Alpe d'Huez: Conquered with the Clan!

We did it!!

It was a team effort to get the Hunts, the Howcrofts and me to the top of Alpe d'Huez today (especially as we had difficulties finding the actual top).

You'll see in the group photo from left to right: Joe Howcroft, Sam Howcroft, me, Harry Hunt and Jon Hunt at the back, Ellie Hunt (Eleanor), her Mum Hayley Hunt and Kate Howcroft in the middle with Tim Howcroft (also now known as The Devil for the route he took us after Alpe d'Huez up Col de Sarenne) sat at the front. A great clan to conquer one of the world's most famous and iconic climbs!

Although storms were forecast for today, we were fortunate to have lots of sunshine as well as some cloud which was apparently welcomed for cooling everyone down except for me who started to freeze. We were at an altitude of around 2,000 metres, way above Ben Nevis to give some context.

The first part of the Alpe d'Huez climb is pretty steep. There are large signs counting down the 21 famous hairpin bends as you ascend which were very motivating. We shouted out the number of hairpins left in French each time we passed one of these. There was also a whoop-whoop from Hayley around every hairpin as, unusually they flatten out unlike most hairpins that steepen to lift you up to the next section. The whoop-whoops were for a bit of relief from the climb around each bend.

Ellie got so many thumbs ups and "wows" as we went up. She must be one of only very few 12 year old girls who has completed this challenging mountain. She certainly blew me away and kept me going - what an inspiration and achievement Ellie! All the family must be very proud :-))

Harry, Joe and Sam also did incredibly well zooming off ahead of us - and letting us know how long they'd been waiting by the time we turned up!

And the boys won brownie points for exclamations of "woah" when picking up my bike with no panniers on before we set off. It is very heavy! But it does have amazing gears to get me up all these climbs at tortoise speed.

After we'd eaten lunch and taken lots of photos, apparently the next part of the route had been recommended. So instead of just heading straight back down Alpe d'Huez, we climbed another col on already very tired legs. Although we do plan to throw certain things at this person who recommended this tough follow-on route (but we're mostly blaming Tim anyway), the wild and remote scenery that we experienced was out of this world. It was also so peaceful in complete contrast to the very busy Huez village and ski/Summer resort which was a hive of activity and noise.

We also witnessed on the descent a big landslide with half the road having disappeared down the sheer drop of the mountain. Quite something and quite scary really to think that could happen at any time. I plan to keep well away from the edges now! (And for my Mum, of course I always keep away from the edges anyway...!)

A massive thank you to both of these families for bringing real entertainment, fun and sociability to my tour so far. And for looking after me so well too: tea, wine, cake, Ellie's home-made cookies (genuinely the best I've ever tasted - wow!) And recharging my phone (godsend!). It's been great fun and a real pleasure being able to meet up whilst pottering around the Alps with my tourer, tent and trangia :-))

Ade, we all loved the story about today's ride from Ari and Otto!! Thank you v much for that :-)) (But please stop calling it Alpe P'ooezz!!)

Brian, we all loved that you placed Ellie and me alongside some of the TdF greats for conquering Alpe d'Huez!! You'll see quite a few others did today too including 2 other ladies - Hayley and Kate :-))

Alison and Chris, Tim says hi!

Janny, I'm still making the most of every minute and living the dream!

Mummykins, I hope your neighbour is OK after the dog bite on her face, yikes. Love and hugs to you too.

Caroline, loving the daily texts and continued support, thank you :-))

Tony, well recovered in your latest text!!!

Lorraine, see you tomorrow!!!!!

Mary, see you Friday!!!

Tally-ho for now everyone :-))

Andi xxx

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