Telegraphe, Galibier and Alpe d' Huez. A huge day! Started with a 30K coast from our hotel to the beginning of theTelegraphe. From there, the fun began. The Telegraphe may be the only reasonable climb in this whole odysee something like 12K at 7%; well suited for mortals like me. From there it is downhill to the first real entree off the day, the Galibier. Like all good climbs, it saves the best for last getting steeper as you go. Just what the doctor didn't ask for! The descent off the Galibier was a 35 mile smile except for one near death experience when 2 motorcycles coming up the mountain veered into our lane when overtaking a car and literally missing us by inches.
A quick rest at the base of the Alpe d' Huez and then a long steep grind up the 22 switchbacks. Missing were the madding crowds lining the route that feature so prominently in the Tour. At the top, I was nearly unconscious, dehydrated, exhausted and nauseated. An IV would have been useful.
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