She dropped me off in Scionzier and I cycled up Col de la Colombière. 16 kms uphill with the last three very steep.
For full details of both sides of Col de la Colombière see here, and for a 3rd harder route via Col de Romme see here.
At the summit she parked the car and read, waiting for me. She is a very thoughtful wife, and took this photo of me suffering 50 metres from the col (1618 metres).
I put my bike in the car, changed my shirt/shoes and we then hiked up a trail that starts exactly at the col.
It’s a steep hike, but well marked, climbing up into the scenic rocky mountain ridge above. One can go a long way up, we would hike above the ridge behind me in the photo below.
Half way up:
We reached the tiny Lac de Peyre (2108 metres). Wildlife can be scarce cycling in the Alps – except sometimes for ubiquitous marmottes up high – but at the lake we met this beautiful bouquetin (alpine ibex).
It’s possible to hike quite a bit higher. But we decided to call it a successful day, and headed back down.
I seem to be developing a slightly new hobby: this is the third recent ride where I have also added a hike. It’s a great way go a little further when there isn’t a convenient road available. 🙂
