“Swim from Alcatraz??? Aren’t there sharks there too?”, before I knew it I had entered ‘Alcatraz – Escape The Rock’ a 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the San Francisco Bay followed by a 7 mile run to the Golden Gate Bridge and back. All in aid of The British Lung Foundation.
With my fellow entrants Coral & Tom Hill, supported by my wife Hannah we arrived at the Frisco Bay. Daunted by the sheer expanse of water in front of us and the choppy waters there was no turning back now.
It was touch and go as to whether we would be allowed to start but as the fog cleared and the super tankers got out of the way we and 500 other participants made our way to the ferry.
The start line
Jumping out of the ferry into cold cold waters we scrambled to our starting positions behind the bobbing kayaks. Two blasts of the ferry fog horn and we were off, chaos ensued, bodies’ going in every direction, the swell was tough, the currents fighting against us. About ¾ of the way Tom & I were picked up by ‘boat assist’ and dropped back in the water a few hundred meters from the finish.
Reaching the shoreline we were both relieved, but it’s not over yet, quick transition out of our wet-suits in preparation for the run. Coral exited the swim just as we started our run, no boat assist for this champ.
The course to the bridge and back was filled with Sunday joggers and tourists on bikes, we bantered with our fellow contestants on route to distract from the task at hand. 2 hrs 9 min after jumping off that ferry I was done. All the preparation and training has paid off. What a fantastic experience! I loved it!
Stage 4 was an iconic one, taking in the 21 hairpins of l’Alpe d’Huez. It was also always going to be a difficult day logistically, as there was a big Dutch charity event happening over the whole week called Alpe d’HuZes. This had already caused us some issues with accommodation as Alpe d’Huez had no vacancies at a reasonable price.
Before tackling Alpe d’Huez the riders had first a 20 mile warm up ride. The route took them along the valley floor then climbing up to the D211a which hugs the cliff face towards l’Alpe d’Huez rather than the long straight road along to Bourg d’Oisans.
The views were spectacular, however Nick really didn’t appreciate them and didn’t like being too close to the edge.
Meanwhile the support crew (with Brad who really wanted to do the headlining climb so was resting) got to the bottom of Alpe d’Huez to find the road coned off!!! Due to the weather forecast they knew that the riders would need topping up with water during the climb, and had already planned out several stops for them. So they took a quick trip to the supermarket to buy lunch and some smaller bottles of water for pockets and to discuss another plan B.
After all the planning, it wasn’t needed. The crew decided to see if they could persuade someone to let them up the mountain, a combination of speaking to the one of the Dutch organisers in French and a van with British plates and they were through the road block with no issues. They pulled over to the side of the road just before the official start of the climb and waited for the riders to find them, so Flo could make her appearance and Brad could join the team again.
Team back together again, they all set off to climb the 21 hairpins of l’Alpe d’Huez. There were concerns that the dutch charity walkers would an issue, as they were walking along the road, however the amount of support out on the mountain was amazing. From wet sponges, snacks, cheering, to singing and some dutch techno. There was definitely a party atmosphere on the mountain. Harry particularly enjoyed the support from the Dutch girls and Jason finally got a push from a fellow diabetic.
Harry would have got a King of the mountain, but he had to wait for the tandem for directions as he had lost his Garmin, we think it came off his bike when they stopped to look over the cliff. After the atmosphere during the climb the summit was a little anti-climatic as the dutch finish was slightly before the Tour de France “official” finish. All the riders went straight past the finish. There is no col sign with the altitude just a inconspicuous “Arrive” sign, and after the crowded mountain, where we finished was almost a ghost town.
After lunch it was time for the decent and the 12 km climb up to the Col d’Ornon (average of 5.4%) and our hotel for the night. Brad and Jason decided against doing it as they had both been struggling with the heat and Brad was still struggling with the altitude and his breathing. Everyone had started to feel the miles and all the climbing including Florence who was starting to make some unsettling noises.
It was another hot climb, Harry got the King of the Mountain and all the riders made it by 5 o’clock, giving some of the riders time to chill out and relax.
Stage 3 would see the mile monkeys take on the Col du Télégraphe followed by the Col du Galibier, but first a 27 mile ride from Val Cenis to the base of the Col du Télégraphe . Their total day would be 60 miles and 9,000 feet of climbing. To avoid another road closure the route would take the high road through the mountain villages rather than along the valley floor. This meant that Flo would have a morning off, as there would be a mixture of climbing and descents.
After making sure they all knew what direction they were heading, they set off about 9 am towards Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne where they planned on meeting the support crew.
Chocolate box land
Nick (on the ride from the hotel)
The cyclists got the bottom of the Col du Télégraphe for a quick refuel (ie more cakes) and to swap out Flo about 11 am. There was also an incident with a blocked toilet but we won’t say anything else about that.
Col du Télégraphe is just under 12 km with an average gradient of 7.3%
Its like cycling up Bridge Valley for about 12 k, 8 times 9 times up Bridge Valley. Its hot but fun in a weird sick way.
Craig
With a sprint finish Craig claimed the “King of the Mountain”
“I left everything out there, it was emotional. I couldn’t do much more, I enjoyed it though”
Craig
with Harry just moments behind him.
“500m off I just couldn’t [catch him], I didn’t have anything in me”
Harry
Brad was a few minutes behind, and the tandem crew a few minutes behind him, just leaving Jason to finish.
Nick and Hannah walked down to the last corner and Craig cycled down the last bit to support Jason to the finish.
Fortunately or unfortunately (depending on your point of view) the Col du Galibier was still shut, although the snow clearing was almost finished, a burst water main the week before had delayed the work. It would be another drive round, but the cycling was almost done for the day as the monkeys were still planning on descending Telegraphe as apparently that’s the fun bit.
Time for lunch at one of the more picturesque spots of the week, before going back down and loading up for the drive to La Grave. Thanks again to Peter, Judith and Hannah for helping us with the transport issues.
No carpool karaoke this time, however our trip did include several diverts for road works, an extremely long tunnel, a brief trip through Italy and 5 nuns in a Fiat.
We were staying at the Hotel Castillan at La Grave, once the bikes were all stored in their bike garage and the laundry was done, it was time to relax for a bit and go for dinner.
Due to it being rather early in the season the hotel’s restaurant wasn’t yet open but we found another cycle friendly place for dinner just 5 minutes walk from the hotel, the Hotel Edelweiss. This was probably one of the best meals we had all week.
Unfortunately there was no evening video, as it was a bit noisy in the restaurant, and once it had quietened down there was a technical issue with our camera person (lovely french wine) So here is a photo instead.
Day 2 and our plan was to go from the hotel up to the Col d’Iseran, one of the highest paved roads in Europe at 2770m, however it was not to be as the col hadn’t re-opened after the winter as they were still clearing the snow. Unfortunately it was the most direct route to the next night’s hotel, the alternative was 80 miles along the valley floor with no categorised climbs and on main roads. Not something the Monkeys were looking forward to.
Our saviours were Peter & Judith (Craig’s in-laws) who along with Hannah were in France on holiday and spending a couple of days in the mountains with us. Plan B was formulated, we would drive to La Chambre and then they cyclists would climb the Col du Glandon (which wasn’t on our schedule) descend back down and then drive to the hotel.
So the support van was loaded with all the luggage, all the bikes and 6 of the team, while the remaining 2 hitched a lift with Peter, Judith & Hannah.
We got to La Chambre just before 11am, after unloading and getting ready it was almost 11.30 before everyone left. Brad had decided to join the support team as Glandon wasn’t part of the original plan, he had been struggling with the altitude the day before and really wanted to be able to do the col du Telegraphe on day 3.
The climb was hot, at one point getting to 35C, although some parts were shaded by trees, it didn’t seem to make much difference. The riders were even glad when there was a bit of a head wind, to help cool them down. Jason’s blood sugar levels were causing him some problems and about an hour in he called for the support van to come and get him.
Once they were out of the tree line conditions improved a little as there was a bit of cloud cover, but at that point the gradient had started to increase. It was at this point that Harry was released from domestique duties as he could no longer keep at the same speed as Nick and Mitch on the tandem. He made it to the summit before the support crew, and earnt him self his first “King of the Mountain”
Flo made it up about 14.20, followed shortly by Craig at 14.30. The sun had com back out at this point so we were able to have a lovely picnic at the top, even if it was in the car park.
After lunch it was a quick decent back to La Chambre. The riders only took about 40 mins to descend and they had to stop for a puncture. We then quickly loaded up the van, and by the time Peter, Judith and Hannah caught up with us, we were all loaded and ready to go.
There was however another hour drive to the hotel, the support van passed the time by doing our version of Carpool Karaoke, you can see the results on You Tube!!!
We got to Val Cenis at a reasonable time. We were staying at the hotel Alpazur, who let us use their storage room, for all the bikes and the kit. Giving us the opportunity to remove everything from the van and sort everything out for the next day.
Craig and Mitch even found a climbing wall not far from the hotel.
After that there still plenty of time to get ready for dinner, and make our daily Facebook video.
The plan for stage 1 was to climb the Cormet de Roselend, followed by the Col du Petit Saint Bernard before decending back into the valley to our overnight stop at Sainte-Foy.
We were hoping for a nice early start as this was going to be one of our longest days at just over 70 miles, but due to our late arrival the night before we needed to sort out the vans, as one of them would be staying in Albertville for the week.
After breakfast at the hotel, all the bikes were set up and all the luggage was loaded into the Transit, we had the obligatory rider photos, they were off, only slightly behind schedule at about 9 am.
Their route was to take them east out of Albertville towards the village of Beaufort and then to the top of the Cormet de Roselend, a 20km climb with an average of 6%, before descending into Bourg Saint Maurice. From there they would climb up to the Italian boarder and to col du Petit Saint Bernard. They would then descend back the way they came and go along the valley floor to our overnight stop.
It was almost all over for Nick, Mitch & Flo before it had even really started after a close encounter with a motorist in Beaufort.
It didn’t take long before we started to see snow. Not only snow but there were a fair few skiiers out and about. As we reached the intermediate Col de Méraillet we could see the amazingly blue (and very empty) Lac de Roselend.
Nick, Mitch on Flo and Harry summit-ed the Cormet first, they arrived about 12. Next was Craig at 12.30, then Brad at 12.50 and Jason about 13.00
Lac de Roselend
Abi & Eloise
Team Legend
Brad & Craig
Jason & Brad
Next stop was for a spot of lunch in Bourg St-Maurice, a quick picnic of bread, ham and local cheeses, finished with home made cakes (thank you Jayne).
Team legend waiting for the rest of the team for lunch
The Col du Petit st-Bernard is a 31km climb with an average of 4.4% and an altitude of 2188m. It was now early afternoon and the temperature was rising. Both Brad and Jason were struggling in the heat and called the support crew to pick them up. Making the sensible decision not to overdo it this early in the challenge. However once they found out that they were only 6 miles to the hotel, they made the decision to go straight there.
Once the climb got past the ski station the temperature dropped quite a bit, mainly to do with the chill coming off the huge snowbanks. However team legend had to put in a call to the support crew for more water.
Team legend made the summit by about 17.00, the support crew swapped out Flo for the solo bikes, and made sure that they all had warm clothes. Said to the guys that they would let them descend first and they would hunt down Craig and check he was ok. After waiting a few minutes for them they went ahead and went to look for Craig and made the assumption that they were faffing.
Craig was less than a 1 km from the top so the support van went back up to meet him. They still hadn’t seen Team legend, which was rather worrying, and they weren’t at the top. It became apparent that they had started to descend into Italy and not back to France. Frantic phone calls were made to try and stop them before they went too far.
So after making sure that Craig had left in the correct direction, they support crew went to pick up Nick, Mitch and Harry and bring them back to the summit.
Abi & Eloise
Harry, Mitch & Nick
Craig
This time Eloise & Abi made sure that they went the right way, and when they missed another turning, made sure they followed the van back to the main road.
The support Crew finally made it to the hotel for about 19.00, Nick, Mitch and Harry weren’t far behind. but Craig was missing. He should have been back before the rogue monkeys. It transpired that his Garmin had died and google maps had sent him down a mountain bike track, but he got back the hotel with not much delay.
Just enough time to unload, quick and and then have our evening meal.
Check out our evening video below or click HERE it see on Facebook
In order to get eveyone and bikes and kit over to the Alps we hired a Transit LWB crew cab van from U drive. This gave us 6 seats and a whole van for everything else. We also took a second VW van which had 3 seats, allowing for all 8 of us to travel to the Alps along with 7 bikes. Since the cyclists would be cycling between the hotels we planned to leave the second van in Albertville, and use the Transit for the support crew, luggage and transporting Flo or Nick & Mitch’s solos depending on what they were riding.
The 2 vans loaded up we left Bristol late on Friday night arriving in Dover at about 3ish for the 4 am ferry to Dunkirk.
Our crossing was uneventful but gave time for some breakfast and a chat about the upcoming challenge. We arrived in Dunkirk about 7am local time.
We then spent a very long day on the French auto-routes, with a few stops along the way for coffee, food, fuel and to change drivers.
The drive seemed to take forever, we finally arrived in Albertville about 7pm
Time to check into the hotel, a quick shower and change and off for dinner.
So we are back and all in one piece. A few aches and pains and some interesting tan lines.
Here is a quick summary.
Due to snow we weren’t able to complete all the climbs we wanted. The Col d’Iseran was under a serious amount of snow, so with help from the wonderful Peter & Judith we drove to the Col du Glandon and did that one instead. Our second closure was the Col du Galibier, they hadn’t finished clearing the pass because of a burst water main. We were however able to do the Col du Telegraphe which leads into the Col du Galibier from the north.
We were really lucky with the weather, the week before we left, it had been snowing and this week they have massive storms. We had sun everyday, some of the temperatures did reach 35C, but it was slightly cooler at altitude. We did start day 5 in the cloud and damp, making the ride to the Col de la Croix de Fer very cold. Mitch and Harry suffered the most that day.
Flo held up well, she did have us worried after Alpe d’Huez and the Col d’Ornon. The support crew however were able quickly find a bike shop in Bourg d’Oisans able to replace the spoke and true up her rear wheel. It was like she knew that the climb to the Croix de Fer would also include some descents.
Check back for some more details about each stage, and don’t forget this is our first event this year, stay tuned for the Everesting challenge.
As we continue to count down to our 1st challenge this year. Here is the list of all our planned climbs.
As a comparison the top climb in the UK is Great Dunn Fell which has an average gradient of 7.7% over 9 km and a total ascent of 689 m. Cheddar gorge is 2.7% over 11 km with a total ascent of 295 m.
