Cycling

hobey

Subject:

Cycling

· Posted: 04.01.2014 · #1

Hi Craicers. A friend who also has a camper has proposed that we should try a shot at cycling the Alpe d'Huez in May. I'd love to do it & I wonder if anyone on here has done it. And also recommend a campsite in the vicinity. As always, thanks for reading this and helping........Hobey

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Re: Cycling

· Posted: 04.01.2014 · #2

Long ago and before my motorhoming days I spent a week (tenting) there with my family. There is at least one camp site at the foot of Alpe d'Huez. From my memory it is located on the way out of Bourg d'Oisans as you proceed to the bottom of the famous Alpe d'Huez climb.

Yes you could cycle it. My son who was 13 years old at the time hired a bicycle (typical bike hire crap! and heavy! ) and cycled it to the top. Me? I drove up in the car

Huge numbers of people cycle it every year - It is a bit of a Mecca for cyclists from all over the world.

Despite its fierce reputation it is very cyclable. Just have a reasonable bike with a couple of low gears and take your time, be patient. Slow and patient is the key.

Coming down is just as hard for different reasons.

While I was there there was a constant smell of burnt brake pad dust from cars coming down with their foot on the brakes for far too long. I saw one guy (who was on the campsite) as he came on site his back right hand wheel was in flames - basically his disc was red hot.

You could blow tyres on a bicycle too if you constantly hold the brake on while descending for that long.

Good luck

Shivster

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Re: Cycling

· Posted: 04.01.2014 · #3

Quote by hobey

Sounds like a real adventure - sorry can't help but hope it works out and would love to hear about it on your return.

Desperado

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Re: Cycling

· Posted: 04.01.2014 · #4

There are at least 3 campsites at the start of the climb and just outside Bourg D'Oisans. All the campsites are good IMO and have good facilities. The town is only a short walk or cycle away and has a few good bars and restaurants. Also worth having a look at is Les Deaux Alps - there is a decent Aire (payable but cheap) and you can take a ski lift to a glacier.....if that interests you of course.

hobey

Subject:

Re: Cycling

· Posted: 05.01.2014 · #5

Thanks for replies. It is just "talk" at the moment. We are recruiting bods to help with costs and having fun planning routes etc. We hope to drive there, do cycle and then home in a week.
I "did" a glacier a few years back. The "Mer du Glace" above Chamonix. It was truly fantastic. I would highly recommend a visit. On reflection, I think it was our favourite camper holiday. 3 weeks rambling Eastern France, Freiburg, Europa Park, cross Switzerland, Annecy, Bourgogne wine. Anyways, if anything happens, I'll post. Thanks again.....Hobey

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Re: Cycling

· Posted: 05.01.2014 · #6

Yeah Hobey I have to agree with you Burgogne wine is superb! Especially if you stay on a Vineyard and get a litre plastic bottle filled with it. Fantastic I want to go back.

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