The Col du Galibier – one of the highest and most famous climbs in France – is usually closed due to snow until late June. This leaves a climbing season of just three, maybe four, months.
And there are only so many perfect weekend days in July. So this morning five of us set out to cycle this beautiful monster.
The plan? The guys (Martin, Eric, and I) would cycle from St Michel-de-Maurienne taking the 35 kms route via Col du Télégraphe. And our brave girls, Doreen and Katy, would climb from Valloire.
Perfect! I think we all had an absolute blast – plus some hard work. It’s just so beautiful here. Télégraphe is no joke – 12 kms @ 7% but a fun climb with great views of the valley below. After descending to Valloire, there is a long straight stretch that at times is deceptively steep. The route gets ever more beautiful the further one climbs.
But at Plan Lachat, about 8 kms from the top, the road just turns up – and the real fun starts. The distant view of the Col is remarkable. This pass goes over the mountains.
I’ve written about this climb a lot previously, so now I’ll just post some photos and say I am very proud of my wife Doreen as well as Katy. And please excuse a proud husband for a few extra photos of his wife.
7 Comments
Galibier was so-o much fun — I was slow but I really enjoyed it! Thanks for thinking of it, and taking all the pictures (clearly the benefit of being the slowest is you get the best pictures!)
Love, Doreen
It’s exactly 1 month since I climbed Galibier! I’m very jealous that you have all those mountains on your door step…..truly stunning!
Will & Doreen
I’m so glad you got to experience this together as “Team Davies”
I have very fond memories of assaulting this “Grand Col” from both sides last year with Chill Will !
What an incredible climb. Congratulations, Doreen – That is quite an achievement you can be proud of!!
Pingback: La Maurienne Valley – 7 of the best climbs in France : Cycling Challenge
Pingback: The 10 Best Climbs Cycled By My Wife : Cycling Challenge
Pingback: Cycle the Alps Traffic-Free: Here’s How (2013 Edition) : Cycling Challenge