Once completed, Alpe d'Huez became immediately nostalgic and historic. Vacation commence!! Time to enjoy the scenic French country views, whether by bike or at a cafe. In either case, the world would now drift by at a leisurely pace (butterflies wafting through wheels in ascent mode), the wine would flow, and SMILES everyone! SMILES!
That Damn Tunnel
If D1091 had been open east of Bourg d'Oisans, we would have had a sweet 90 minute cruise up and over the Col du Lautaret, and in Briancon for a late lunch. Literally, NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND! See map below for circuitous route created by no longer existing tunnel.
Also note that the new route was very scenic. In the sense that we traversed about five mountain passes on roads wide enough for a goat herder and his flock, if they were walking single file. Oh, and guess what? The route was almost identical to the following day's stage of LeTour. So there were about a million drunk europeans strewn about the mountains at nearly every corner. At this point in the story, let's take a step back and review.
There were three types of vacations occurring simultaneously:
1. The Cyclists'
2. The Vacationers'
3. The Drivers'
Looking back, I think the volume of utils attained on the Trip were ranked in that order. While the Vacationers did a great job of finding awesome things to do, and great wine to drink, the cyclists pipped them at the line for most fun had. My opinion (as a cyclist) of course. What is NOT subject to dispute is that the Drivers came in dead last in the net fun category. Ullrich and the Ticket both lost some gray matter behind the wheel. Ullrich in his German SUV and Ticket wheeling the Ford 9-passenger van (both stick shift) had to deal with the spectre of every upcoming Alpine commute. Strangers in a Strange Land. The trip from Bourg to Briancon obviously got the better of the Tick. Wore him down to the nub.
EXAMPLE: After going through one of the many toll stations, Tick exclaims:
"Dannnnnnng!! They are just milkin' and dimin' us to death!"
[long pause while processing..........]
Me: " Uhhhhh, Todd, what exactly does 'milkin and dimin' mean?
[long pause while processing..........]
Well, we did get to Briancon safe and sound. [Trip HIGHLIGHT]
Our place was good. Beyond all wildest expectations good. See some pics below, but note that the pics don't do it justice. If you want to book an Alps vacation, call Alessandro. This is easily the best place we have rented, and we have done 10-11 Homeaway vacations.
Dinner that night was at Mamma Mia's. Italian food right on the Italian border. Served by Italians that loved to sing 70's ballads. One of our waiters belted out half a stanza of Queen, and our crew was up to the task, acting totally American in the best kind of way. Kimmer won the order prize of the night, creating signature Arriabiatta. The red wine was chilled but super drinkable. This was the case everywhere we went. The wine (all French was just superior at every stop.[least shocking news ever]
NEXT DAY - - - MORNING UP THE LAUTARET, THEN....DINNER WITH HARRY POTTER!!
That Damn Tunnel
If D1091 had been open east of Bourg d'Oisans, we would have had a sweet 90 minute cruise up and over the Col du Lautaret, and in Briancon for a late lunch. Literally, NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND! See map below for circuitous route created by no longer existing tunnel.
Also note that the new route was very scenic. In the sense that we traversed about five mountain passes on roads wide enough for a goat herder and his flock, if they were walking single file. Oh, and guess what? The route was almost identical to the following day's stage of LeTour. So there were about a million drunk europeans strewn about the mountains at nearly every corner. At this point in the story, let's take a step back and review.
There were three types of vacations occurring simultaneously:
1. The Cyclists'
2. The Vacationers'
3. The Drivers'
Looking back, I think the volume of utils attained on the Trip were ranked in that order. While the Vacationers did a great job of finding awesome things to do, and great wine to drink, the cyclists pipped them at the line for most fun had. My opinion (as a cyclist) of course. What is NOT subject to dispute is that the Drivers came in dead last in the net fun category. Ullrich and the Ticket both lost some gray matter behind the wheel. Ullrich in his German SUV and Ticket wheeling the Ford 9-passenger van (both stick shift) had to deal with the spectre of every upcoming Alpine commute. Strangers in a Strange Land. The trip from Bourg to Briancon obviously got the better of the Tick. Wore him down to the nub.
EXAMPLE: After going through one of the many toll stations, Tick exclaims:
"Dannnnnnng!! They are just milkin' and dimin' us to death!"
[long pause while processing..........]
Me: " Uhhhhh, Todd, what exactly does 'milkin and dimin' mean?
[long pause while processing..........]
Well, we did get to Briancon safe and sound. [Trip HIGHLIGHT]
Our place was good. Beyond all wildest expectations good. See some pics below, but note that the pics don't do it justice. If you want to book an Alps vacation, call Alessandro. This is easily the best place we have rented, and we have done 10-11 Homeaway vacations.
Back Deck Views
Professional Photo, Right?
Marksmen coffee makers
Dinner that night was at Mamma Mia's. Italian food right on the Italian border. Served by Italians that loved to sing 70's ballads. One of our waiters belted out half a stanza of Queen, and our crew was up to the task, acting totally American in the best kind of way. Kimmer won the order prize of the night, creating signature Arriabiatta. The red wine was chilled but super drinkable. This was the case everywhere we went. The wine (all French was just superior at every stop.[least shocking news ever]
We are the Champions...
NEXT DAY - - - MORNING UP THE LAUTARET, THEN....DINNER WITH HARRY POTTER!!
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