Charmant Som and Col de Porte
By Will • May 27th, 2006 • Category: Climbs, CyclingMy first time cycling in the Chartreuse region of the Alps (surrounding Grenoble).
Grenoble may be at the bottom of more major climbs than any other city. Today’s route passed 4 mountain cols and THEN the hard part started.
The first 10 Kilometres were pretty hard along beautiful quiet roads. I passed 4 riders at the Col de Clemenciere which helped my spirits. At the Col de Vence I rejoined a slightly busier road – I later learned there was a quieter option … but no big deal.
It was super hot and I was out of drinks so I bought two Iced Teas at a little restaurant, caught my breath and kept going. At the Col de Palaquit I knew I was close.
My Goal for the day was the Col de Porte but I felt OK and knew there was a little road at the top that went even higher for 6 kilometres to the Chalet of Charmant Som.
This route was absoultely beautiful but was super steep for 3 or so kilometres. At one point I stopped for a drink and had trouble restarting (ok I was pretty tired too!). I passed a guy and his wife and said "courage" (standard french biking encouragment) and the woman answered in English with a high pitched "Help."
Up top was beautiful and full of hikers. A big day – starting at 200 metres and ending at 1,700 metres with a little bit of downhill. Happy but Knackered?
CHALLENGE UPDATE: My 8th +1,000 Metre climb of 2006
Related Posts
Will is Happiest while cycling uphill. More enthusiastic than talented, his 2013 Challenge is to cycle a 150 Cols (mountain passes), slowly -- and to just enjoy.
Email this author | All posts by Will
