What a ride. It started as a quiet, flat ride along the beautiful Lake Annecy bike path with Doreen. But after 20 kms we came to the start of the Col de la Forclaz. I had watched the 2004 Tour de France up this Col. Its a short (8.5 kms) but terrific climb along a VERY steep road. Probably steeper than anything Doreen has ever climbed with a few short stretches in the teens and two full kilometres AVERAGING 11% and 11.5%!
I felt pretty good and went ahead. Sweating waterfalls but really enjoying the effort. At the top I grabbed some spare water and descended, fully expecting Doreen to be at the bottom. But no, there she was well along the route, cheerfully plugging away. She had found a fountain with fresh water and was game to make the top.
There is a little downhill near the top and you curse giving back the altitude. And the last 1.5 kilometres is punishing. But what a reward at the top. Perfect views of Lake Annecy. I didn’t have a camera today but here’s a photo from last year.
By descending the other side of the Col it allowed us to do a 50km loop around the Lake. Great ride and well done Doreen.
1 Comment
Chilly,
Your blog is great. I wanted to say 1) I now exactly recognize where your Forclaz photo was taken and 2) thanks for not mocking my slow slow slow ascents.
Love,
D.