Bad weather

It was ominous.  The original plan was a semi-epic, but the black cloud towards Glandon changed the plans completely.  We decided to ascend the mythical mountain instead.  I can completely understand why people make the pilgrimage.  Whilst I possibly enjoyed l'Arpattaz the best, l'Alpe d'Huez is my favourite climb now.  It rears out of La Bourg d'Oisans without mercy - and the hurt that Heras put into the peleton leading Lance out a few years ago has now been put into context.  It is truly steep.

After the first five hairpins roughly 2km, the climb reaches La Garde, where it flattens from 10%+ to a more reasonable 8%+.  In fact I don't think that it drops  below 8%.  It's epic.  Reaching the finish is brilliant, and unfortunately there was no actual Tour finish or Col sign as they're doing a pile of roadwork.  But there is a l'Alpe d'Huez podium which allowed me to commemorate my ascent by taking a rather presumptious photo.