1. Journal: July 22, 2004
2. Stu hard at work painting
3. Stu and his art work
4. Col de la Croix Frey
5. On lookers waiting patiently
6. View from Col de Forclaz
7. Resting after the climbs
8. Back to Tour de France page

Click on listing for details and pictures.

Spectacular! It is hard to imagine it can get any tougher than Alpe d'Huez, but today's ride was excrutiating at times and likely the most enjoyable day of cycling in my life.

It was sunny and 35 Celsius (90+), not a cloud in the sky. The mountains were majestic and lake Annecy shining when we departed around 8:00 am. Stu and I broke off into different groups, both ultimately getting to the same destination, Col de la Croix Fry.

Stu, AD top of mind and like a real Frenchman painted AD & SPC on the road where the tour riders past; (check out the photo, it's a gem). My riding took me up Col de Fordaz, 8KM, and altitude change of 650 M (2,200 ft). Believe it or not, with the heat, it was tougher than Alpe d'Huez. The gradient ranged from 10 - 14 %, straight up, never a flat area in the road.

After an enjoyable downhill it was up Col de la Croix Fry, 13 KM, and 850 M (2,800 ft) altitude change. Reaching the top was satisfying and a relief beyond description. We spent the afternoon relaxing in the shade at an outdoor cafi with a great viewing of the riders as they past by. Lance leading the pack, my appreciation of his talent and strength magnified, as I experienced only a portion of the gruelling route he mastered. After the riders passed, we had the challenge of descending the mountain with a few hundred thousand spectators. Cars, walkers, cyclists, it was every man for himself. We weaved our way back to Annecy, finishing on a spectacular bike path that wound around the lake. Unbelievable day, 70 miles in total. Sleep was the only thing on my mind.

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