Deja Vu / Alpe dHuez

Deja Vu/ Alpe d'Huez

Arty photo for Andrew

Chilly start up to Alpe d'Huez, and we'd both forgotten how hard the first few kilometres are, when you wonder what on earth you're doing this for. Then, as it starts to get a little easier on the hairpins and going through the little villages, with views over the mountains, now bereft of snow, you realise why you keep doing this!
Ian reached the top in an amazing 1hr 04mins, getting closer to that magic under the hour, just keeping ahead of a Dutch cohort, and I was very pleased with 1hr 38mins, 15mins faster than last time. So chuffed that now my aspirations have changed from aiming to reach the top without stopping, to improving on my last time.
A bit cloudy today but still warm. With some energy in reserve, we decided to return via the mountain top village of Villard-Reculas, along a narrow road which hugs the mountain side. Then a long descent into the outskirts of Allemont, and the fast cycle back, averaging 17mph, all the way to Bourg d'Oisans. 27 miles in total and 3600ft of ascent.
Kate should be coming to the end of her first year exams now, and she'll no doubt when it's all over, and she can get her life back! We hope they've gone well.