Just before noon today Larry and I completed the final piece of our goal of climbing both Alpe d’Huez and Mount Ventoux. We were lucky. The weather was very cooperative. Clouds and just a few rain drops early gave way to sunshine as we approached the summit. The famous Mistral winds of Mount Ventoux didn’t show up. Still, the grade over the first hour was over 10% often touching 11% and 12%. It was relentless and therefore very challenging. The countryside was beyond beautiful. We passed through oak forests, pine forests to emerge in a rocky moonscape as we approached the summit. Needless to say the ride down was Better than any ride at Disneyland. Speeds over 40 mph were common unless I pulled hard on my disc brakes. The tight turns were great fun and the good roads made for a fast and safe decent. For a cycling enthusiast it doesn’t get any better. I can’t thank the universe enough for this fabulous week of cycling in the Alps. Life is good.