Monday, September 14
This is the day of our first big climb, the Col de l’Epine, which has been on the TDF several times. The route starts off with low rollers and gradually climbs for the first 100 km. Next it abruptly turns up and over the mountain. The grade was 7-8 % for the first about two km and then went up to 8-12% for the next eight km with most being about 9-10%. There really was no let up until the very end.
The views from the ride were beautiful and grand. Pictures just can’t capture them.
It was a very steep descent into Chambery. We had to use the breaks constantly so I alternated front and back; sometimes I had to use both. The descent was the scary and cold part. This area is the foothills of the Alps, so the top of this mountain was only about 3500 feet high.
Coming into Chambery I saw a beautiful sight. An apple tree with beautiful apples! I took one and it was great.
Going in to Chambery was a real adventure, because it's a fairly large industrial city. The navigation was tough and the traffic very heavy. Thank heaven for the experience of going across the U.S! It reminded me of Troy, NY.
The Rhone river on the way into the Alps.
A beautiful valley town stretched along both sides of the river.
Here we go - our first big climb.
On the Way Up
Top of the Col de l'Epine. A fun climb.
Apple Tree
Going in to Chambery was a real adventure, because it's a fairly large industrial city. The navigation was tough and the traffic very heavy. Thank heaven for the experience of going across the U.S! It reminded me of Troy, NY.
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LOVE IT!!! We can not wait to get there and see it also. Camille says: the tan drawing in the back of one of the pics in most likely bast on an ancient art call the Bayeux Tapestry! don't you think that is so cool! peace!
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