Turn Left, Climb.

Today's route instructions: exit hotel, turn left, climb. We started with the Galibier in the stormy cold, and ended with the D'Izoard in the heat. It was long day today, a little over 80 miles, 9,000 feet of climbing, another 4,200 calories gone! The part of the tour has the most dramatic change in scenery, moving from high alps to rocky peaks, to lush river valley. Tomorrow we will have, what should be, an easier day - although still rough in some places - as we get closer and closer to Provence.

Coming out of Valloire this morning for the Galibier had some nice public art on display, and the customary religious photos from me.

The Valloire church

Shrine carved into the hillside as you start the climb

The Galibier was beautiful today with its weather - just really cold and a bit damp. Dramatic.

Looking up to where we are headed from the lower road

About half way up, looking back. It is about to get hard

Told 'ya

For those who know their Tour history, Pantani did a magical ride up this mountain. So much so, there is a memorial close to the top, where he came through a bank for rain clouds to solidify his lead and the win. I've never stopped to admire it, and since I'm going a bit slower this year - I figured this would be the best time!

Looking for some magic to rub off on the Merckx

Almost there, looking down on the last few kilometers of road

Made it!

The view from the top wasn't as spectacular as in previous years
because of all the clouds. But still special.

Into the refugee for some hot chocolates!

This guy has been here for at least 8 years. Ne touch pas le Chamois!

Quick photo of the monument to the Tour and its founder, and
then a long and fast descent

Slowed down only by some sheep.

Looking back from where we came, a glacier and snow still on the peaks.

After a nice picnic lunch, it was off to the town of Brancon, and the slopes of the Izoard. If you did this climb with fresh legs in the morning, maybe it would be good. I've only done it at the end of hot days with sore legs. I don't like this climb (relative, all the riding here is wonderful of course). No stopping for photos until the top.

And here we are!

At the cafe near the top, there was a dog party! These for my lovely little girl at home.

The Izoard is the turning point from Alps, to rock, to lush valley. I've tried to get the sequence right in these photos.

Sun was in our eyes!

A minor whoopsie while driving today.

Not all heroes wear capes. David and Susan making sure we get home and making sure we have enough water all day, every day of the trip. They are the best!!

 Oh, and you can't climb a famous col without having some gummy candy at the top!

 Love to everyone at home. Miss you, and see you soon.

Ouch

Strava says today was about 70 miles and 4,300 calories. So, I guess I should be about two pounds lighter tomorrow, right? Maybe not after dinner! Whatever the net calorie intake, we had a long day of riding today. We started with a nice roll along the mountain side of Alpe D'Huez, then down to the valley floor to take on the monster Croix de Fer (Iron Cross), then back down to the valley to do the Col De Mollard, which wasn't so bad, then back down to the valley to do the Telegraphe, which has always treated me horribly.

Leaving the D'Huez village where we slept last night - you can see the church, which turns out rings its bells on the hour and half hour, every hour and half hour of the day. Day. And. Night.

We stopped at the Pass of Confessions for a look down at the valley below. Seemed a little macabre name for a pass given the location so high above the valley floor, but I'm probably reading into it a little bit.

  

I noticed along the way some downhill trails for mountain bikes. I can't even believe how crazy these must be - 15% down for 7 or 8 miles. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

A quick run along the valley floor, and its man made lake (there is a lot of hydro power in this part of the country), and we came to the start of the Iron Cross.

The start of Ouch.

There goes B!

If you are observant, you might recognize the same waterfall and coffee stop photos from years gone by.

The village is perched on the cliff face, and simply charming.

Our group refueling.

As with every town, a memorial to the World War dead.

 Half of the Croix de Fer is climbing up a steep river valley to a dam and beautiful lake, where the steep hillsides turn into alpine pastures for sheep and cow.

Made it! 

Remember those peaks - they look far away no?

The real name for the Col, not just because it hurts as bad as Iron Cross sounds.

The next climb was the Mollard, really not much compared to the first and last climbs, but it proved interesting.

Be thankful your neighbors don't have this creepy lawn art.

 Did you remember those peaks, remember how far away they looked? This is the other side. They look far away again, huh? Yeah, big day of riding.

You can never get too far away for Tour de France random public art. I thought maybe a polka dot bike could transfer some good climbing to my Merckx for the final push!

Iron crosses everywhere. This at the bottom of the Mollard on the way to the Telegraph

Looking up the valley to our last climb. In between the first and far ridge on the right hand side.

 Here we go.

That fort on the ridge. The one you can barely see. That is where we are going.

I've always thought this rock face across the valley was amazing. Never fails whenever we are here, rain or shine.

Made it!

One of our friends, Kari, has a hard time seeing in the late evening light, so I helped him make the final few kilometers descent down to the hotel, where I started my blogging efforts with once again highly suspect wifi.

Appetizer was some kind of gnocchi dish (Italy is right of the hill). Wasn't like any gnocchi I have had since two took up the entire plate, but it started off a nice yummy dinner!

And this lemon dessert finished off the dinner.

We had some excellent wine in between.

Add it to the list.