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That's a strong week of col bagging, SF.
Well done.
Not sure which of those I like the most, the Croix de Fer is long, the Galibier hard, Iseran long and hard, Madeleine at total bastard, Mont Cenis is exposed (great descent down into Susa though), Alpe d'Huez over-rated, Izoard hard and when I did it, swarming with flies (I had my one swarm that followed me up to the summit, I didn't mind them but told them if they landed on me they died, which they seemed to accept).
andyp
Just spent an amazing week in Saint Jean de Maurienne. Right in the height of the French alps. The idea was to Climb as many Cols as possible in one week. Based on the basic tourist map I had to hand. I climbed every one in the area. Pulled along by the beauty and history of the roads.
I'll add photos and better descriptions later.
Alp d’huez – Needed to build bikes. So we only had time for a single climb.
http://www.strava.com/activities/197779745
Col de Croix de fer, Col de Madeliene – Overheated and out of water on Madeleine 6km from the top. Barely made it.
http://www.strava.com/activities/197779779
Col d’Izoard - Amazing weather, and an amazing climb.
http://www.strava.com/activities/197779565
Col de Telegraphe, Col de Galibier, Col de Lautaret – My riding partner was ill. So I was able to do the sort of slow endurance style ride, he hates. There is no air on the top of Galibier though.
http://www.strava.com/activities/197779753
Col de Mollard, Col de Croix de fer, Alp d’heuz, Col de Croix de fer (southside). My mate was still ill so I went on another big one. Except the south face of Croix de fer, at the end of the ride, was too much. I made it. But needed driving home from the top, as was totally cooked. I have no idea why I didnt Climb into the van, when my mate spotted me 3km from the top.
http://www.strava.com/activities/197780029
Col de Chaussy – Started with an amazing road with more switch backs per km tan I have ever seen. Short recovery day.
http://www.strava.com/activities/197779577
Col de Iseran, Col de Mont Cenis – Climbed Iseran in light rain. Kind of felt more epic doing the highest assent in poor weather. Hot chocolate on the top of Mont Cenis was a god send after being battered by frozen fog, and high winds.
http://www.strava.com/activities/197779689
Col de Glandon, Col de Lautaret, Col de Galibier, Col de Telegraphe – Big ride, completing the climbs left on the list. It was tough, but amazing.
http://www.strava.com/activities/197777503
Covered less tan 750km in the week, while climbing nearly 21,000m. I was blown away by the beauty and atmosphere of the place. Not to mention the cycling history. I just had to get on the bike everyday. I think if I’d stayed longer I would have ridden myself into an early grave. Next year maybe……