieve. On the last bend I was passed by three young cyclists's ( 20's) and latched onto their wheel for the last few hundred metres. The legs were shot, however a rest stop at the cafe was planned ............ and pre-agreed with Mrs Bigman. Time taken - 73 minutes - slower than the last time.

This would allow me to build strength for further 1625ft of climbing to Col du Saronne. The views along the cliff edge were magnificent. We met four lads taking part in tomorrow's Marmottes event - an 1800m climb the day before a 5000m climb event does not sound sensible!

Another lady we met, who is in the seniors class, is aiming for 10hrs 30 mins to achieve a 'gold' medal - 10 hours in this heat - mad!!!

After the Col du Sarrene, the switchbacks to the Barrage du Chambon were too numerous to count and the muscles on the fingers had to work hard to manage the brakes. When the pros do these descents they have to take care to alternate the braking as the rims can overheat and blow the tyres. One one swithchback, we got a bit spooked as we found the tar had turned to liquid due the heat and the tyres were not gripping anything to bite into the turn.

From the Barrage, we had to do the scary trip through a few mountain tunnels. The road is very narrow and the road traffic noise thunderous and echoing. You have no sense in tunnels with bends whether the traffic is coming towards you or behind you. Definitely white knuckle stuff.

At Bourg d'Oisans we decided we deserved a coffee for great day's climbing. We targeted the cafe next to the bike shop. The town is heaving with visitors for tomorrow's race. We have become real saddo's identifying expensive kit. Most expensive bike so far is £6900 in the magazines .