Col de Galibier via Lauteret

Another day dawns, but my bed beckons me to stay a little longer, a bit of extra recovery won't go astray. But pretty soon I can hear the clatter of breakfast bowls and I don't want to miss out, so up and at em, gotta fuel up and hit those waiting hills.
Today is Col de Galibier, a long steady climb to Col de Lauteret (approx 50 km) and then turn left for a final 8km climb to Galibier at the lofty height of 2,600 m ASL. Most was fairly steady being less than 8% , bar the final oxygen deprived 1 km at 11% to arrive at the final destination - Col de Galibier.
Satisfaction was great, congratulations and photos to record the moment and then the 40 km descent.
Worthy of note was an aging Fabio or the French equivalent who arrived at the top in little but speedos and runners. Rob was immediatly attracted to him, perhaps the tanned leather skin, the sinewy hide with a generous fur covering strutting amongst the crowds, but alas he failed to get him in our team photo.
 The ride home was abbreviated with more food and Gerry buying odd nick nacks from odd shops. Eventually ice creams at Boug and on to the driveway for a well earned rest and yes.... more food.
and that will be all for today... some pics and then
Bon noir
BB

Alps - Col de la Croix de Fer and Glandon

I sometimes wonder whatever possessed anyone to bring a bicycle to the Alps. The valley floor is dead flat and tedious, the hills arising on all sides are outrageous near vertical walls of rock leading to snow capped peaks. It has however become some type of cycling Mecca and today we paid homage to another hill...... Col de la Croix de Fer with the Col de Glandon thrown in as an extra being a minor diversion from the main route to Croix de Fer. 90 km of riding with 2000 m of climbing is pretty much our standard daily ride
Todays highlights were the company of Tom and Ted (Maine, USA) and Tony (Tasmania - near Australia), good weather yet again, more food, the descent, the driveway and the cow trough, rest and more food.
And that's about it for now... the photos can tell the story and I'm off to bed.
Bon Noir
BB

Alp de Huez

Today, Alp de Huez the first of the classic alpine climbs to be conquered.

I have offered other fellow riders opportunity to contribute to todays blog, but alas a series of whimpy excuses... don't like computers, too tired..... blah blah and off to bed.

So, the pictures will have to tell some of the story.

As can be seen, another perfect day, sun shining, temperatures were a little cooler which was welcome and the legs feeling reasonable. With an extended breakfast it was a relaxing and relatively late start before we rolled down to Bourg D' Oisans and approached to base of the climb... 14 km up hill at average of 7.5% with the first couple of km being an annoyingly constant 10 - 11%. But once into rhythm we all pushed on for yet another satisfying climb. The obligatory photos were taken at the top, followed by coffees and then the descent back to Bourg.....14 km, 21 hairpins smoothest road..whoa!

Lunch was next on the agenda... the usual baguettes etc and then we must consider the ride home.

The driveway back to Ornon has a certain charm being a steadily climb up the valley rising 400 metres over the 7km from the main road to our abode... on reaching home the village trough provides a valued ice bath therapy before  more food - pasta cake and tea or coffee to finish the days riding.

From here on its R&R more food, chat and eventually bed..... another busy and satisfying day for we cycling obsessives.

Bon Noir

BB

Provance 3 cols and travel to the Alps

Definately brief tonight.....the pictures will have to tell the story... cause it's too late for me... again
Got up , ate , rode the 3 cols around Provance, nice ride 60 km, only 1000 m of climbing, picturesque undulating rural stuff which would be nice to do more of. But....
Must travel to the Alps were the real hills are.
Set off as directed by Madam Garmin and god knows where we went, was very scenic but certainly travelled a less worn route of minor roads, mountain cols and ever narrower roads and steeper terrain. We did however end up at the set destination despite some doubters and are now comfortably accomodated at the King of the Mountain at Ornon le Rivier.
Dinner was spectacular, as it always is here, the company good, hence too much wine and chat so it';s way too late yet again and now I must go.
Bon noir.
BB
here's a few  pics of the 3 cols ride at Provance:

Mt Ventoux

Bon Soir
This will have to be brief as it has once again been a fairly big day, it's been hot and it is now late.
We had a n early start this morning planning to an early approach to Mt Ventoux in a bid to avoid the midday heat. We were on the road a little after 7:00 and I actually heard a few comments/complaints about it being a bit too cool, however, 20 km down the road and over a few undulations to the town of Bedouin we were feeling quite warm.
Approaching Bedouin we passed a very flash looking Green Edge Team (outfits only) who happened to be aquaintances of Gerry also riding in the area. A few pleasantries on the road and we decided to head to Bedouin for coffee and an expanded team assault on Mt Ventoux...... Coffee was nice the chat amusing and somewhat later than planned we headed off up hill.
What was the hill like... long (19.8 km), hot and constantly steep. It claims an average of 7.5 % but my garmin seemed to register 9 - 10 % for inordinately long sections of the ride. Eventually the road rises above the trees to an exposed lunar type landscape but fortunately slightly lesser slolpes (7.5%) .. 6km to go, past the Tom Simpson memorial and a final twist at the end as the road steepens for 500 m to a cruel 11% to the top.  Congratulations all round, photos, admire the view, one old Italian was lighting up a cigar to celebrate and then down the other side towards Maluecene.
Exciting descent for 20 km, hitting over 80 km/hr in sections (at which point I get nervous, Gerry recorded 88km/h) winding down through the trees and into town. All arrive safely and to the nearest restaurant for more food - Robert .. more Baguettes, fromage and jambon, some variation from the others with plenty on offer.
Finally fueled, happy and hot we bid farewell to the Green Edge boys and headed back to Faucon for showers, a bit of shopping in town and ultimately dinner and soon bed.
Summary... another great day on ya bike in France.
Je regret, but no photos yet as I haven't downloaded.. hope to update tomorrow
so that's all for now
Bon noir
BB
late addition pictures......