Epilogue - A Trip up the Alpe

Note: This is liable to be my final wrap up post on what became my non ride of the 2012 Marmotte Sportive.  I’ve very much enjoyed writing the blog and have been wonderfully surprised by the numbers of people who have taken an interest in my ramblings. 

A big thanks to you all.

My Non Ride of La Marmotte

So as I’ve already documented, injury forced me to pull out of this years event.  Of course, I was and remain disappointed at such an occurrence given the effort I’d put into the overall preparation but still, bones heal and I’ll live to ride another day. 

Above: GPS info for my ride up the Alpe

While I might not have made it to the start line, I made it to the Alpe and ground my way up its 21 bends in brilliant sunshine on the morning of the main event.  

Above: "Done it"

Above: Alpe D'Huez final turn

Above: Alpe D'Huez final turn Panorama

While pain limited me to being unable to get out of the saddle and pull on the bars, I managed to scale the climb in a little over 53mins, a time I’m rather happy with. 

Next year.  There’s always next year.

Time to Go

So then.  I’m all packed and ready to make the trip to Folkestone to catch the Euro Tunnel.  The bike is boxed up and safely nestled in the car alongside too many clothes and a bunch of other stuff I’m highly unlikely to use.

While my broken collar bone will prevent me from riding this year’s Marmotte.  I’m certain it’s healed enough for me to at least have a stab at getting up to the top of the Alpe D’Huez.  Sure, it’s going to hurt and there’s no way I’ll be getting out of the saddle at any point to pull on those bars – TaylorHamilton way back in 2003, most certainly I’m not.

A good luck and a safe day to everyone riding this weekend (July 7^th).  I’m planning to make my way up to the finish to cheer and applaud as many as I can.