Posting pre-written entries due to no WiFi!

The Racers Rest Day, July 21: L'Alpe d'Huez: Blood, Sweat and Gears

As we approached the start of the climb, my stomach started churning and my toes started flinching - like before doing a hard rock climb and your hands start sweating. We found a good parking spot at the base of the climb and geared up. The weather was slightly overcast and cool. I figured the top could be freezing, so I took lots of clothes to glide down in. Now, I'm sure many of you, like me, have seen this stage on tv many times and are amazed at the craziness. It's even crazier than you think. Here we were 2 days before the stage and there were thousands of people already camped out and thousands of people riding up - again, all ages and genders. It's great to see a 12-14 year old kids totally fly up the mountain. Conversely, it's humbling to get dusted by a 60+ year old guy. But in the end it was great being part of such an amazing tradition.
There are 21 switchbacks with a sign at each one. Each provides information that can be uplifting or defeating, it just depends on your state of mind. I think I experienced them all - from feeling like I'm dying, mashing a big gear like Jan Uhlrich, to trying to "dance" like Lance and exploding. Either way, I wasn't going to cruise this one. I set a few goals - like not stopping for 2 switchbacks - which I did accomplish! Actually, it was fun to look up and ride not focusing on my front wheel, cadence, breaths, or heart rate - which I'm sure was well over my max of 174 (220-46) and was probably approaching190! In fact when I looked around there was a lot going on. The Dutch were there in full force, with a generator and a complete club sound system cranking Euro club music. A bunch of Aussies tried to spurn me on showing pictures of a beautiful, scantily clad woman and gesturing that she was up ahead. Another guy was camped out at turn 10, dressed as a clown, playing an accordion.
It was a constant stream of people camped out, already partying and cheering on the riders. I can only imagine what it will be like race-day as the beer continues to flow. Anyway, it was hard and fun at the same time. I can't wait to watch the racers go up. As most of our conversation is speculating about tactics and who will do what, we are sure it will be the battle of the Tour.
Approaching the midway point you can see the campers in a big line - waaay up there. Finally I got to switchback #1 - home free I figure - not! 50 meters later I see a sign that says 4k to the finish! I dig in, the slope lessens - I'm thinking of Lance, I get up out of the saddle and - hit the middle of a ski village filled with shoppers. At this point I wasn't even sure where the top was so I tried to follow the stacks of barriers. I see a guy I was playing tortoise and hare with go by. I figure I can take him (yes, say it - "Get a life"). Anyway I pick up the tempo and go through an underpass - some flat - and…..AN UPHILL FINSH!! My heart was in my throat and I tried to finish strong and I hear yelling, cheering…it was Andrew and Patrick and I completely rode past the line without a clue. They don't actually paint the finish line until the morning of the stage. It was somewhat anti-climactic as there was no real marker or anything. Where is the huge monument! Where are the tourists oogling and aahhing. Well, they were shopping. All the hundreds of riders?... quickly putting on clothing and heading down, as it was windy and cold. After congratulations all around and sharing stories of what we saw and how hard it was - except for our team leader Andrew - I dressed up and we began to head down. But not before splurging on a L'Alpe d'Huez bike jersey. Look for me "climbing" the flats of the Williamette Valley. Better yet, go climb the North face of Crest Drive - about 100 times. I'll wave to you as you go by. I wonder if the neighbors will care if I paint the road when I get home!
Coming down was an adventure in itself as the chaos reigned - bikes passing cars, cars braking quickly, fans waving flags, singing songs, and of course, the Dutch Disco Dance Party switchback. We all had, as Phil Ligget would say: "the ride of their lives!"
My riding time going up (not counting mandatory breaks to take pictures): 1hour 34 minutes. Average speed: 5.8 mph. Avg. Fun Factor: Off the scale (this measurement was taken at the car at the bottom). I highly recommend this climb, as it is such a classic. I also highly recommend a different gearing than my bike has, as it was brutal to try and "spin" with a 36/23 ratio, at least it is for me.
Well now it's time to load up and blast for the finish in Jausiers - in what will be a big mountain day following the rest day. There could be fireworks…..