Day four Vailloire to Alp D'Huez

Problems with internet access and a certain laziness after completing the Alpine challenge mean that I am only now updating the remaining three days! Day four started cooler as I headed up the steep ramp out of Vailloire and on the the Galibier, the highest point of our tour at 2,645 m and the second of four HC climbs. The wind was a bit of an issue but I made it to the top in 1 hour 45 minutes and without too many problems. It was chilly at the top, so after the obligatory photo, we descended rapidly (just missing some cows) to the top of the Lauteret fir a coffee stop. From there it was a very welcome downhill for around 20 km until we turned to go up the stunning balcony road to L'Alps D'Huez. This involved climbing 4k at an incredible 15% average gradient, but the views along the top were certainly worth it. After a welcome lunch stop, it was up the gruelling Alp D'Huez itself (another HC) followed by some lovely beer. The meal in the evening was one of the best too. Poor night's sleep again not helped at all by my roomies snoring and farting.