My Biking Blog: #beaufort

Sunday, 12 July 2015

100 Cols Day 29 Beaufort to Ste. Vallieres127km 2600m climbing

Today was the last day in the Alpes. I was a little sad to bid “Adieu” to some old friends; the Bonette, l’Iseran, Galibier are all great memories. Some new friends as well, like the Cormet de Roselend which we climbed yesterday. I was told by a friend who has ridden it that it was one of the most beautiful roads in the Alpes. It certainly lived up to his description. Today was another great weather day and there was the opportunity to see Mont Blanc from the Col de Aravis, which we crossed after the long climb to Col des Saises. Pictures don’t do it justice as the distance on the horizon is too great and even a little haze will prevent getting a good photo. After the final high Col de la Croix Fry, we left the Alpes and dropped down towards Annecy. Keen to get to camp early to attend to a few chores I followed the wheel of Gerhard. Given the problems I have had with my Garmin GPS, he rarely makes a wrong turn, so I was guaranteed to take the shortest route. Unfortunately no views of Lake Annecy. But tomorrow may be a chance with the climb of the Grand Colombier. Garmin link here
Beaufort Cycling by peterjkemp at Garmin Connect - Details

Les Saisies

Mont Blanc from Col des Aravis

heading to Col des Aravis

en route to Col des Aravis

Gerhard and Damian Col des Aravis

near Col de la Croix Fry

campsite Vallieres

100 Cols Day 28 Lanslevillard to Beaufort 112km 2500m climbing

The Alpes is a place where cyclists dreams become memories. You cannot compare the grandeur of the scenery. Seeing the scale of the Vanoise and the Isere Valleys on today’s ride in perfect conditions was a rare treat. I don’t care too much for the pain and effort riding up these passes, but it is quickly forgotten once you see the peaks and valleys that surround you.
Today’s ride over the Col de l’Iseran has the distinction of being the highest paved mountain pass in the Alpes. It’s a beautiful view on both sides. I rode most of the morning sections with my riding buddy Tony. After stopping for many pictures on the final climb of the Roselend, I fell behind. We met up again on the final descent and enjoyed a beer at the town of Beaufort before heading into camp.
Great meal tonight which included a seafood cocktail entrée. No WiFi at this camp so the blog will have to wait until I can “connect” with the world again. Garmin Link here
Lanslevillard Cycling by peterjkemp at Garmin Connect - Details