France Sep 8, Col de la Madeleine

This was the start of the climb that faces southeast, the Col de la Madeleine. We were assured that it was open. This is the steeper side with several km averaging 11% and overall grade of 8.5%. Tough, but much closer to our home for the week. Had a great day to start. Here below, Susan is ready to leap off.

The view toward the southwest, looking back toward the Col du Glandon. Taking pics was a good excuse to stop and rest, although sometimes it seems easier to just keep going or to get going again.

The village seen below is a ski station and quite new.

Here I am at the top. You can see that we were within 9 - 10 km from the top via the northwest approach when we were stopped on the 6th by construction.

I show this picture because it was taken about 10-15 min later and we all have on another layer. It may be hot coming up, but it gets cold quickly.

The Mont Blanc Massif is a truly magestic sight. It is almost directly north of the Col de la Madeleine. Breathtaking.

Was quite hot again. The climb took 2 hours and 1 minute for 12.7 miles and the descent 27 minutes. It was really fun, as the road surface was good. It was paved in part for the 2010 Tour de France.

A wonderful French lunch, and all in all, a great day. Around 5,500 feet of climbing in around 40 miles of riding. 2,200 calories burned. Also a nice little podium girl to serve lunch was a bonus.