Sometimes people have ideas of things to do that you think are great then nearer the time you start questioning your sanity and then when you do them they are one of the best things you have ever done. This sums up our Marmotte by moonlight cycle ride. I could write for hours about the experience as it certainly sits in the top 3 things I have ever done.

There were 8 of us, 6 riders and 2 support and a van full of food. About 6 weeks ago a friend of ours who also runs some cycling accommodation came up with the idea to ride the Marmotte by moonlight, we thought it sounded great so all was set for the full moon in August, August 24th. As the day approached I got more nervous – lets do one of the hardest cycle rides with the added dimension of it’s overnight. We set off from Bourg d’Oisans about 8.30pm just as the sun was setting and this is where the stunning views started and never stopped. The night unfolded as we rode, the colours on the mountains as we rode up the Croix d’Fer were immense. As we approached the barrage the moon was stunning so bright it cast shawdows and the reflections were amazing. It was so bright we did not need lights, in fact we could have ridden all the up hill and flat by moonlight alone. On reaching the top of the Glandon we put some more kit on as it had got colder, we were in shorts and short sleeves to this point.

Alan loved the descent in the dark, I can’t say I was overly keen it was different. We stuck together on the valley rode which really helped and for once no wind. Then it was the Col d’ Telegraph (one of my favourite climbs) as we went up we rode through the cloud and out into the moonlight again. Down to Valloire and then the big ascent Col d’Galibier, I have to confess I was support over the Galibier as I wanted to be able to finish up the Alpe. I can’t describe how amazing the mountains looked the profiles unbelievable. The guy’s pedalled on into the morning – it was getting cold but all our moods were positive.

We timed it perfectly, summit of the Galibier to watch the sunrise over the mountains with the moon over the Meje Glacier, one of the best sights I have ever seen and I have been fortunate to see many sunsets, sunrises and great landscapes around the world. It was then the descent to the base of the Alpe, we stopped for coffee and croissants on the way, to warm up and get rid of some of the hunger pangs. Everyone was unsurprisingly tired but spirits were high, there was no doubt we were going up the Alpe. We all felt it in different ways, I was close to breaking but Alpe d’Huez wasn’t going to beat me, our driver said we looked so grey climbing compared to the other cyclists looking very red faced and hot. Amazingly we even over took some other cyclists. I even managed a sprint finish.

We cracked open a bottle of champagne, staggered on to the podium for the cheesy photograph, we had done it, the Marmotte by Moonlight. What an experience. Classic climbs overnight could catch on. We are already talking about doing Ventoux next year!!

Each Thursday during July & August there is a time trial from Bourg d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez, it is technically a timed event as it is a mass start. I thought I had better have a go as I hadn’t done it this season and each week  all the cycling accommodation in the Alpe area get’s e mailed from the tourist office as a reminder.

As ever the French are great at setting up events, 5€ to enter which includes your number to keep and timing chip to return, mass start behind the pick up with the big clock and music and marshall’s all the way. It was the biggest field of the season with over 70 entrants including Jeanie Longo the Olympic TT winner,French women’s national tt champion and ladies hour record. I always enjoy the mass start  from the centre of Bourg d’Oisans, it’s the best group riding I do. The group whizzed to the bottom of the Alpe but as we hit the first bend everyone split!!

For the first time I enjoyed the Alpe d’Huez climb, I think it was due to so many riders, there was always someone to catch or someone overtaking! I actually paced myself so I had enough energy to stand up on the last best and to top off what I felt was a good ride I did a PB: 1:10 which included having to stop and pick my sunglasses up which fell out my pocket. I was 4 th lady overall. A good event, one I will do again.  Time to update our leader board.

The definition of Via Ferrata: A via ferrata is a mountain route which is equipped with fixed cables, stemples, ladders, and bridges.The use of these allows otherwise isolated routes to be joined to create longer routes which are accessible to people with a wide range of climbing abilities. Walkers and climbers can follow via ferratas without needing to use their own ropes and belays, and without the risks associated with unprotected scrambling and climbing.

We thought we would have a go from St Christophe, all you needed to do was hire the equipment and off we went. The book described the climb as 3 hours taking in all types of Vis Ferrata ( climbing, bridges, over hangs and scrambling) suitable for accompanied beginners. We went with a friend who had done it before. The kit consisted of a harness, caribeeners and a ‘sexy’ not helmet.

I am not the best person at heights but I have to say it was excellent, I really enjoyed the pure climbing, it always amazes me what narrow foot holds / hand holds you actually require to feel safe on rock faces. I do think having strong legs from cycling was a real bonus. I did have a couple of scary moments not about falling off but getting stuck where I could go neither up or down, luckily it didn’t materialise and after about 3 hours we were at the top after scaling rock facing, walking over a narrow bridge and climbing over hangs. My finger ends were rather sore and today my shoulders are a little stiff.

The great thing about Via Ferrata is if you own the kit it’s free so guess what Alan is now looking at buying? I think it will be the Venosc route next.

Technically I hadn’t done the Galibier this year as when I cycled up in May the last kilometer was closed so I had to do it. A glorious morning, Alan had gone off to a mtb event, a great opportunity. Sunday is the best day to go as there are no trucks on the roads, there was a lot of tourist traffic as August is the main holiday month for the French & Italians.

It is straight on to the Lauteret from our door and up. The route can be split into 3 Le Velo Jaune – Le Grave, Le Grave – Col d’Lauteret, Col d’Lauteret – Galibier all taking me approximately an hour. For the first time I felt I rode really well to Le Grave, usually I don’t like the ascent as there is a lot of false flat which is approx 7%. Le Grave is the last water stop before the Lauteret so a quick stop to eat and fill my bottles and it was off. I really like the climb to the Lauteret from Le Grave but it was steeper than I remembered, the road surface is superb (I am sure the tour d’France will be in the area next year with all the resurfacing going on!). I passed a number of touring bikes, that is a completely different mindset, hats off carrying all that luggage, don’t think it’s for me.

One at the Lauteret it’s 8k to the top of the Galibier, to the tunnel it’s a stead switch back climb, head wind – back wind … once you’re onto the final it’s steep the worst bit, saving grace it’s only minutes from the top. Once at the top the views are superb, I think the best views in the area, I sat and ate my sandwich before the great descent. I wouldn’t say my descending is good but it’s getting better.

I decided to climb Les 2Alpes as I wanted to see how my legs got on with 2 climbs, it’s a lovely descent through Bons and it was a beautiful day. Considering I had done the Galibier I was pleased with how it went and as ever loved the descent. I think you could probably get from Les 2Alpes to our b&b without pedaling, one day I’ll have to try.

A great day 96km and 2700m climbing, I am going to have to do the Marmotte route soon to see if I can!

As our guests were going elsewhere today so i thought that i`d just pop out of the front door and ride the Marmotte route (as you do) 260710

The weather today was a cold start,but the ride soon warmed me up as i started the climb up towards the Croix der fir.Lovely sunny day with a few other riders out.As i dropped down into the other valley i soon had to stop and put on the jacket as i was so cold.I can see why the Marmotte goes down the Glandon these days as the road surface  (on the cdf side )  is bad in places hiding all sorts in the shadows.

After a short climb it was down hill again onto the valley floor then 11 k to Saint jean de maurienne.The Telegraphe climb was just as i remembered a nice wooded climb of 8% average in places.

Once in Valloire it was time to fill the bottles up once again and start the up hill drag  away from  town. What  a drag i`d forgotten that bit.

The climb was OK today as the weather was cool today but once at the top of the Galibier is was was ffffffreezing……..

The descent to the Lautaret had me shivering so much it nearly shook me off the bike ,but once in La Grave i had warmed up — at last.

I arrived outside  the bar on the road near the house and  thought — shall i go up the Alpe ?    Nah don`t be daft.

So i went home.

today’s stats are 161 K   7164calories 3873 meters climbing.

Thought i`d do a longer ride today (July 19th) over the Glandon down to Saint-jean de maurienne back up the long climb to the Croix de fer.

The wind today was in my favour which makes a change.

Once over the Glandon  (great view’s of mont Blanc today) it was time for great descent into Saint-marie de cuines,turn right onto the D74 to saint-Jean de Maurienne.

After losing the sign posts to the C D F .I started the climb up,the first marker said 27 K to the top ———ummm. The temp was about 34`c reflecting of the rocks making it worse.

But the  french have plenty of water stops in the villages.So no need to be out of water.It was a long climb that kicks up in the last ski town of  St Sorlin d`Arves which i didn`t expect.Then onto the top.

Much to my surprise there wasn`t one other cyclist at the top?

Then the brilliant descent down to the valley floor into Bourg then home.

This was my longest ride for nearly 2 years on my own – shocking.

6 hour35 mins, 144ks 6908 calories and 3339 meters of climbing. Yes not a record breaking time.

Where next ?

We decided to cycle to watch the Tour d’France as it ascended from Vizille to Laffrey, this was our first experience of watching the tour live. 4 of our guests wanted to come with us so bikes ready, pic nic packed, camera charged and off we went the 35k to Laffrey along the valley road from Bourg d’Oisans then the steady climb to Laffrey. We arrived about an hour and a half before the caravan was due and already it was busy. We found a great spot about 3/4 the way up the climb and in some shade. Time to people watch before the caravan, and what a variety of people, dressed up, hardly dressed, cyclists, out for the day etc… There were probably more spectators as it was Bastille Day.

As the caravan came through it was madness as everyone wanted to colect the ‘junk’ thrown from the cars, I do ask why did we grapple for Newspapers, Skoda hats that will never be word, washing powder (actually very useful) and the odd food sample which was good. Once that excitement was over it was another hour until the cyclists were due, the time flew passed as so much going on and the crowd certainly built.

The first guy’s through was a break of 5, no one I recognised but they had 11 minutes on the peloton. Then it was the pelotons turn, fantastic, what other sport can you get so close to the stars, Schleck, Wiggins, Armstrong, Cavendish we saw them all. It was all over in a few minutes but absolutely worth it.

We decided to go the long way back via Laffrey, Valbonais and Col d’Ornon the guests hadn’t cycled that way and as any regular reader knows one of my favourite routes. Once through the chaos of everyone leaving Laffrey it was back on to the quiet roads with beautiful views to return to Le Velo Jaune – fantastic!

After having 4 guy’s here from Evans cycles doing the Mega Avalanche, Alan got the bug to go down hilling in Les 2 Alpes, it has never been my favourite bike sports as I have too much fear, but as ever I was going as well.

A beautiful sunny day, car loaded and off we went, Alan had all the protection, I didn’t, more of that in a bit. It’s a 5 minute drive to the ski lift at Venosc and off we go. As ever the French are really wee set up for the sports they support in the area, bike washers, lifts, maps, graded trails, practise areas to name but a few facilities. Once in Deux Alps Alan asked if I wanted to buy some leg protection (I had arm), I said ‘no’ (mistake) saying we’ll get it at lunchtime, I didn’t want to waste time. So off we set sensibly starting on a green run to get our eyes back in, as ever Alan zoomed off no worries all under control, I surprised myself going ok especially as I hadn’t done anything like it for over 2 years. So smiles on our faces we advanced to a blue run and a bit of red fantastic. We wanted to go up to the glacier but couldn’t too much snow! so another blue and red run oops, don’t ask me what happened it was on a flat section but off I came, arm and legged scraped, why hadn’t I bought leg armour in the morning!! Everything still worked so off we went but my confidence had gone and how I ached every bone in my body hurt not just from the fall but being bounced around. Lunch time, leg armour bought and a full face helmet, a bit late for my leg but it certainly brought home the need for a full face helmet. Alan let on at lunch time he had had a fall to …. so he’s not Mr Invincible! The afternoon was good but I certainly need to get my confidence back and give my body time to fix!

I had forgotten how lively and picturesque 2 Alps was in the summer great walking using the lifts, swimming pool, ice skating, luge, grass carting, lake swimming and a man made beach plus plnty of shops, bars and cafes.

All in all a great day out even though we both feel battered, one we must repeat minus the falls. It was all finished off with a bbq with our neighbours -fab.

I finally decided to do it Col d’Parquetout the steepest climb in the area approx 12% over 7km, in order to get to the base I had to ride over Col d’Ornon. I always enjoy this climb, one of the nicest ones around, the temperature was lovely as it was only 10am when I did this. Over the top and it’s a descent virtually all the way to Col d’Parquetout, I stopped on the way to fill my water bottles I was determined to stay hydrated after seeing all the riders fail the Marmotte due to dehydration.

Setting off up Col d’Parqutout there were warning signs out for gravel on the road, not great but overall not too bad as it stopped after a couple of k. What a climb the gradient ranged from 8% to 20%, some kind person had written the gradient on the side of the road 18% appeared far too many times. I knew it was steep when the outside of the hairpin was 13%! I don’t think I have ever stood on my pedals for so long on a climb, the real downside to this I couldn’t get a drink. Luckily most of the climb was through the woods so there was plenty of shade. The views across the vallet were superb, one advantage of going so slowly you can take a good look around. I counted the kilometers down and to be honest it was easier than I had envisage, I will never say it was easy. The top was a bit of a disappointment no sign! I made a quick turnaround as the day was getting hotter and I still had to climb back over Ornon.

The descent wasn’t enjoyable too steep, my hands ached from being on the brakes. Once at the base, bottles filled it was the long climb over Ornon, nothing particularly steep just a drag in the heat. I was really pleased with how I did. Once at the top the fantastic descent to Bourg d’Oisans, I did stop at friends for a coke on the way. So 2100m of climbing, 85km and 38 degrees a grand day out! All addidng to a good cycling week having done an xc ride round Alpe d’Huez and climbed Col d’Glannon already this week.

It’s only a 55km ride but very tough with 1600m of climbing!

Before our Marmotte riding guests arrive I thought I would go ove the Col de Sarenne as I haven’t done it this year. The ride starts up the Alpe and then continues through town and pass the airport (well air field!) before making a slight descent, this route would be brilliant if it weren’t for the road surface over Sarenne. The initial descent and ride up to Col de Sarenne is probably on the worst road in the area so not only does the ascent hurt as you’ve just done the Alpe it is bumpy as well. Once at the top of the Sarenne it is a beautiful descent unfortunately the first 5k aren’t that pleasant because of the road surface but after that it smoothes out and is superb. The road drops down through one of the prettiest villages in the area Mizoen and finally comes out at Chambon barrage, the choice here is 5k up towards Deux Alps or straight back down the Lauteret, I chose to go back via Bons, a great descent with fab views and it avoids one of the tunnels. A tough ride out but worth it.

Time to start getting the Pasta ready for the Marmotte riders!!