My Biking Blog: 100 Cols Day 22 Malaucène to Manosque 145km 2100m climbing

Saturday, 4 July 2015

100 Cols Day 22 Malaucène to Manosque 145km 2100m climbing

This was a very tough day on the bike as the afternoon temperature was high and the wind was blowing against us for the last 2 hours. First col was the Col de l’homme Mort (Col of the “Dead Man”). Just over 1300m high and a steady grind over 15kms or so. Not too difficult as we started on it early and the temp wasn’t too hot.
I took a short detour to the Gorges d’Oppedette, a very narrow and steep walled gorge which has walking trails at the bottom and along the sides. Not a huge landform but very dramatic nevertheless. I enjoyed a refreshing coke at a tiny café at the little town of Oppedette.
The town is very quaint with building of old stone and render construction. The café seemed to me to be a very marginal business, as there is no through road and the only clients the owner would see would be mainly walkers who come to the area during the summer months. The lady who served me was very proud of her town and suggest it was “Une Ville tres tranquil” (a very peaceful town).
After lunch at about the 75km mark it was a pleasant descent through lavender fields for the next 20kms or so. Climbing over the final cols was tough because it got close to 40 deg. I punctured in Manosque only 5km from camp. After replacing the tube I punctured again! This is quite common of you don’t check your tyres carefully enough. I didn’t have another tube so had to mend it with a patch. Fortunately it got me to camp and meal service/wash-up detail at 630pm! Garmin link here
Malaucène Cycling by peterjkemp at Garmin Connect - Details