Sure, I’m nonetheless right here! My first journey not ranging from residence because the finish of the newest French lockdown. The route? Col de la Colombière “the laborious means” by way of 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 a bit cliff highway proper beside the autoroute. The second the highway turns up there’s 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). Nevertheless it requires a mountain bike. See right here for a map and outdated trip report.
Col de la Colombière has made many Tour appearances, however 2009 was the primary time it took this “third means” by way of 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 principle 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 highway. No matter wind path ….. it’s all the time towards the wind. 🙂
I noticed fairly a couple of cyclists:
Me, waving on the digital camera!:
Lastly, because the map under exhibits, I merely descended down the principle north facet again to the beginning.
This was laborious work however enjoyable. It’s been too lengthy between adventures. I hope everyone seems to be effectively 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 troublesome again valley path. Very good.
Stage 8, upcoming 2021 Tour de France:
