Lazy Day

With just a day to go before the attempt at La Marmotte, the idea was to have a very gentle day without too much riding. After a long breakfast and a little work on the bike, I set out with Martin to ride the Ornon again, as a gentle warm up. But first, we stopped for coffee in Bourg d'Oisans. Saturday is market day in Bourg, and the place was heaving. We met up with Shawn and Maria at Gilly's and had very relaxed coffee, before finally heading out through the crowds to ride the climb.

Market day in Bourg d'Oisans

The ride up the Ornon was very pleasant. I tried to pace Martin up it. He managed to climb non stop, arriving at the cafe at the top in just over an hour. I had an abortive attempt to photograph the horses about 2km from the top. They always seem to be just too far away.

We headed into the Chantelouve, where I had yet more coffee. It was a very pleasant way to have spent the morning.

We both wanted to ride a little more in the afternoon. I decided I would climb to the ski station at Oz, not far from Vaujany. Martin wanted to do something a little flatter. In the end, we decided to ride together to just above Allemont.

This basin must have one of the best views in the area

We parted company near Le Roberand, and I headed up towards Oz Station. I'd heard reports of this road being very steep in places, but it turned out to be a little easier than Alpe d'Huez, and quite a bit shorter. The road is wide, with well engineered hairpin bends, and only occasionally hits 10% and above.

The valley leading to the Glandon and Croix de Fer from the road to Oz Station

A glimpse of the road to Oz Station

There wasn't much happening in Oz Station when I got there. The cable car to Alpe d'Huez was running and a couple of mountain bikers came through on one of the trails. Otherwise it was pretty quiet.

The cable car runs all the way to the lakes above Alpe d'Huez

Oz Station has everything you'd expect of a ski resort

Piste bashers ready for next season. Once they get tracks, of course.

I rounded off a very gentle day with a quick descent back to Lac Verney, and a steady return to Le Velo Jaune, taking pictures on the way.

The mountains above Lac Verney

Oz village is well below Oz Station

Lac Verney in the afternoon sun

Allemont from the Barrage du Verney

Lac Verney

Part of Allemont above Lac Verney

The road back to Bourg d'Oisans

So much for the rest day. All I have to do now is the Marmotte tomorrow!