Training Log Archive: kido

The Col d'Ornon, from both sides. Following the guidebook, the original plan was to climb the Ornon, descend the other side, climb the Col de Parquetout, then turn around and go back. But when we got to the foot of the Parquetout we decided we couldn't face it. It's short, only 7km, but averages 10% with sections at 16%, and we're both feeling tired and very aware of the Galibier coming up shortly.

Tried to follow trail markings up from the campsite to Villard Reculas, where there is a trail running park. After a brutal climb up to the second switchback on Alpe d’Huez the markers seemed to disappear leaving me running down the road (not ideal!). Started again at the bottom and just ran on the flat along the river.

Body in bits. This felt dreadful.

C • Surprised 5

Up Col de la Croix de Fer from Bourg d’Oisans, with a very cheeky ascent of the Col du Glandon as well (it's all of 220m off the Croix de Fer road, the proper climb is from the other side). Felt reaaal tired at the start today and we both panicked a bit when we saw the km markers begin at 30km to go. Checked the profile and yes, the climb is 27.5km long! But it was more gentle than some, and with some downhill bits (they sucked big time on the return journey). Possibly the best views so far. The downhill was super fun.

Think my Garmin might be underestimating climb? The official guidebook said this ride was 2080m climb. Also yesterday should have been 1700m.

Today we climbed Alpe d’Huez! And then continued on up Col de Sarenne! I was feeling tired today, and this hurt, but I had a smile on my face the whole way. A lot cooler day and Kyhil smashed me so the heat is obviously his achilles heel. Such a beautiful ride, particularly between the two summits. I played leapfrog with a British woman on the Alpe d’Huez climb, it was nice to have a bit of a carrot / someone coming behind. The descent down the Sarenne was a bit hairy at the top - narrow, steep and very poorly surfaced - but got better towards the bottom. We had planned to do another 5km climb from the bottom of Sarenne, part way up the Auris d'Oisins climb - but we got a few hundred metres in and both decided to bail, which I was very glad about in the end!

This was a struggle. From Vizille to Bourg d’Oisans, doesn't seem like much climb but with the panniers it was really tough. We are now re-assessing our options of the leg to Briançon (1800m climb) because we just don't have the gearing for it. Was really hot too since we started late after touristing in the morning.

What a farce! We left my Gerber (good quality / expensive pocket knife thingy) at our lunch stop so we made a mad evening rush back to get it! It sucked. It was OK on the way there but the way back was lots more climb and a strong headwind. With dinner in my belly.

C • Knife 2

From Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans on to Grenoble before a tourist stop. This was beautiful, much of it along a newly surfaced, completely separated cycle road along the Isere river, shady and with great views. The start of the day was endless beautiful walnut tree groves. Flat and no wind.

Ugh what a contrast to the morning. Onward from Grenoble to Vizille, now super hot, super windy and on very busy roads.

Cheated and skipped another bit on the train this morning, so rode out from Valence on our way to Bourg d’Oisans and made it as far as Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans. Took some indirect roads so we could try and stick to the Drôme cycling route, which was prettier along the l'Izere and a lot quieter than the D road. Very hot today and a headwind most of the way until we got more into the valley - it's not quite so frustrating when you're not worried about speed.