Sure, I’m nonetheless right here! My first journey not ranging from house for the reason that finish of the latest French lockdown. The route? Col de la Colombière “the onerous means” through Romme.
These would be the characteristic two climbs throughout stage eight of the 2021 Tour de France. See backside of put up for the stage profile.
The climb to Romme is steep! It begins as somewhat cliff street proper beside the autoroute. The second the street turns up there may be this welcoming signal:
The native joke after all is “Tous les chemins mènent à Romme” (All roads result in Romme). 🙂
There are maybe 15 hairpins on this difficult, quiet 9 km climb.
Notice, it’s potential to go above Romme to 2000 metres (Tête de la Sallaz). But it surely requires a mountain bike. See right here for a map and previous experience report.
Col de la Colombière has made many Tour appearances, however 2009 was the primary time it took this “third means” through Romme.
From Romme (1300 metres), one can nearly see Col de la Colombière far within the distance:
The route descends Romme for a number of kilometres and joins the primary route (a part of the Route des Grandes Alpes) at Le Reposoir. Right here it’s 7 tougher kilometres uphill.
The ultimate 3 kilometres get steeper on a enjoyable near-cliff street. No matter wind route ….. it’s all the time in opposition to the wind. 🙂
I noticed fairly just a few cyclists:
Me, waving on the digital camera!:
Lastly, because the map under exhibits, I merely descended down the primary north facet again to the beginning.
This was onerous work however enjoyable. It’s been too lengthy between adventures. I hope everyone seems to be nicely and getting vaccinated quickly. Doreen and I obtained our second doses final week!
For gravel followers: See this unimaginable route that climbs Colombière, briefly descends, traverses unpaved to the superb Col des Annes, then returns to Reposoir on tough again valley path. Excellent.
Stage 8, upcoming 2021 Tour de France:
