Saturday 9/8
Yea, it is a weekend, but by traveling this late in the season, traffic was a non-issue.
Today’s ride was up and down and up again! Eight Cols (passes) on the agenda today. Many if not all have been part of the Tour de France Cols’ Forclaz, Tamie, Madeleine, Glandon, d’Huez, Serenne, Lautaret and d’Izoard
LOTS of pictures today, not only did the weather clear, the scenery was phenomenal!
We decided to ride with a couple of other solo riders today, or should I say they decided to follow us. Up and over the first 2 passes, it was getting time for a break, and when Pussy beckons, it is a no brainer!
Stopped here for a nice cappuccino
The town is on a dead end road, so the streets offer lots of room to play and beautiful views
After a nice break we were off again, the high passes put you above the tree line, and the landscape is somewhat stark at the top.
Col de la Madeleine
Up Col du Glandon
We stopped for Lunch atop Glandon, and ate on the terrace with this view
A nice plate of Pasta and bread, and we were off again!
Up the L’Alpe d’Huez, a famous Tour de France stage, where there have been estimates of over a million spectators! Luckily they all went home and we had the place almost to ourselves.
Than down the back side Col de Sarenne, much rougher and narrower, but beautiful landscape.
We were running a little long today, the GPS calculated we would make it just in time for dinner, so we contemplated for about 2 seconds, whether to take the direct route, or the high twisty one, you can guess which one won.
The view from the top of the Col d’Izoard was worth the risk of having to go to bed with just dessert.
We got into the hotel to find dinner was moved later, so time for a glass of wine and shower, before another wonderful meal, and more wine
The view from our room.
