Sure, I’m nonetheless right here! My first journey not ranging from dwelling because the finish of the newest French lockdown. The route? Col de la Colombière “the exhausting means” by way of Romme.
These would be the characteristic two climbs throughout stage eight of the 2021 Tour de France. See backside of submit for the stage profile.
The climb to Romme is steep! It begins as a bit of 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.
Word, it’s attainable 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 See right here for a map and outdated journey report.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 street. No matter wind course ….. it’s all the time in opposition to the wind. 🙂
I noticed fairly a couple of cyclists:
Me, waving on the digicam!:
Lastly, because the map under exhibits, I merely descended down the principle north aspect again to the beginning.
This was exhausting work however enjoyable. It’s been too lengthy between adventures. I hope everyone seems to be properly and getting vaccinated quickly. Doreen and I acquired our second doses final week!
For gravel followers: See this unbelievable 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:
