Just as on our last cycling day the weather was very kind to
us this morning. A cool breeze with a sunny outlook meant that we had a
comfortable and very scenic ride to the Col du Galibier which reaches just over
2500m in altitude. Before starting on the final 6km climb to the Galibier we
had to reach the Col du Lautaret, a relatively easy climb at 3-4% grade. The
the fun begins as the road to the Galibier steepens. Riding past the Henri
Desgrange memorial (The “Father” of the TDF) in the final kilometre adds a bit
of history to this ride. The descent from Galibier on the northern side through
Valloire, is very steep and fast, so you have to watch carefully for cars and
motorbikes regularly coming up in the other direction.
After passing the
lunchstop, I took a waffle and coffee in Valliore and then headed to the Col de
Telegraph (where lunch was supposed to be). No probs though, as I met a couple
of other Aussie rides (Jamie and Mark) and we found a great little
bar/restaurant in Ste. Michel-de-Maurienne and ordered hamburger and chips. After
joining them for a 10km section along the Vanoise river valley, I had a soft
drink (yes alright, a coke!) with three USA riders, Cindy Jeff and Thom, then
we headed off towards camp approx. 20 kms along.
This final section of the ride
over the Cote de Rossanges and Cote de Termignon was very pretty with a
spectacular view of the Fort on the cliffs near Modane. Finally reaching
Lanslebourg Mont Cenis, I was coaxed into a Creperie by Rob and Greg. Yes, only
2km from camp, and there I am drinking more coffee and eating icecreams!
The
campsite at Lanslevillard doesn’t offer much shade, however the facilities here
are good and the WiFi seems to work well.
Tomorrow the highest paved mountain
pass in the Alpes (Col de l’Iseran). Garmin link here
Villar-Saint-Pancrace Cycling by peterjkemp at Garmin Connect - Details
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| Vanoise Valley climbing to Col du Galibier from Jausiers |
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| Desgrange memorial and the climb from Vanoise |
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| Galibier |
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| beautiful private garden St Jean de Maurienne |
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| Col du Telegraph |
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| en route to Lanslevillard |
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| Briancon |
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| Col du Lautaret |
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| Desgrange Memorial |
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| Keith and Eddy |
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| Greg |
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| Damian |
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| Valliore |
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| en route to Lanslevillard |
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| Cindy Tom and Jeff |
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| en route to Lanslevillard |
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| St Jean de Maurienne |
