Last Saturday we rode a very local sportive to us, 'La Metropole Sud Isere'. It has been said by many people who have ridden it that it's the most beautiful sportive they have ever taken part in, and we would have to agree, the surrounding views are breathtaking.

There are a choice of routes and both Guy and I signed up for the longest, 150km. We know all the roads that the circuit takes in, though under normal circumstances would never ride them in the order that the sportive prescribes - mainly because the last 5kms take you up a killer hill that immediately rears up before you at 15% and even has you grovelling up some sections of 21%.

Owing to a rare puncture and poor 'pit stop' on my part, and the stifling heat (34 degrees), both Guy and I cut short and opted for the middle distance of 100km, unfortunately this shorter distance still finished with the 'killer hill'.

Last year the hill got the better of me - that is maybe an understatement. I recall vividly sitting at the side of the road at the summit of this beast, dry retching and grappling for my inhaler, waiting for the broom wagon and vowing to never to ride my bike again (until a marshal pointed out I was only 500 metres or so from the finish line!). This year I was determined to banish the demons and not let it break me again. I managed to do so by concentrating very hard on my handlebars and front wheel and taking it very steadily, in my periphery vision I could not help noticing lots of riders suffering, mainly from cramp. Guy said at the finish that it's the hardest end to a 100km ride he has ever experienced.

Yesterday we were in the area again enjoying a gentle and very scenic ride with Martin. Martin is here to complete 'La Trophee de l'Oisans' which consists of 3 sportives (Vaujany, Prix des Grand Rousses and the Marmotte) as well as a time trial up Alpe d'Huez the morning after the Marmotte - not for the faint hearted. As if this isn't challenge enough for the week, Martin expressed an interest in finishing our ride yesterday with a climb up the famous killer hill. So, only 4 days after grinding up it's unforgiving gradients, we found ourselves there once more. This time my chain snapped on the second hairpin, I welcomed the rest that fixing it provided. Guy had a magic moment when he realised a desire that he had had riding it last Saturday and plunged into a local water fountain/bassin to cool off (see picture top left) - a fitting end to another scorching day in the Alps. See photos attached below of the sportive and also some of the fantastic scenery from yesterday.

Summer is here!

Helyn

www.kingofthemountains.co.uk