10/06/2024
Legacurry Freewheelers CC Cycle Trip to French Alps 28th May – 2nd June 2024
Seven Cyclists with Phil Fairley in the support vehicle. Commiserations go out to Stewart Houston , who was hospitalised after a bad fall prior to the trip.
Travel from Dublin to Geneva followed by a 2 ½ hr 200km road trip to Le Bourg d’Oisans which lies at the foot of Alpe d’Huez in the valley of the Romanche River.
Accommodation was arranged in .com in Le Bourg d’Oisans .
Bikes were hired in Alpe d’Huez from Cycle Huez www.cyclehuez.com the owner Oliver provided an excellent service providing seven di2/SRAM AXS Wilier Bikes delivered to the Hotel.
Day 1: Alpe d’Huez & Vaujany
Distance 47 Miles/ 75KM, Climbing 6444 ft /2000m
The Alpe d’Huez climb starts 2 miles from the hotel and rises 3667ft for 8.7 miles @ an average gradient of 8%.
Bit of confusion a few switch backs from the top whereon 4 riders took the scenic route. Everyone met up again for a photoshoot at the official finish line. A brief coffee stop and a chance to look around the Cycle Huez shop.. Has to be said, not much going on in Alpe d’Huez in the off season. If you are intending a trip, staying in Le Bourg d’Oisans is more practical.
The ride continued with a 3500ft descent to the Lac du Verney Dam where we stopped lake side for lunch.
The 4 mile 8% climb of Col du Sabot followed lunch bringing us to the 30 mile mark.. The remainder of the ride consisted of a leisurely 15 miles descent back towards the Varney Dam and a flat greenway section following the La Romanche river back to Bourg d’Oisans.
Three course Dinner in the hotel followed by an early night.
Day 2: Col de Sarenne - Alpe d’Huez
Distance 38 Miles/ 60KM, Climbing 6800 ft /2030m
Col de Sarenne 9.5 mile climb from Hotel Cassini @ an avg gradient 7.5% with steepest 100m @ 14.1%
The ride started on the Alpe d’Huez climb before peeling off at switchback 16. What would have been a spectacular view from the balconies pass over the Romanche valley was obscured by cloud.
From the summit of Col de Sarenne (6400ft) we cycled west dropping down 500ft into Alpe d’Huez.
A quick coffee stop was extended due to rain before making the 10 mile descent back to the hotel.
Evening meal was in Restaurant La Muzelle.. Pizza washed down by Côtes du Rhône was the order of the day.
Day 3 : Col d’Oron 40 Miles /60KM, Climbing 4500ft /1370m - Easy Day
Col d’Ornon on paper was the easiest day of the trip but still involved a 7 mile climb @ 5.7% gradient x2. The beautiful descent to Entraigues was only ruined by the thought of having to return back.
A search for a cafe enroute, and in both Entraigues and Valbonnais proved negative with only a local mini market available.
Evening meal was again inRestaurant La Muzelle for more Pizza & Côtes du Rhône.
Day 4: Col De la Croix de Fer
Distance 47 Miles/ 75KM, Climbing 6250ft /2000m
When your Garmin displays the next climb as 15 miles @ 5.2% av you know you’re in for a long day.
With the initial 5 miles of the climb averaging between 8 to 9% with sections well over 10%, a stop for coffee and Crepes @ Creperie Les Favets was more than welcome. A further relief was the mile long descent at the 12 miles mark. Unfortunately, this was quickly followed by a brutal section of up to 14%.Another brief descent was followed by a steady 6 mile climb from Lac de Grand Maison reservoir & dam.
A well deserved photo session at the snowbound summit was followed by the reverse descent and a quick climb to Col du Glandon.
The hour long descent was broken up by the two climbs we enjoyed earlier as descents only not as welcoming when all wrapped up.
While the majority of the group were quite content to head back to the hotel Phil and Graham ventured towards Huez via Pas de la Confession and an additional 7 miles of 6% gradient. While Graham returned home Phil took a 14 mile detour along the balconies towards le Freney d’Oisans.
Evening meal was in Le Bourg d’Oisans for Steak and Côtes du Rhône.
Special thanks to Phil Fairley for providing entertainment from the support vehicle and Phil Brown for the organisation.
