How to Ride l’Alpe d’Huez

L’Alpe d’Huez is perhaps the single most famous cycling climb in the world. This mountain is best known as a significant stage in the Tour de France, although the Tour does not tackle the climb every year. On years when it does ride this route, however, there may be more than a million spectators lining the seven-mile climb. This climb is a very popular destination spot for recreational cyclists. If you are passionate about road cycling, you must ride l’Alpe d’Huez at least once in your life.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Determine whether you are serious about riding l’Alpe d’Huez. If you truly think you are capable of getting to the top of the 6,842-foot summit, you need to start planning your trip and getting into shape.

2. Choose a date to make the ascent. While you may like the idea of riding to the top of l’Alpe d’Huez on the same day as the Tour de France, you may wish to reconsider. With as many as a million spectators clogging the route the day of the race, you are unlikely to be able to push your way through the crowd on your way up.

3. Train like crazy! You need to be very fit to ride to the top of l’Alpe d’Huez. With a triple chainring on your bicycle and lots of time, just about anyone with moderate fitness should be able to ride to the top.

4. Make your travel arrangements. You probably want to make this climb on your own bike, so rent or buy a bicycle travel case to keep your steed safe. Depending on where you live, you may need to fly to the area, or you may be able to take a train. Figure out where you will stay.

5. Consider looking for a vacation company that rides the entire route of the Tour de France. Some of these tour companies ride the route a day ahead of the race. Others ride at different times of the year.

6. Ride l’Alpe d’Huez! Warm up properly and start turning the pedals. Don’t worry---you will make it eventually.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch out for the pros! Many of the riders with serious Tour aspirations will spend a significant part of their training season riding up and down this mountain. Stay out of their way.
• As you ride through the 21 hairpin turns, read the signs bearing the names of the winners of the stage throughout the years.
• Take a picture of yourself standing next to the sign marking the summit. Keep your bike in the shot with you.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!