2011 Tour de France Col du Galibier photos by Mark Johnson

The road a few feet over the summit. Photo: Mark Johnson

Dramatic light and clouds race over the Alpine peaks. Photo: Mark Johnson

Though it was July 19 on the calendar, the Col du Galibier put on its January best. Photo: Mark Johnson

Two days before stage 18 finishes here, the Galibier was a winter wonderland. Photo: Mark Johnson

These campers are snugged up inside on the Galibier. Photo: Mark Johnson

A toboggan might do. Photo: Mark Johnson

Boston's Kip Denoyer didn't let a little sub-zero weather keep him from summiting the Galibier. Photo: Mark Johnson

This rider was frozen but happy at the top. Pity the ride down. Photo: Mark Johnson

How ASO is going to fit the Tour finishing apparatus in the Galibier's tiny summit turnout is a mystery. Photo: Mark Johnson

Two days before the race arrives, thousands of mobile homes have occupied miles of road on the Galibier and Lauteret climbs. Photo: Mark Johnson

These fellows have a long wait. Photo: Mark Johnson

Belgian fan color on the Galibier. Photo: Mark Johnson

These Belgian blokes in their RV are ready to see the Tour pass their spot on the Galibier on two separate stages. Photo: Mark Johnson

Snow can't stop a dedicated rider. Photo: Mark Johnson

During the Tour, the snow-covered peak in the background is usually a dramatic sheet of black rock. Photo: Mark Johnson

With thousands of motor homes on the Galibier and Lauteret climbs, the roads have taken on the feel of neighborhoods, complete with dog walkers. Photo: Mark Johnson

Finding a place to park two days before the race passes through is a delicate operation. Photo: Mark Johnson

Motorhome? We don't need no stinkin' motorhome! Photo: Mark Johnson

This van was in serious trouble after it tried to park where there just wasn't room. Photo: Mark Johnson

Clouds on the Galibier two days before stages 18 and 19 storm through. Photo: Mark Johnson