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 approach” 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 slightly cliff highway proper beside the autoroute. The second the highway turns up there may be this welcoming signal:
The native joke in fact is “Tous les chemins mènent à Romme” (All roads result in Romme). 🙂
There are maybe 15 hairpins on this difficult, quiet 9 km climb.
Observe, it’s doable to go above Romme to 2000 metres (Tête de la Sallaz). However it 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 approach” 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 primary route (a part of the Route des Grandes Alpes) at Le Reposoir. Right here it’s 7 more difficult kilometres uphill.
The ultimate 3 kilometres get steeper on a enjoyable near-cliff highway. No matter wind route ….. it’s all the time in opposition to the wind. 🙂
I noticed fairly a number of cyclists:
Me, waving on the digicam!:
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 effectively and getting vaccinated quickly. Doreen and I acquired our second doses final week!
For gravel followers: See this unimaginable route that climbs Colombière, briefly descends, traverses unpaved to the wonderful Col des Annes, then returns to Reposoir on tough again valley path. Very good.
Stage 8, upcoming 2021 Tour de France:
