This is my best day on the bike for sure! The scenes in the valley below the Telegraphe and Galibier were spectacular. On each side massive rock buttresses and high peaks take your attention off the road. The Galibier climb is a massive one with plenty of 11-12% sections near the top, and a 500m trudge through the snow to complete the climb to the col. It was a reasonably clear day so this allowed us a view of the surrounding peaks and the switchback roads that snake upward on either side of the pass. Some rain and a few flakes of snow began to fall as we descended to Lautaret and this can be seen on the video. I felt a real sense of achievement on this climb as the Galibier has so much history in cycling terms, and in particular, the Tour De France. The Henri Desgrange monument is here along with a TFD museum and souvenir shop. Many famous cycling duels have played out on these roads and to see it for myself was a great privilege. Garmin connect link http://connect.garmin.com/activity/187872881
 |
| Glyn has a stretch at the coffee stop St-Michel-de-Maurienne |
 |
| the towering ramparts of Fort du Replaton in the Park Nationale de la Vanoise |
 |
| view from Col du Telegraphe back towards Mt Thabor |
 |
| lunch stop Col du Telegraphe |
 |
| the switchbacks we descend on the other side of Galibier |
 |
| snow covered road to the Col du Galibier |
 |
| the little red bike that could... |
 |
| Harry and co rest their legs and reflect on the climb to Galibier |
 |
| Lea on her way through Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne |
 |
| bridge view at Valloire |
 |
| early sections of climb to Galibier |
 |
| plenty of snow up here today! |
 |
| switchbacks on theTelegraphe side of Galibier |
 |
| road snowed in over the last 500m to Galibier |
 |
| no problem keeping the drinks cold! |
 |
| Galibier! |
 |
| welcome hot choco at Lautaret |
YouTube link for descent off Galibier (Harry follows me) here
YouTube link for full stage
No comments:
Post a Comment