Alp d’Huez Sept 4th Day 6 Dictated by Leigh

Alp d’Huez Sept 4th Day 6  Dictated by Leigh

As we stop at the bottom we remember the story that leigh has told us his last ride - our 2007 Rugby quarter finals loss sticks in his memory. Arriving at the bottom he unloaded with his cycling companions and headed straight up

Today we have cycled from just below La Grave. Leigh warns us that the first couple kms are steep but that does not stop him taking off in a big gear heading for the top to only make the first two or three corners before pulling the lever back.

Then was passed by Geoff before we we were both swamped by Dave

Dave had sat on the bottom chatting to Jef D for 3 mins - thinking that was it was enough to get us well up the hill - of course it wasn’t and he screams past us after about the third turn of 21.

Leigh’s original ride was with a french team mate and the top was reached in around the mid 50’s but this time he struggles  to break the hour mark.

Dave went on to make a 50mins and 40secs  Geoff went on to a 57min ride and Dallas with a very good 62 min to make third on the podium. (which is of course set up at the top)

For the record the other times are below.

Our team passed multiple riders from different countries - the orange dutch, the accountants from  . . . . . .. . . .. . . .. ., but the combined strength of the kiwi’s - boys and girls were by far the strongest on the day.

The ride is a mythical  21 corner 14 km ascent that serves as a test for the tour de france  (multiple times) with the fastest time going going to marco pantani in 37 mins (after riding the Telegraph and Galibier) Froome in 2013 was 40 mins, Quintana was 39mins

After coffee, baguettes and a shouting match from the skinny waitresses and buying spree (Mike and Jonathan) we rode up and over the Sarrenne col (used by the tour this time - probably the only time) A rough narrow descent drops us back into the valley (with a quick stop for ice cream on the way)

Drive back to Briancon (Dave had considered riding this but the drive out had changed his mind)

Leigh - was super impressed on the drive out to see the mythical off piste ski area of La Grave. With the glaciated peaks above the ski area and no ski patrol to pick you if you get yourself in trouble.


The times
Dave 50.40
Geoff 57. 50
Dallas 62.00
Leigh 1.06
JR  1.08
Leslie 1.10
Mike 1.17
Jonathan 1.20
Barry 1.23
Robina 1.28