Anyone here ridden L'alpe D'huez?
12-19-05, 04:58 PM
#26
My toilet-Floyd's future
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,776
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ventoux is really quite easy to climb from Sault.
The other two directions are killers.
From Sault it averages something silly like 3% for the first 12km.
The other two directions are killers.
From Sault it averages something silly like 3% for the first 12km.
__________________
12-19-05, 06:03 PM
#27
Beko = Touring God.
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Seattle, Washington
Posts: 820
Bikes: Too many.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by EURO
Ventoux is really quite easy to climb from Sault.
The other two directions are killers.
From Sault it averages something silly like 3% for the first 12km.
The other two directions are killers.
From Sault it averages something silly like 3% for the first 12km.
12-19-05, 06:12 PM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 517
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I did all 3 climbs of ventoux. depending on how you ride none are easy.....
The Col d' Izoard is a fantastic climb...there are so many great climbs in France you cant go wrong..enjoy and good luck.
The Col d' Izoard is a fantastic climb...there are so many great climbs in France you cant go wrong..enjoy and good luck.
12-19-05, 06:19 PM
#29
Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 42
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I rode the Alp this year. Did it in 49min 45sec, was on the best form of my life at the time. It isn't really that steep or particularly hard, and the hairpins are all flat. Just find a rhythm and hold it.
Did Le Mont Ventoux as well, and I found it really easy, mainly due to the 70km/hr tailwind I had on the way up! Great fun though.
Did Le Mont Ventoux as well, and I found it really easy, mainly due to the 70km/hr tailwind I had on the way up! Great fun though.
12-19-05, 08:00 PM
#30
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Los Angeles/Aveyron France
Posts: 5,308
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
i read in the recent bicycling about the ventoux club where you get a medal for doing all the ventoux routes in a day. i think i read there's a 4th dirt road which reaches the summit too. goals like that get me fired up, way more than a race ever could. just having a goal like riding ONE of the climbs in decent time and style can keep me motivated for the next few months.
christo i think your time is one you should be proud of. heck it took lance 38 minutes.
christo i think your time is one you should be proud of. heck it took lance 38 minutes.
12-19-05, 08:50 PM
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 229
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If your near Ventoux I would go with that versus L Alp. I went up the Bedoin side in Septmber and I can tell you it is relentless as it never levels off. Also, it was hot (80 degrees ) at the bottom and cold (47 degrees) at the top. It was awesome and I highly recommend!
Last edited by SF Biker; 12-19-05 at 09:43 PM.
12-19-05, 09:12 PM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 229
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Oh almost forgot. The Bedoin area is stunning. The first pic is where I started. If you look off to the right you can see Mt Ventoux in the clouds. Believe me this pic does not do it justice as it is 8-10% grade that never let's up. . The second pic is looking down from the Simpson Memorial. About 5km from the top it changes in to a moonscape, cool, ugly and freaky all in one!
Last edited by SF Biker; 12-19-05 at 09:44 PM.
12-20-05, 01:27 AM
#33
Senior Member (Retired)
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Great North Woods
Posts: 2,671
Bikes: Vittorio, Centaur triple; Casati Laser Piu, Chorus Triple.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by oboeguy
If you go immediately before / after the Tour, there will be pro photographers on the hairpins taking your picture and handing you a card so you can buy the pic later so try to look good on those hairpins.
On a somewhat sadder note, the owner of the cycle shop in Malaucene killed himself a year or so ago over a failed relationship. I don't know if the shop has reopened, but assume it has. It would be a gold mine.
12-20-05, 05:14 AM
#34
Behind EVERYone!!!
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Burlington ON, Canada
Posts: 6,020
Bikes: 2010 Specialized Tricross Comp 105 Double
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 96 Times
in
29 Posts
You may want to ask steephill. He has done it and has posted many threads about his cycling exploits in France...and most of us hat......errr..envy him for it 
.
.
__________________
“A good teacher protects his pupils from his own influence. ”
― Bruce Lee
“A good teacher protects his pupils from his own influence. ”
― Bruce Lee
12-20-05, 10:38 AM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Europe
Posts: 162
Bikes: 2 cannondales
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by baj32161
You may want to ask steephill. He has done it and has posted many threads about his cycling exploits in France...and most of us hat......errr..envy him for it .
.
12-20-05, 10:39 AM
#36
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,304
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1447 Post(s)
Liked 728 Times
in
373 Posts
Originally Posted by christo87
I rode the Alp this year. Did it in 49min 45sec, was on the best form of my life at the time. It isn't really that steep or particularly hard, and the hairpins are all flat. Just find a rhythm and hold it.
151. Peter Wrolich (A), Gerolsteiner, 10:06
152. Fabio Baldato (I), Alessio-Bianchi, 10:10
153. Alessandro Bertolini (I), Alessio-Bianchi, 10:10
154. Nazon Jean-Patrick (F), Ag2R Prevoyance, 10:19
155. Matthew Wilson (Aus), FDJeux.com, 11:32
Davide Bramati (I), Quick Step-Davitamon, H.Delais
Aart Vierhouten (Nl), Lotto-Domo, H.Delais
I question either your math, or why you're wasting time here with us. Maybe you have a future riding.
12-20-05, 10:43 AM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Europe
Posts: 162
Bikes: 2 cannondales
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by merlinextraligh
Christo, If that is accurate, that time would have put you well within the time limit for Stage 16 of the 2004 TDF and ahead of: 150. Jimmy Casper (F), Cofidis, 10:06 (10:06 above Armstrongs 39:41)
151. Peter Wrolich (A), Gerolsteiner, 10:06
152. Fabio Baldato (I), Alessio-Bianchi, 10:10
153. Alessandro Bertolini (I), Alessio-Bianchi, 10:10
154. Nazon Jean-Patrick (F), Ag2R Prevoyance, 10:19
155. Matthew Wilson (Aus), FDJeux.com, 11:32
Davide Bramati (I), Quick Step-Davitamon, H.Delais
Aart Vierhouten (Nl), Lotto-Domo, H.Delais
I question either your math, or why you're wasting time here with us. Maybe you have a future riding.
151. Peter Wrolich (A), Gerolsteiner, 10:06
152. Fabio Baldato (I), Alessio-Bianchi, 10:10
153. Alessandro Bertolini (I), Alessio-Bianchi, 10:10
154. Nazon Jean-Patrick (F), Ag2R Prevoyance, 10:19
155. Matthew Wilson (Aus), FDJeux.com, 11:32
Davide Bramati (I), Quick Step-Davitamon, H.Delais
Aart Vierhouten (Nl), Lotto-Domo, H.Delais
I question either your math, or why you're wasting time here with us. Maybe you have a future riding.
12-20-05, 10:53 AM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Hanover PA
Posts: 940
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by HigherGround
If you get to go up on Alpe d'Huez at night, the view is fantastic. There's not much light pollution, so the stars really stand out. .
12-20-05, 10:55 AM
#39
My toilet-Floyd's future
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,776
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I question either your math, or why you're wasting time here with us. Maybe you have a future riding.
__________________
12-20-05, 11:17 AM
#40
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,304
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1447 Post(s)
Liked 728 Times
in
373 Posts
Originally Posted by EURO
Many people only time themselves to the faux finish line at the start of the village. In actual fact, there's another couple of kms to the real finish. This is possible.
12-20-05, 12:59 PM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 163
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by HigherGround
I rode it in 2004, the day before the Tour had the time trial up the mountain. I don't recall what my exact time was, but if less than 60 minutes is a decent time, then I'm sure my time was most indecent. Granted, I didn't have the best preparation. I had driven 12 hours the day before, due to underestimating how long it would take to cover some of the mountainous backroad highways that I had taken. I arrived around midnight, and slept in my car just as a migraine was starting to settle in. After a poor night's sleep, I walked to the Casino market in Bourg d'Oissans to buy groceries and breakfast. I actually freaked myself out a bit, by walking up the first two hairpins on the mountain: they're the steepest part, and I thought that was going to be typical of the rest of the climb. Fortunately it's not.
I usually ride with a 39 X 23 low in the the part of Pennsylvania where I live. The climbs can be steep, but are almost always less than 3/4 of a mile. For Alpe d'Huez, I used a 39 X 26 low. That's the same gearing I used for the Assault on Mt. Mitchell in 1997. Unfortunately I'm in the Clydesdale category (for now), and I would have liked to use lower gears, but I couldn't find any Campy 8 speed cassettes. By the top I was wishing I had put the 26 tooth cog on the crankset rather than the back wheel! However, due to perseverance more than athletic ability, I did make it to the top. There was no freakin' way I was going to come back to the US and tell my friends that I quit on Alpe d'Huez!
I may not be the most fit cyclist around, but I may be one of the most stubborn.
I had taken a vest with me, and I was glad that I did. I got to the top as it was cooling off and dark gray storm clouds were rolling in. Fortunately the rain held off. Riding back down was a challenge too. My hands and upper body were getting tired from braking and bracing myself. It was hard to get much speed, as there were people riding up the mountain, people painting all over the road, and people just partying in general. If you get to go up on Alpe d'Huez at night, the view is fantastic. There's not much light pollution, so the stars really stand out. Prior to leaving for my trip, I was in the midst of changing careers and making some major life changes. I am so glad that I went. Being there at that time felt so right, like it was just something I needed to do. It's hard to explain, but it is one of my most cherished memories.
I usually ride with a 39 X 23 low in the the part of Pennsylvania where I live. The climbs can be steep, but are almost always less than 3/4 of a mile. For Alpe d'Huez, I used a 39 X 26 low. That's the same gearing I used for the Assault on Mt. Mitchell in 1997. Unfortunately I'm in the Clydesdale category (for now), and I would have liked to use lower gears, but I couldn't find any Campy 8 speed cassettes. By the top I was wishing I had put the 26 tooth cog on the crankset rather than the back wheel! However, due to perseverance more than athletic ability, I did make it to the top. There was no freakin' way I was going to come back to the US and tell my friends that I quit on Alpe d'Huez!
I may not be the most fit cyclist around, but I may be one of the most stubborn.I had taken a vest with me, and I was glad that I did. I got to the top as it was cooling off and dark gray storm clouds were rolling in. Fortunately the rain held off. Riding back down was a challenge too. My hands and upper body were getting tired from braking and bracing myself. It was hard to get much speed, as there were people riding up the mountain, people painting all over the road, and people just partying in general. If you get to go up on Alpe d'Huez at night, the view is fantastic. There's not much light pollution, so the stars really stand out. Prior to leaving for my trip, I was in the midst of changing careers and making some major life changes. I am so glad that I went. Being there at that time felt so right, like it was just something I needed to do. It's hard to explain, but it is one of my most cherished memories.
12-20-05, 02:00 PM
#42
Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 42
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You guys forget that the guys I would have beaten were just cruising up at 60% or so, and have just done over 2 weeks unbelievably hard racing. I came fresh and feeling great.
And it was to the real race finish, not to the faux finish
And it was to the real race finish, not to the faux finish
12-20-05, 02:10 PM
#44
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,304
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1447 Post(s)
Liked 728 Times
in
373 Posts
Originally Posted by christo87
You guys forget that the guys I would have beaten were just cruising up at 60% or so, and have just done over 2 weeks unbelievably hard racing. I came fresh and feeling great.
And it was to the real race finish, not to the faux finish
And it was to the real race finish, not to the faux finish
12-20-05, 09:18 PM
#45
Behind EVERYone!!!
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Burlington ON, Canada
Posts: 6,020
Bikes: 2010 Specialized Tricross Comp 105 Double
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 96 Times
in
29 Posts
Originally Posted by Barcelona rider
Jealousy is a wasted emotion. Come out here and we can show you a dozen alpe d¨huez type climbs! Even you Baj boy are invited!
Cheers,
Brian
__________________
“A good teacher protects his pupils from his own influence. ”
― Bruce Lee
“A good teacher protects his pupils from his own influence. ”
― Bruce Lee
Last edited by baj32161; 12-21-05 at 05:46 AM.
12-20-05, 10:13 PM
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 269
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by merlinextraligh
(Regarding Cristo) Nonetheless, your time indicates you could hang in the pro peleton, and could have some real potential. How old are you? What level do you race at, and are you pursuing this seriously?
Cristo's time for a rec rider/racer is excellent but it's not relevant to hanging with the TDF riders.
I did it in '04 in mediocre form, 15lbs heavier than in 05 and went 57:00 weaving through traffic the day after the TT. I'm sure based on my % improvement in '05 at other climbs that I could see 51- 52 minutes if I was on peak.
I'm also sure that had I done the full TDF prior my time would be 0:00 because I would have burst into flames several days before. Cristo is right in saying that the guys he might have "beaten" were cruising in survival mode after a long tour, just making the cut. These guys put in incredibly hard efforts before they even see the bottom of the mountain. And some of the bigger riders are notoriously slow going uphill, if you've ever raced some top crit monstors you know how they die on the grades. It's the great watts/pounds equalizer.
12-20-05, 11:12 PM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Paso Robles Ca.
Posts: 382
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I rode it last year after climbing Galibier and then riding to Alpe du'Huez... was a tough day. There was a husband and wife riding, he had 2 kids in trailer, she had 1 in her trailer. Try riding Galibier from that direction...it's a really tough climb. All the climbs will be challenging enough and spectacular...have a blast and ride as many as possible. I'm planning on being there for the TDF this year to watch Jan,Ivan,Cadel,Vino, and maybe Georgie battle it out
12-20-05, 11:20 PM
#48
Descends Like Avalanche
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Somewhere between Funkytown and Margaritaville, PA
Posts: 5,769
Bikes: Lynskey R240, Sportive, and a Helix Sport disc model in the works; Eddy Merckx MX Leader; Specialized Rock Hopper Comp (1988!)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by joetronic
Sounds like you are a fellow astronomer. Am I correct?
I like to feel the wind, sun, or rain on my face... as long as I'm prepared for the weather conditions.
__________________
The rider in my avatar is David Etxebarria, not me.
12-20-05, 11:29 PM
#49
Descends Like Avalanche
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Somewhere between Funkytown and Margaritaville, PA
Posts: 5,769
Bikes: Lynskey R240, Sportive, and a Helix Sport disc model in the works; Eddy Merckx MX Leader; Specialized Rock Hopper Comp (1988!)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by sirthx
Good read! Thanks for sharing.
__________________
The rider in my avatar is David Etxebarria, not me.
12-20-05, 11:42 PM
#50
Descends Like Avalanche
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Somewhere between Funkytown and Margaritaville, PA
Posts: 5,769
Bikes: Lynskey R240, Sportive, and a Helix Sport disc model in the works; Eddy Merckx MX Leader; Specialized Rock Hopper Comp (1988!)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by divekrb
...I'm also sure that had I done the full TDF prior my time would be 0:00 because I would have burst into flames several days before...
I feel your pain! Riding that mountain gave me a greater appreciation for what I have seen on TV over the years: LeMond and Hinault riding away from the rest of the field to finish hand in hand at the summit in 1986; LeMond careening in to the final corner at warp speed and almost side-swiping the barrier, only to be outsprinted by Gianni Bugno in the final 50 meters in 1990; Hampsten ratcheting up the pace and riding his breakaway companions off his wheel one at a time until he cruised to a solo finish like a heat-seaking missile in 1992; Lance giving Jan Ullrich "the look" and stomping away as Jan is unable to respond. Paul Sherwinn once said that the climb of the Alpe d'Huez isn't that tough, but it is the climbs that preceed it during a typical stage that make it so difficult. Don't believe it - that climb is tough enough on its own!
But I can't imagine riding the typical road stage and finishing like the riders I mentioned above. I admit that my fondest memories have a definite slant towards the Americans, but that is in no way meant to diminish the accomplishments of riders from other countries.
__________________
The rider in my avatar is David Etxebarria, not me.