Ooof! Today we decided to drive over the Croix de Fer, and then ride from there over the Col deTelegraphe and the Col du Galibier. Wow! Big climbs. 

The drive took us 2 hours, and when we got there, Kevin realized that he had forgotten his shoes - so he had to drive back and do a different ride (Alpe d'Huez). Our ride started by cruising down a big highway which sucked ass for about 10k or so, but then we finally hit the town at the bottom of the Telegraph, and up it went, right out of town. The first part of the climb was pretty damn steep. I have been trying to take it very easy on these things, hoping to save myself and be able to ride through the whole trip without taking a rest day (we'll see if that is a good idea).

Larry and I let Gary and Toby rocket off the 

front, and we casually climbed the 9km or so to the top of the Telegraph. The climb was pretty consistent, staying around 8% for most of the way, for about 3000 ft. We had a short descent into Vallois, and then the big climb started -  another 4000 ft up to the top of the Galibier. This thing was big and exposed. Very cool. Some of th

e kilometers were averaging 8.5-9.5%. I snapped a bunch of photos - as I was in no rush. We got 1km from the top and had a coke at the little cafe before the tunnel. Then we put on our arm warmers and vests, and got back on our bikes. After climbing the last km (which punched up to 12+%) we began the long drop down with almost 30miles of descent. The first 10k or so was tight and twisty, down the Galibier, then we hopped on the highway down from col de Lauderet - which was a bigger road, wider turns, and a shitload of long tunnels. These tunnels freak me out. They can be over a km in length, are dark as night (except for a few small lights here and there, it is super loud, and some of them are pretty damn narrow to boot).  I make sure I've got a clear shot, and then gun it. So far I've only been past a couple times in the tunnels.  

We just kept following the signs to Bourg d'Oisans, and then made our final turn up to Venosc. The last 5 or 6km are all up hill, gaining about 500 ft - nice way to end the ride. 

As soon as I got in, I hosed down my bike, took a shower, then headed down to the pasta feed. The hotel we are staying in is called Hotel Au Bon Accueil. It is run by a Dutch couple, and just about everyone here is Dutch or Belgian. They show the tour out in this covered room on a big screen TV, and put out a buffet of Pasta. I had some spaghetti and Ravioli and a beer - and watched as Cavendish sprinted to stage #4. 

Staying here is much different than the last place. They definitely cater to the Dutch, so everything is in Dutch - including the Tour, which sort of makes it feel like we aren't really in France anymore, but it is still awesome.  

I'm rooming with Gary at this hotel. We have a sink and a shower, but no shitter - but it is just 15ft down the creaky-floored hallway. I'm glad our room isn't in front of the bathroom!

Today's ride - 58mi/94km

8300ft/2500+m of climbing