The mythical Mt Ventoux! 23km of non stop climbing

More photographs courtesy of Ed Vella

Powering up Alpe D'Huez - 12km into the climb.

Ed Vella

Peter Cooke

Greg (Carlos) Wilson

Malcom Benjamin

Me!

Last lot from Alpe D'Huez :: Day 1 and 2 at Bedoin (Mt Ventoux)

Mt Ventoux - Done and Dusted!

It was a killer climb... harder than Alpe D'Huez... especially for someone with a chest infection and a stuffy nose....

An hour later, he's at the top.  You can't beat Ed when it comes to determination!

Days 2 and 3 of Alps Training Camp

Greg takes Polka Dot Jersey.

The finish line at the top of Alpe D"Huez. Greg missed the photo op as it was freezing cold at the top and he'd already made his way down to the hotel for a hot shower and a coffee. Ed took the picture with his camera phone.

We did it! Everyone got to the top! Greg did it in about an hour and 5 minutes, Ed was next about 20 minutes behind with Malcom just slightly slower. I struggled in with Peter Cooke and just managed to avoid coming in last at around 1 hour 30 minutes. How did it feel?... well imagine the last 100 metres of the Hunua Gorge (where the gradient kicks up) and multiply that distance by 100!

Here's a collection of the latest photos courtesy of Paparazzi photographer A Goh who follows us around with a camera wherever she can. I don't have time to caption each image but most are self explanatory. The rustic looking wooden building which says "Hotel" on it is where we are staying. The village scenes are at the little town at the foot of Alpe D'Huez. The last lot of pictures where everyone is sprawled all over the place in the hotel lounge shows the aftermath of the climbing we did today.

Summary: Having a GREAT time. Wish more of you guys were here with us. If I have it my way, this won't be the last time we come here. I'm slightly off colour for this trip so I want the opportunity to break the hour before I kick the bucket.

Nick

Day 1 of Alps training camp. 11 Sep 2008

Forget whatever you've ever heard about the gradient being easy up parts of the Alped'huez. The climb is a KILLER! Most stretches probably are around a 9% gradient... slightly steeper than going up Twilight and 10 times the distance. The easiest portions are the switchbacks.

Lance Armstrong averaged 23 plus kph when he won a time trial up this climb. Our top speed along the easiest parts was aroun 14 kph while the steepest parts were a grind at about 8kph!

Going for a longer ride tomorrow. Watch out for the next update.

Lunch before all else.

I've changed my mind. It's too steep!

The adventure is about to begin!

30 Aug 2008 - Grand Canyon "altitude" training

29 Aug 2008 - Day one of Alps training program:

Scott in bag ready for assembly in 10 days time

View from MGM Hotel Las Vegas  - Outside temp 45 C! Appreciate winter guys!

No protein shakes available so consumption of real protein (and fat) is a great substitute. This is all that's left of my rack of Texan babyback BBQ ribs!

Heading to the Grand Canyon tomorrow in order to get used to heights. Destination : Skywalk!