So, first things first, I will answer some questions from the comments: It would have been a tandem paraglide jump, so we would have gone with an experienced paraglider. We have not seen a single bidet here yet. I asked our guides and they said that bidets are not as popular in this region of France. I keep my camera in my jersey pocket and take most of the pics on the fly, but some during breaks as well. Some of the views are so amazing that you just have to stop and look around for a bit. I will take a pic of the map bag for you Vino...it attaches with two velcro straps. KOM (king of the mountain) points are given on Tour stages to the people that cross the top of the mountain first. Turd Ferguson is a solo rider...haven't seen him though. :)
France Day 4: Wow. That's it. What a long, epic day in the saddle (6+ hours!). First and foremost, I would like to say that Heather is AMAZING. We were given many options by our guides of how far we wanted to ride on this huge day, and Heather was the only girl that chose to ride the ENTIRE route (even our guides, who are both girls, rode the shortened route). Of the 9 guests, only 5 did the whole thing, and one of them was Heather. She was awesome. The day's ride looked like this: 130km (80miles)...a 70km 'warmup' with a few smaller climbs, then the 13km long Col de Telegraphe, then the brutally long 18km Col de Galibier. Follow that with a 20km descent to our hotel. The Telegraphe and the Galibier are two of the hardest Tour de France climbs, and we did them back-to-back (with only a 5km descent separating them). Heather and I rode together all the way to the base of the Telegraphe, where we decided to start riding at our own paces. Heather finished it off very strongly (almost catching a couple of the guys!!). I am happy to say that Heather and I were given the Queen and King of the Mountain awards at the end of the day for being the first male and female from our group to summit the Galibier! On to the pics...
Here are Heather and I at the beginning of this epic day. We're smiling because we had no clue of what was in store for us... ;)
Here is the base of the Telegraphe. We took the right hand turn and then started climbing that big mountain in the background.
The view from the top of the Telegraphe was amazing (5140 feet elevation). The climb itself was really cool as well. All tree-lined, and the gradient was very steady, so you could really get into a rhythm while pedaling. A very enjoyable 13km. :) 
The base of the Galibier. This 18km climb is very deceiving, as it starts out very mellow and then really kicks up with 9km to go. It hurt. Especially being that we had already ridden over 90km before reaching it.
The summit of the Galibier (8700 feet in elevation!!). We were literally in the clouds at this height. It was very windy and very cold. It was around 90 degrees at the base of the climb, and it dropped to only 50 at the summit. Crazy. This pic shows the last few switchbacks. 
Here is a shot of the King and Queen next to the very popular sign. After this was a very cold descent.
It was a very tiring day. But WELL worth it. It was an amazing experience. Following the ride, we had a nice social hour with all of the other guests, then went to a really cool restaurant for a well-earned dinner. Our hotel that we are staying at is INCREDIBLE. The views are unbelievable. This is the same hotel that the Discovery Team stays at during the Tour.I highly recommend taking a look at their website. Hit the Virtual Visit button. Amazing.
France Day 5: Today was a 'rest' day, so it was only 80km (50miles). :) There weren't too many climbs, just a few short, steep ones. We took a cable car to the top of Les Deux Alpes (another Tour climb), then ate lunch at one of the cafes up at the summit. There were people skiing and biking up there. Weird. Then we descended the mountain on our bikes. Here are some pics:
Here is Heather on the balcony of our chalet room. Yes, that is a glacier in the background. I told you the view was amazing. :)
Getting ready for the descent of Les Deux Alpes. This was a really fun descent. Heavily forested with smooth asphalt. I hit close to 55mph before having to brake for the switchbacks.
Here are the photo albums from the last two days:
France Day 4 ............. and ............ France Day 5
Tomorrow we get to climb the most famous Tour climb of all, Alpe d'Huez. Should be great. Talk to you all soon!
8 comments:
What an amazing time you're having. The views are spectacular! Way to go Heather.
Wish I were there - the scenery is unbelievable. Love the chalet you're staying at now. One could sit out on the balcony all day and just enjoy the view. We're certainly enjoying all of your pictures.
Glad you guys are having so much fun. The views look amazing! Happy to hear you are kicking butt biking Heath! I love reading about your trip and looking at your pictures, thanks for the updates Brian!
I hope you aren't wearing my baby to a frazzel!! You take care of her, Brian!
Way to go Heather! Of course, nice job Brian, I know probably that Heather dropped you on the descents, waited, and paced you back to the lead group so you could get your jersey.
SHOX PEGS LUCKY!! But seriously nice work you two. I bet the true story is that Brian had to ride Heather's wheel the entire way up the climbs. But you two are lucky Mary was not there she would have smoked both of you up the climb. Also for you two if you are up for it The National Criterium Championship is the weekend of August 19-20, in Downers Grove Illinois which is 2 hours away for the Madison people. My friend Nate may be racing in it and I will be there maybe.
You guys rock! My butt would hurt after those climbs.
Maybe some FRAZZEL-ing is good for the newlyweds!
Keep up the good work »
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