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Lachat and Col de la Madeleine

By • Jun 28th, 2012 • Category: Climbs, Cycling

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I’ve cycled the north side of Madeleine a couple of times, but never tried the steep little side road – part way up – to Lachat. Nine extra kilometres all at least at 10%. Hard work, but on a beautiful little deserted road – well worth the detour. I figured I better do it first or I’d lose all motivation after a Madeleine ascent on a very hot day.

The paved road just stops at Lachat, but there seem to be endless roads paths above for an adventuresome mountain biker. The surface is adequate, not great in places, but OK.

Lachat

After Lachat, I found a little restaurant and a fountain to get some liquids in me. I drank 5 water bottles, 2 cokes and a beer today – and still probably needed more.

I took my usual leisurely pace up Madeleine. Such a great climb. It will be in the 2012 Tour de France again – I watched the 2010 Tour near the top of this side – video and a couple of pics above.

Details of the south side of Madeleine here and details of the extra fun 3rd way up via Col du Chaussy click here.

The last 4 kilometres are the most fun, as the road climbs up and out of the valley. I was pretty knackered by the time I reached the col and the beer tasted exceptionally good.

Col de la Madeleine

Cheers:

Cheers

I had an extra 150 metres of climb as I forgot my camera and had to turn back. It was worth the extra effort to get some pics. :)

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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.
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3 Responses »

  1. Col Hunting Above Valmorel : Cycling ChallengeCol Hunting Above Valmorel : Cycling Challenge on August 2nd, 2012 at 5:02 pm:

    [...] few weeks ago while cycling Col de la Madeleine and Lachat I could see into the next valley and noticed some amazing hairpins up high. Upon further [...]

  2. Col de la Madeleine – A Third Way Up : Cycling ChallengeCol de la Madeleine – A Third Way Up : Cycling Challenge on October 24th, 2012 at 5:05 pm:

    [...] North side via D213: 26.5 kms, 1610m ascent, details here. [...]

  3. Cycle the Alps Traffic-Free: Here’s How (2013 Edition) : Cycling ChallengeCycle the Alps Traffic-Free: Here’s How (2013 Edition) : Cycling Challenge on April 29th, 2013 at 7:55 pm:

    [...] Iron Cross photo here. 8/18: Col de la Ramaz – Featured in 2010 Tour de France 8/22: Col de la Madeleine (both sides) — Tough and tough. 8/24: Cols du Champlaurent et du Grand Cucheron: Cucheron is [...]

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