Day 2 Alp d'Huez

Beautiful clear sunny day, big mountains, snow covered peaks in all directions. We are camped at Camping La Cascade beside the fast flowing La Sarenne, with the roar of the waterfall a constant reminder.

View across the valley Le Bourg-d'Oisans below

First thing to complete is to advise the camp owner that we arrived during the night. Pay the bill for two nights with power 75Euro. Very nice campsite, cabins etc, hedges for privacy. Complete our washing chores then a visit to the local supermarket (Casino supermarche et drive) in Le Bourg-d'Oisans. 
By 1.00pm we are ready to start the climb up L'Alpe D'Huez. It's hot and from my first experience on this mountain is the first 3 klm are the steepest at around 12-14%.

Paul on the right is up for the challenge in his triathalon outfit or is it an old Collingwood Jumper?

21 switchbacks with amazing views all around

Garry (John West) Webster, shirt completely open to minimise heat powers up the slopes that are now a steady 10% all the way. The distance between each switchback is approx. 500 mtrs. 

It's okay Ross we will wait for you, no rush! Some of the switchbacks below. First included in the TDF 1952 and won by that man Fausto Coppi, during the golden age of cycling.

 Phew it's hot, stop beside a fast flowing stream on the side of the road. Immerse our heads into the water, wow, spanner water (tightens your nuts), takes your breath away, that's cold, but refreshing.

Passing the Eglise Saint-Ferreol, right on the edge of the village of Huez.

We can see the skiing village of Alpe d'Huez situated at 1860 mtr, where the road comes to an end, the peak of Alpe d' Huez continues to rise @3300 mtr. 

Village up ahead, flying the flag for Rowville Riders. 

Alpe d'Huez is a large ski resort and village with many hotels, facilities, activities for the family in winter or summer, plus it's own airport.

Below is the view from the village across the valley and Gazza looking good on the winners podium. Time for a cool drink and a look around the shops.

Somehow I ended up losing the Three Amigos thinking they were following me. So I decided to descend thinking they had also returned to base. Arrived at campsite, no one in view. Chatting with neighbours opposite who are Dutch and they invite me for a cool ale ahhh! Take your time boys.

Paul and myself take the short ride into Le Bourg d'Oisans for an ice-cream, when we are approached by four well presented middle age men, asking if we have drugs! Do we look that obvious! I am clean but I'm not too sure about thee Paul!