Sure, I’m nonetheless right here! My first journey not ranging from residence because the finish of the latest French lockdown. The route? Col de la Colombière “the arduous manner” by way of Romme.
These would be the function two climbs throughout stage eight of the 2021 Tour de France. See backside of publish for the stage profile.
The climb to Romme is steep! It begins as a little bit cliff highway proper beside the autoroute. The second the highway turns up there’s 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.
Be aware, it’s doable 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 manner” 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 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 facet again to the beginning.
This was arduous 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 troublesome again valley path. Excellent.
Stage 8, upcoming 2021 Tour de France:
